Mrs. International Pageant Contestants

Mrs. Massachusetts International®

Cynthia Blanc Preiss MacLean

1.If you were famous what would your stage name be?
When I hear the saying 'be the change' what comes to my mind first is the opportunity to make an impact. Six years ago I became a widow when my husband passed away in Israel, and left me with a young child and no information about how to access anything we had, especially in Israel. I couldn't even attend the funeral. As well connected and successful I was in Miami, there was no one to talk to. I needed judgment free emotional support to provide me with the strength to continue to raise my little boy. But there was no one. That's why I organized Widows To Windows. I am now providing support to those who do not have someone to turn to. I was once in the same situation but was able to turn it around. So I am a poster child for Widow To Windows. I didn't make up this platform...this platform found me and I am being the change.

2.If you would attend a celebrity wedding which, would it be?
My handsome husband's name is Charles MacLean. Charles is the embodiment of kindness and service. He is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Marine Corp. He also served as a police officer for 7 years, and is now an Attorney for over 30 years. My husband also has a great sense of humor, is a supportive family man and we have a wonderful relationship. We both were widows and through our organization Widows To Windows, we talk to and mentor women and provide them with groceries, gas money, and clothes, to help them find a window of freedom, air, sunshine and light again in their lives.

3.What is the weirdest gift you’ve ever received?
One memory of my childhood I would revisit in my mind is when I was a contestant in the Little Miss Bahamas pageant. I can remember my beautiful pink satin gown, my hair full of candy curls, and singing beautifully during the talent segment with my head down. I can remember hearing the crowd cheering me on while telling me to lift my head. But I kept my head down as I sang because of stage fright. If I had the opportunity, I'd tell little Cynthia to relax because she was doing great for her first time in front of a larger audience.

4.What is the most random fact you know?
Someone would describe me when I was in high school as being very smart, funny, stylish, confident and ambitious. High School was a wonderful experience for me because my family had just relocated to Miami from the Bahamas. I was happy about the new culture and making new friends. I was in our high school band and enjoyed our performance activities especially when we traveled to other parts of our State. I also loved being in our school talent shows as well.

5.What is the one thing you’ll never do again?
My husband is a big Elvis Presley fan. So if money did not matter I would fly him on a private jet to Graceland for Elvis week. During the week I would buy him the most significant and sought after Elvis collectibles like the Elvis Pressley suit and cape which is worth $1.2 million. Additionally, I would make a significant donation to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in my husbands name.