In June 2021, I had traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete for the title of Ms. Pennsylvania World Universal. During our cocktail hour, it was hard not to notice a bubbly and charismatic woman who exuded confidence. Her name was Denisia Wood. When she introduced herself to the group, much to my amazement, she was a woman who served our country, a breast cancer survivor, and an entrepreneur. As we chatted over our glasses of our white wine and decadent hors d’oeuvres she filled my ear with her platform and business of helping others. When we competed beside one another in November for the title of Ms. USA World Universal, I really got to learn even more of her humbling story. Her Story, is one to be admired. A woman, who, against all odds, pulled herself up time and time again. She gives back and expects nothing in return. Her work with soldiers, breast cancer victims, and those that dream of pageantry is much to be admired. This is Her Story.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Ms. Denisia Wood and I am from Dequincy, LA. I am the proud mother of two children; my daughter, Renisia, and my son, Phillip Jr. I am also a grandmother, a role I take much pride in.
I served in the United States Navy for 8 years. Working to continue my education I earned my Associates in Instrumentation Technology and a Bachelor of General Science in Electronic Engineering at McNeese State University. Because I enjoy teaching and helping others; I am a Sunday school teacher at my local church. Giving back to the community is a huge part of my life, before breast cancer, I also filled my time being a Volunteer Firefighter for DeQuincy Fire Department.
As a women in the Armed Forces, your time in the Navy was spent doing?
When I first joined the Navy, I was undesignated, which means I did not know what I wanted my permanent job to be, but I knew I wanted to work in aviation. I attended apprenticeship training and earned the rate as an Airman. After graduation from apprenticeship training, I was stationed in NASNI (Naval Air Station North Island) at the HS10 Warhawks Anti-Sub Training Squadron in San Diego, CA to the line shack where I learned to launch and recovery SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters on land. This was my actual first job titled Plane Captain. By doing this job I realized I wanted to be an Aviation Electrician. I soon became AE3 and began going out to sea and learned how to launch and recovery these same helicopters on US carriers. I then added an extra qualification to my resume by becoming an LSE (Landing Signalman Enlisted).
When did you start competing in pageants?
I began competing in pageants in 2013, and have been a Pageant Coach for 5 years. I have had the privilege of reigning as the 2019/2020 Survivor Queen of Pink. As of October 25, 2019, I am Breast Cancer Free!!!!
In June of last year I was crowned 2021 Ms. Louisiana World Universal. This gave me the opportunity to compete and I was crowned 2021 Ms. USA Congeniality World Universal in November.
What has been your most enjoyable experience?
I enjoy meeting new people. My most enjoyable experience is connecting with girls and women of all ages on many different levels. I feel God has given me an incredible gift of connecting and helping people. That is why I became a pageant coach.
You told me you own your own pageant coaching business, can you tell me a little bit about that.
I started Anointed Royalty Konnections (ARK) because I enjoy helping young ladies embody their self-esteem, confidence, and learning how to empower each other. I love to watch them blossom into the Anointed Women God created them to be. God gave me this intimate company. Anointed, we are divinely chosen with special gifts and talents; we just need someone to guide (coach) us to be proficient in these areas. Royalty. Our Father (God) is King of King and Lord of Lords, and we are all his children; therefore, we are spiritually in royal linage, but we are preparing and striving to obtain these natural crowns in pageantry. Konnections… Really connections (a play on spelling) Once you become part of this family no matter whether it is for pageantry or anything that you are looking for truly have the Resources to assist you in your endeavor. Our motto is “BE SURE ARK… Show and Act of Random Kindness.”
You have survived Breast Cancer – you’re a warrior. This is now your life’s work. What message do you have for other woman?
I am blessed and as a Breast Cancer Survivor, I make it my business to educate and encourage those that are traveling this journey. My message is: Positivity is key!!! Think Positive thoughts: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” Proverbs 23:7. Speak Positive Words: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21.
What advice would you give women who have experienced or know someone that have had breast cancer?
My advice to those battling Breast Cancer is to “Do it on your own TERMS” and to those supporting them to allow them to do so. No one fights the same; similar but not the same. Allow yourself and those supporting them to fight their own way. Let them tell you what the battle plan for themselves will be and you fall in line.
You also told me you help veterans through a nonprofit- tell me more. Where can other veterans reach out?
My ex-husband and I started helping other veterans like ourselves to obtain the benefits that they so rightfully deserve in about 2014. Since then, we have helped about one hundred veterans receive their benefits. I took a step back while battling with cancer, but I keep up with all resources and the new ways of filing claims so that I can guide our veterans in the right direction
-Amanda
#breastcancersurvivor #beautyqueen #msusaworlduniversal #fight #survivor #womeninthemilitary
Her Boots 