MEET THE TEAM
RIA HARRIS
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, NORTHERN REGION
Prior to the inaugural Beyond Beautiful World Pageant, I reflected on the many phenomenal women I know-women who have experienced tremendous hardships, faced countless challenges, endured deep tragedies, and yet continued to work, strive, and uplift others despite their pain. Knowing that so many of these women were never acknowledged for their strength and achievements saddened me. That sadness became the catalyst for creating The Beyond Beautiful World Pageant.
I am a proud Chicago native, having attended Thomas Hoyne, Edward Blyden, and Arthur Dixon Elementary Schools, and graduating from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I also pledged Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., of which I am a life member.
My professional journey is diverse and purpose-driven. I am a licensed real estate broker in Illinois and Indiana, holding the SRES, RSPS, and ACP designations. I am the author of Girl Bye! 10 Lies Women Think and Tell Themselves About Men, co-host of The Quintessential Queens Podcast, a retired Cook County Adult Probation Officer, and National Director
- Northern Region of the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant, and President of the Beyond Beautiful World Foundation.
Raised by parents who believed deeply in giving back and supporting others, service has always been second nature. I mentor young people, support Project Kennedy, contribute to causes championed by friends, and provide financi assistance to households in need. Reading has been a lifelong passion, and I also enjoy boxing, archery, and studying the Holy Bible. I am married and the proud mother of one adult son.
The inaugural Beyond Beautiful World Pageant far exceeded my expectations-and every season since has continued to do so. Crowning women who exemplify faith, resilience, courage, beauty, and joy, many of whom now serve as ambassadors and members of the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant team, has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
The Beyond Beautiful World Pageant is truly a celebration of womanhood. Our titleholders-Ms. Beyond Beautiful World Ms. Diamond, Ms. Ruby, Ms. Emerald, and Ms. Sapphire-serve as inspirations for girls and women everywhere to keep striving, pursue their goals, fulfill their aspirations, and transform their dreams into reality for the betterment of the world.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the individuals, organizations, businesses, and production team members who embraced and supported the Pageant's mission. Most importantly, I thank God for trusting me with His vision-the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant Organization.
PAMELA BRAXTON
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, SOUTHERN REGION
I am honored and delighted to be Co-Director of The Beyond Beautiful World Pageant, where women are celebrated and empowered, and communities are uplifted.
I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, graduating from Lindblom Technical High School. I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Northern Illinois University, where I pledged the illustrious Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Subsequently, I obtained a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Governors State University and upon moving to Atlanta, GA in 2009, I received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Kennesaw State University with an emphasis in mental health. I am presently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Throughout my more than 25 years in the Social Services profession, I have acquired experience in leadership, management, marketing, development, branding, and community outreach/event planning, where I have built and maintained collaborative relationships among non-profit organizations and government entities.
Currently, I am the proud founder and CEO of Golden Day Counseling and Consulting, LLC, where our mission is to provide therapeutic services and tools to empower and strengthen individuals, couples, families, and communities with the goal of building resiliency. Starting my own practice has been a passion of mine and I am excited to empower people to live not just their best life, but their Golden life.
I enjoy conducting self-care activities, reading fiction/mystery novels, watching documentaries and mindless television, and spending time with family.
ALICE BOSWELL
PAST QUEENS' COORDINATOR
Alice Boswell is an entrepreneur, activist, actress, and won the title of Miss Sapphire 2022 in the inaugural Beyond Beautiful World Pageant. She has created and operates two digital magazines, Just Me and ALLOFUS Magazines. Both magazines were designed to give small business owners and others a way to advertise at a low cost.
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Alice hosts two podcasts. JAM with Alice is an entertainment show featuring special guests, entertainment, and current news. Pieces of Alice is a show where she inspires and motivates others to know that each day you wake up is a chance for you to do whatever you dream of doing.
She is also an activist in the Black community. She wants to show the world that there is more to the Black community than the negative portrayals in the mainstream media. Alice created a non-profit organization, Stand-Up Community, which hosts panels of black business owners discussing options for our community and the next generation's future.
And finally, but not least, Alice is an actress. She has mostly done stage work but does have two film credits, Broke AF and Rap Mom, both written and directed by Maurice Profit.
Alice was honored to be offered the position of Media Consultant for the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant at the end of her reign. She wants to be able to help other women find their voices and tell their stories. Her favorite saying is "Find your fire, be true to who you are, and along the way, inspire others," which is how Alice lives her life.
SHAWNA THOMAS
BEYOND BEAUTIFUL WORLD EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Shwana Thomas, Ms. Beyond Beautiful World 2025, is a health and wellness advocate, mentor, coach, and survivor from Chicago’s West Side. With over 21 years in the criminal justice field, she has dedicated her life to advocacy, justice, and empowering underserved communities. She is the founder of Women of Wealth (W.O.W.), President of SK Thomas Consulting Service, and host of The Women of Wealth Show.
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Shwana joined the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant during a challenging season of her health journey and found healing, sisterhood, and purpose. Through the pageant, she learned to prioritize self-care, faith, and peace while embracing her divine assignment. As Ms. Beyond Beautiful World 2025, she used her platform to raise awareness around gun violence, promote education and prevention, and inspire community collaboration.
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Her vision is to help expand the pageant’s global reach by creating scholarships, resources, and lasting benefits for delegates during their reign and beyond. Grounded in faith and guided by purpose, Shwana embodies the true essence of Beyond Beautiful—using her crown to uplift, empower, and transform lives.
COURTNEY RICHARDSON
AMBASSADOR
Courtney Richardson is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Andrew Jackson High School and later earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Safety from Florida State College at Jacksonville. She also completed her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate at Southeastern College and is currently pursuing her Associate's Degree in Nursing (RN) at Rasmussen University.
Courtney is a Licensed Practical Nurse who is deeply passionate about healthcare, service, and professional growth. In addition to her nursing career, she is the owner of Fresh Scrubs LLC, an entrepreneurial venture that provides quality, stylish scrub apparel to healthcare professionals.
Courtney became a Delegate with Beyond Beautiful World because she was drawn to the genuine sisterhood and support the organization represents. At a time in her life when she needed love, encouragement, and positive community, Beyond Beautiful World provided exactly that. As an Ambassador and Past Queen, Courtney is excited to continue uplifting women, representing strength and resilience, and being a living example that beauty is found in purpose, perseverance, and service.
KOKLA REYNOLDS
AMBASSADOR
Kokla L. Reynolds is a Chicago-born powerhouse on a mission: to equip families with the tools and confidence to secure their futures and preserve generational legacy. As a two-time state pageant champion, ambassador for the Beyond Beautiful World National Pageant, and soon-to-be author of "The Family Table", leads by example-blending her deep background in Insurance, hospice care, and behavior management with her profound belief in faith, laughter and unity.
Kokla is the proud CEO and Founder of Life Crown Financial Alliance and Renewed Life Ministry-The Family Table, a pioneering family legacy and consulting company. Her vision: To transform the daunting conversations around insurance, estate planning and generational wealth into empowering, joy-filled family rituals. She champions single parents and anyone who believes their resources are too small for big dreams, showing them how to build powerful family foundations, one conversation at a time.
A celebrated media guest (Channel 19 KNTV, HeartRadio, and more), Kokla is recognized for her infectious fun, her knack for team-building, and her unwavering belief that every family-no matter where they start-can create lasting impact and joyful tradition. In every space she enters, from church choir to boardroom to the family dinner table, Kokla brings a message: your legacy is waiting at the table, and laughter is the greatest inheritance of all.
APRELL FULLERTON
AMBASSADOR
Aprell L. Fullerton is a proud mom to Rian, Jazymne and Jalen. A loving GiGi to Kalli, Kenzi and Seven and a devoted wife to Tim. Born in our capitol Washington D.C. but raised a Chicagoan through and through. Aprell is a diehard Jaguar alumni of Percy L. Julian High School, class of 1988. Aprell must have love for the cat family (must be her cat hazel eyes) as she attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, Go Panthers.
Aprell is an insurance guru with a passion for helping others navigate their coverage with confidence. A true pageant queen, the former Ms. Sapphire Beyond Beautiful World 2025 embodies grace, strength and elegance in all aspects of life. Aprell's faith in God is at the center of everything she does, guiding her with love and purpose. Aprell is a devoted vegan, she embraces a lifestyle of wellness and compassion. Aprell loves empowering women, spending time with friends and encouraging others to embrace their fullest potential.
Aprell gets to continue uplifting women as she continues her work with the Beyond Beautiful World family as the newest Ambassador. Aprell's hope is to gain exposure through her new role as a BBW Ambassador and dip her toes in the modeling field, which she hopes will inspire women over 50 that it's never too late to accomplish your dreams. When Aprell is not working or uplifting those around her, you can find Aprell indulging in her love for shopping or getting lost in a great book.
With a heart full of ambition and a love for beauty, Aprell proves that you can have it all, wisdom, style and a whole lot of love.