Ms. Great Lakes Woman AmeriFest

✨ AmeriFest Nationals Photo Challenge Day 6: The Journey Is Almost Here! ✨

The gowns are ready, the sparkle is packed, and the excitement is becoming very real. Tomorrow, I pick up my daughter, Diane, and we begin this unforgettable AmeriFest Nationals journey together. Getting to share this experience with her makes every mile, every preparation, and every moment even more meaningful. 👑💖
Packed-up pictures are coming tomorrow, but today I am sharing my competition schedule and asking for your support in the People’s Choice competition!

The winner will receive an incredible prize package and the prestigious America’s Choice title. Every vote, share, and word of encouragement brings me one step closer—and truly means more than you know.
🗳️ Please vote for me here:

https://dempsi.com/vote.php?id=d9927-22

Thank you for believing in me, cheering me on, and being part of this journey. I am heading to Nationals with a grateful heart, a little extra sparkle, and the love and support of some truly amazing people behind me.
Let’s bring home America’s Choice! ✨👑🇺🇸

AmeriFest Nationals Photo Challenge – Day 5: Wardrobe Sneak Peak.

The countdown continues. Packing is well underway, and I couldn't be more excited.

There are sparkles… Beautiful gowns…

A few pairs of shoes (okay…maybe more than a few 😄)…

…and some special surprises I can't wait to reveal on stage.

Every outfit represents a different chapter of my journey, and I'm excited to finally share them with everyone at Nationals!

AmeriFest Photo Challenge ❤️ Day 4 – Why AmeriFest?

Why did I choose AmeriFest?

Because this system is about so much more than competition.

It's about leadership, service, and personal growth.

Building lifelong friendships.l and encouraging others to use their voices to make a positive impact.

The phrase "It's More Than Just..." truly captures what this experience means to me.

I'm honored to represent Great Lakes and excited to continue growing while inspiring others along the way.

I apologize for a day late, I did not get home until after midnight from a whirlwind trip up to Ohio to spwnd the day with my AmerFest Family.

✨ AmeriFest Nationals Photo Challenge – Day 3

Who are your pageant besties? Who are you bringing with you?

One of the greatest blessings pageantry has given me is the incredible people I've met along the way. The friendships, encouragement, and sisterhood make this journey so much more meaningful.

I'm especially thankful to have my biggest supporter, my husband, Dr. James Carmichael, by my side throughout this adventure. His unwavering encouragement reminds me that every dream is worth pursuing.

This year is even more special because I have the opportunity to compete alongside my daughter, . Sharing the stage together is a memory I'll cherish forever. Watching her grow as a young woman, pursue her own goals, and experience this journey beside me is a gift that means more than words can express.

No matter what happens on stage, I already feel like a winner because of the people who will be cheering us on.

I can't wait to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate everything that makes the AmeriFest family so special!

✨ AmeriFest Nationals Photo Challenge – Day 2
What is your favorite community service/platform topic?
If I could dedicate every day to serving others, I would.

My platform is centered on improving access to mental health resources while inspiring kindness, compassion, and hope through IAMHEART (International Association of Mental Health Education Awareness Resource Team).

When I first began this journey, my goal was simple—to reach people who were struggling and remind them they were not alone. Through advocacy, education, community outreach, and sharing stories of hope, that message has reached countless individuals.
Today, my mission has grown. It is no longer just about reaching people; it is about continuing to expand access to mental health resources, helping individuals and families find support when and where they need it most. I believe resources should be easier to find, conversations about mental health should be easier to have, and no one should ever feel isolated because they don't know where to turn.

Through IAMHEART, I strive to connect people with meaningful resources, advocate for veterans and underserved communities, promote mental health education, and encourage acts of kindness that create lasting change.

Together, we can build communities where kindness is contagious and seeking help is a sign of strength

I'm Kristie Carmichael, proudly representing Great Lakes Woman.

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran, mental health advocate, and doctoral researcher dedicated to improving healthcare leadership. Through my foundation IAMHEART, I've worked to promote mental health awareness, support veterans, and encourage kindness around the world.

The Great Lakes region represents strength, resilience, and community—values I carry with me every day. I'm honored to share this journey with so many incredible women and cannot wait to meet everyone at Nationals!

See you soon, AmeriFest National Pageants !

Wishing each of you a safe and happy holiday.

Being a veteran is one of the greatest honors of my life. Recently, I found myself in a position where I needed to stay at the Lexington Fisher House, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for what this place truly means.

Fisher House is more than a building. It is a home away from home for military and veteran families during some of life’s most stressful medical moments. The Fisher House program began through the vision of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, who believed families should be close to their loved ones while they receive medical care. Today, Fisher Houses provide no-cost lodging near VA and military medical centers, offering comfort, dignity, and support when it is needed most.

The Lexington Fisher House, located at the Lexington VA Health Care System’s Sousley Campus, provides free lodging for military and veteran families while their loved ones receive care. It includes 16 private suites, along with shared kitchen, laundry, dining, and living spaces where families can rest, gather, and support one another.

As a veteran, staying there reminded me that service does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues through the people, programs, volunteers, and communities who show up for us when we need them.

To the staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters of the Lexington Fisher House — thank you. Thank you for creating a place of peace, compassion, and care. Thank you for reminding veterans and their families that they are not alone.

Fisher House is not just lodging. It is love in action.

Had a chance to spend time training with the Pageant Dr. Miss Tiffany Porter. Road to Nationals & the countdown continues.