Mrs. International Pageant Contestants

Mrs. Illinois International®

Rachel Marks

People's Choice Award

1.Tell us a funny story about a date night out with your husband.
Telepathy is real anytime Date Night is on our agenda in life, which has us constantly laughing as things unfold. Without fail, we always select the same local eatery to patronize to share precious moments with one another. Our connection is so special. I am so grateful for our congruence as a team!

2.What are the (2) most important things in your kitchen and why?
First up, an open floor plan gives us the perfect venue for a dance party OR fashion show (we are the parents of girls after all!) Second, and most magical is my husband. The special moments he creates for our daughters experimenting and crafting deliciousness together are what they will tell their little children about. Our daughter Roe is his star pupil, loving every moment of bonding with the amazing head of our household.

3.What do people assume about you that isn’t true?
That my haircut is defiance or rebellion. It is neither. It is a constant reminder of a friend I lost to cancer. Giving my hair to those like her brought me joy. Every time I look in the mirror, I see her and her aura of the epitome of beautiful femininity. Someone else needed that hair more than I did as they faced the toughest battle in their life.

4.Tell us a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
I am blessed to be a local Pageant Director, and I am proud to have a self-sustaining scholarship-based business that empowers and blesses girls through experiencing philanthropy, community, connection, and growth. December will be 5 years since accepting this leadership role, and my family is integral to its success.

5.If you had no fear, what would you try?
Admitting faults and mending bridges burnt through human error and fear of life’s circumstances. Negative outcomes that I could have shifted to positive are the biggest disappointments I have ever experienced. Though I believe in no regrets, if my fear was removed from trying to make things right, it would be a welcomed freedom.