Mrs. International Pageant Contestants

Mrs. Vermont International®

Jody Brouillette

People's Choice Award

1.Tell us a funny story about a date night out with your husband.
â€œStay positive, embrace the journeyâ€ is a phrase I heard years ago and something I remind myself of regardless of the obstacles or goals I have before me. It serves as a reminder that the little things are most important, to celebrate even the smallest of victories and above all, be patient. I realize the more I focus on being positive, the better the outcome and the more grateful I become for the experience.

2.What are the (2) most important things in your kitchen and why?
The endless opportunities we have each day to empower others. As a Mom, former coach and current leadership mentor, I am passionate about guiding others toward goals they have set for themselves and watching them succeed in completing tasks or skills they never thought possible. With support and encouragement, itâ€™s amazing how self-confidence continues to build, allowing people to reach new milestones with ease and their expression when they succeed, well, that says it all!

3.What do people assume about you that isn’t true?
I would continue to teach the importance of self-acceptance, a power within that allows us to be our true authentic selves and does not let life circumstances define who we are, who we become or what we accomplish in life. Experience has showed me how hard work and determination can turn struggles into strengths but believing in who we are will shape us to be the best version of ourselves and turn dreams into reality.

4.Tell us a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
Age has always been more of a feeling for me. It has taken me decades to appreciate the strong, beautiful, confident woman I am and to embrace the real me, flaws and all. It has not been an easy journey. I have had many hardships, and heartbreaks but I have learned about me along the way. The feeling I have, the one thing I know for certain, I am exactly the age I should be.

5.If you had no fear, what would you try?
Some of my favorite dates with my husband this year (due to COVID) have been driving around Vermont as tourists, visiting the many beautiful cities and towns we might otherwise miss out on, trying new food and listening to live music. The time spent in the car allows us to unplug and reconnect from our busy day-to-day routines and share the nostalgia of a special landmark or making new memories for years to come.