Kristie Gulia-Jelinsky – Mrs. Nevada America spoke at the Explore Knowledge Academy Grand Opening Event March 5, 2012.
As an advocate for youth, Kristie plays a big part in many outreach programs. Kristie is personally committed to education working with programs like Communities in Schools and HopeLink. She is also the founder of the Rock of Hope Scholarship/College bound program, and “I Can Do Anything” program for at-risk teens, as well as the Vice President of Project Teddy.
Kristie Gulia-Jelinsky has big plans since being crowned Mrs. Nevada-America 2012 on Sunday, February 26th. She’s committed to making an impact and helping Nevada youth stay in school and graduate. With over 21,000 young people not graduating high school last year in Nevada and with the silver state ranking 49th in the nation in education, Kristie will focus on what matters most to her-raising graduation rates and making sure every child has the chance to succeed. First up will be traveling across the state to promote her platform of dropout prevention and implementing a program she created called “I Can Do Anything,” a day where high school juniors and seniors get the opportunity to shadow local business leaders and professionals. The pilot program is already in action at Canyon Springs High School, where Kristie partnered with Communities in Schools to bring a fellowship program to life-allowing high school students (grades 9-12) to participate in workshops, guest speaker presentations, lectures and more- focusing on career goals, college applications, leadership & responsibility. From there, Kristie developed a scholarship called The Rock of Hope, a unique scholarship awarded to students based on careers goals, determination to succeed and obstacles overcome.
Kristie is no stranger to hard work as she worked two jobs to put herself through cosmetology school-eventually becoming one of the Top 10 Hairstylists in the nation according to In Style Magazine and has worked on countless A-list celebrities. She’s been at AMP Salon at the Palms Hotel for the past ten years where she also serves as Outreach Coordinator where she rallies her co-workers together to become involved in charity and worthwhile causes. This year Kristie looks forward to expanding her reach and getting all 5,000+ employees at The Palms Hotel excited and motivated to give back.
Kristie currently serves as Vice President of Board of Directors for Project Teddy, an organization committed to helping bring smiles to children with cancer through teddy bear building workshops. She also volunteers for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope Link and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Kristie has been married for four years to her husband, Mike and they have two children, daughter Morgan (10) and son Brooklyn (4). Kristie enjoys volunteering with her family and setting the example that a “family that gives together, stays together!” In her spare time, she enjoys Sunday dinners with her family, scrap booking and collecting antique teacup.
About the Mrs. America Organization
The Mrs. America Pageant is the leading, nationally televised, competition for married women throughout the United States highlighting their personal accomplishments and service to community.
This renowned national competition is devoted to emphasizing that America’s 70 million married women are extraordinarily beautiful, poised, articulate and versatile. Learn more at www.mrsamerica.com