May all your wishes come true this holiday season! Love, Dedria

Last night I went to a surprise dinner for my cousin at Bada Sushi. I had such a great time and the staff was so welcoming. Once our server, Miky, found out I was Miss Teen California Intl he went and got a hat for me to autograph and asked me to take a picture with the Bada Crew. Thanks for making my families dinner a memorable one Miky. Happy Holidays to you and the Bada Crew!

Make a Smilebox greeting

"Holiday" Luggage of Love drive...

This holiday season I was approached by several local business who wanted to team up with my organization and distribute luggage to children in foster and shelter care. One of the new businesses to join in this effort was ISEC Incorporated / Southern California Region. But they went above and beyond in their collection. Not only did they donate a large quantity of luggage but they filled each piece of luggage with toys. WHAT A GREAT IDEA ISEC Inc! Thanks again for going above and beyond during this holiday season, it really makes a difference in these children's lives.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Kinship Letter 3[1]



Kinship Letter 1[1]


Kinship Internal Letter PDF

Camarillo Christmas Parade

Even though it was raining, I did not want to miss this parade. Not only was I representing the International Pageant System as a state titleholder but I also was being honored for being the Camarillo Youth Volunteer of the Year for 2009. I was so amazed at how many people came out and braved the weather for the parade. Children and adults lined the streets dressed in rain gear with umbrellas. All of the little girls along the parade route made me feel like a real princess and it was so heart warming to see their little eyes light up when I waved to them. Thanks again to the City of Camarillo for honoring me as the 2009 Youth Volunteer of the Year and recognizing my efforts with Luggage of Love. I am proud to be a part of this amazing City and all that it stands for.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2010 Titleholder Holiday Party

After the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade we were treated to a fabulous Holiday Party and Gift Exchange hosted by our director Eddie Peterson. The food was wonderful and the desserts were even better! Thanks Eddie for the "home-made" chocolate chip cookies, and for allowing me to "attempt" to make hot cocoa...even though I burned the milk....oops! I had such a great time and recieved so many nice gifts. But the best gift of all was spending time with Ashley (Mrs CA Intl), Gretheel (Miss CA Intl), Claire (Jr Miss CA Intl), and Eddie (our Director).

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

What an amazing weekend! My sister titleholders and I were invited to Palm Springs to participate in the city's annual Festival of Lights Parade. It was a very memorable experience that took place at night. All of the floats, cars, fire trucks, and bands were decorated with lights! I have never seen anything quite like it. The streets were lined with so many people who were dressed warm and full of holiday spirit watching the parade. A big thanks to the City of Palm Springs for welcoming us and allowing us this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

YMCA Youth in Government Bill Hearing Night

This evening I attended a Bill Hearing Program put on by the SVY Youth in Government Program (Simi Valley YMCA). I was invited by my former sister titleholder, Meghan Lopez (Miss Ventura County Intl 2009). This particular program has been her community service for a number of years and I felt honored that she asked me to attend as a guest. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with these teens and their knowledge of our Legislature. I had the opportunity to visit again with Assemblywoman Audra Strickland who was on the judging panel. I also got to meet the CEO of the Y's Youth and Government Program, Steve Wilmont. The Youth in Government program gives these teens an advantage to excel in their future endeavors. They gain communication skills, the ability to step out of their comfort zone and take risks, they learn how to negotiate and compromise, and be more open minded. What a great program that was established to benefit the youth of today. Great work SVY! I was totally impressed and inspired!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Luggage of Love fundraiser at JJ Brewsky's

This evening was a lot of fun. So many people showed up at JJ Brewsky's to donate to Luggage of Love. At one point there was an hour wait! It really warms my heart to know that people have embraced what I am doing. I enjoyed talking to everyone. And I want to give a BIG thank you to Jeff Walker and the JJ Brewsky's crew for allowing us to hold the fundraiser at their restaurant. Luggage of Love collected 20 pieces of luggage and raised over $1500.00 tonight!!! Thanks again to all of the kind people who donated, you are making a difference in the lives of children in shelter and foster care throughout California.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My meeting with Senator Tony Strickland

After my segment on B95.1 I was off to Senator Tony Strickland's office to meet with him. The meeting went very well. I thanked him for my certificate that I received from him for being the 2009 Youth of the Year for the City of Camarillo. I also brought him up to date with my efforts with Luggage of Love. He and his staff were very supportive and offered to attend any of my events in the future. He also gave me great advice on how to fundraise. Senator Strickland was very down to earth and I enjoyed our meeting. He is a family man and talked a lot about their travels due to his job. I look forward to him attending some of my events as well as his family. Thanks Senator for your time and your advice, I really appreciate it!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

B95.1 FM

I started off today at one of the local radio stations, B95.1 FM, where I got the opportunity to meet Bo Jaxon and be on his morning show to promote my fundraising event at JJ Brewsky's. I had such a great time and learned so much about how a radio station works. Thanks Bo for having me on your morning program to share my story and promote Luggage of Love. YOU ROCK BO!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Luggage of Love Fundraiser tonight at JJ Brewsky's 5-8pm

Come on out tonight to JJ Brewsky's, enjoy some great food, and support the organization that I founded "Luggage of Love". I will be there from 5 to 8pm to visit with everyone. Hope you all can make it, and thanks for supporting this worthy cause. I look forward to see you there!

If you wish to make a cash donation please make all checks payable to "Luggage of Love", and I will also be accepting all NEW/UNUSED pieces of luggage tonight.

13th Annual Kinship Celebration in Costa Mesa

Today was the most amazing day since being crowned Miss Teen California Intl 2010. Both Ashley Pavletich (Mrs. California Intl 2010) and I were invited as guests to the 13th Annual Kinship Celebration in Costa Mesa. This event was one of the ones that left a feeling of validation for me in my life. You see, I was amongst fellow youth that had experienced similar situations such as myself that were adopted. Children from 1 month old to teens were in attendance with their "soon to be" or already adoptive parents. It was a "family" event celebration with the theme of "Follow Your Dreams". The Kinship Center is a non-profit organization who works to find loving permanent homes for children in the system. And by the looks of it they are doing amazing things. I met so many nice people who have chosen to brighten the lives of children and make them a part of their family. Thanks so much to the Kinship Center for embracing my story and allowing me the opportunity to be the guest speaker and share my story as well as my dreams. I hope I inspired the children to do great things no matter what there past has been. If you can dream it you can do it, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise! And last but not least, a special thanks to all the children who touched my heart and made me feel special today, you all will forever be a part of my life.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Luggage sent to Placer County Emergency Children's Shelter

This was my first shipment of luggage to the Placer County Emergency Children's Shelter. This shelter is a lot like the one I use to live in before being adopted. It warms my heart to know that the children in this shelter will not have to have their belongings put into garbage bags upon leaving the facilty as I once did.

2010 Bakersfield Pageant

Wow! What an honor it was to be invited to the 2010 Bakersfield Pageant this past weekend. Not only did I get to spend time with my Director, Eddie Peterson, but I also got to spend time with my sister titleholder, Ashley Pavletich, Mrs. California International. My evening started with a hosted dinner with all of the judges, current titleholders, and the Director of the Bakersfield Pageant, Gayle Tape. Dinner was delicious and I enjoyed my time talking with the current Mrs. Bakersfield... Rhenana Grimes, Miss Bakersfield...Angelica August, and last but not least Miss Teen Bakersfield and a member of my court at state....Erica George. These ladies are so inspiring and all around classy individuals. It is so amazing what the International Pageant System gives all of us and how it has affected each one of our lives for the better.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure Paramount Ranch Agoura Hills CA

Today I had the opportunity to support my friend Alexa Koff, Miss Thousand Oaks Intl, with her cause. She is passionate about Juvenile Diabetes Research because her and her family have been personally affected by this disease. You see Alexa's niece, Brayden, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 2, and for the last 5 years Alexa has been walking and raising money in support of Brayden. I was able to meet so many nice people as well as many young children that are affected by something so tragic yet persevere through the rough times. I was very touched by all those who came out in support of this cause, and I am inspired by Alexa and her efforts in finding a cure. Thanks Alexa for allowing me to be apart of this important event...I am blessed to know you!

Make a Smilebox photobook

I will be donating my $1000 Scholarship for being the 2009 Youth Volunteer of the year to Luggage of Love!

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with Sandra Walker, Director of Operations, for the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. I brought her up to date on my efforts with Luggage of Love and winning the title of Miss Teen California International 2010. I explained to her that I used the $1000 from my scholarship to purchase additional luggage for children in foster and shelter care throughout California. She shared with me numerous possibilities of fundraising as well as resources to use. It was a very inspiring meeting and I walked away feeling very honored to spent the hour with her. Thanks so much Sandra, the top 10 committee, and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce for believing in me and Luggage of Love!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tony Hawks Stand Up for Skateparks Fundraiser

This past weekend my sister titleholder 2010 Junior Miss California, Claire Wright, and her family invited me to attend the Tony Hawk Stand Up for Skateparks fundraiser event in Beverly Hills. We attended as guests of ex DRINKS, which are all natural alternatives to energy drinks. (And might I add they are really tasty too!) Thank you so much Deborah and Otto for letting me share my story and for being so gracious enough to share yours with me. I am truly blessed to have met you both!

This event was so much fun and I got to meet so many nice people. Claire and I even got to walk the red carpet, have our pictures taken, and were interviewed by FUEL TV. We really felt like stars. I got to talk about my platform and the international pageant system which is always a plus at any event. But more importantly I learned about the Tony Hawk Foundation that raises money to build quality public skate parks in low-income communities across the U.S. It was a pleasure to be a part of this amazing event that helps out the youth of today!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My meeting with Assemblywoman Audra Strickland...

Last Friday I had the honor to sit down with the California State Assemblywoman of the 37th District, Audra Strickland, and her staff. I personally thanked her for my award certificate of recognition for my community service efforts that I received from her when I was honored as the Youth Volunteer of the Year for my City. I told her about my journey thus far and what my plans are with my organization Luggage of Love. We talked about possible collaborative efforts and she had some really good advice for me as I try to make Luggage of Love a household name. I learned about what her job entails and I found it to be very interesting and empowering. I look forward to speaking with her again and having her attend some of my fundraisers. A big thanks to her and her staff for meeting with me.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Journey of one set of luggage...

It is not very often that I get to show the journey of the luggage I collect. Confidentiality is a HUGE part of the systems in which I deal with. This rare opportunity gives you a look into why I do what I do. It is truly amazing how a little piece of luggage can really make a difference in a persons life. This is why my organization is so important to me and why I know you will follow me on this journey of a lifetime. I vow to one day give every child in similar situations as mine a brand new piece of luggage to put their belongings in. Please join me as we make a difference in a life of a child...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My Speaking tour in Northern California...

This past week I had the opportunity to visit my sister titleholder's neck of the woods in Northern California. Claire Wright, Jr. Miss California International 2010, and her wonderful family graciously invited me into their home and set up a speaking tour that was AMAZING! We visited Claire's school, Forest Lake, where we spoke to a large group in the auditorium as well as an all girls bible study group. Then we were off to Acres of Hope (Claire's platform facility) where I got a tour and had the opportunity to speak to the women about my experiences of being homeless and how proud I was of them for committing to this two year program to make a better future for themselves and their children. I also initiated Luggage of Love at this facility so that every graduating family would get a new unused piece of luggage to start their new journey in. Next we toured Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Infusion Clinic where we visited with the nurses and patients. After that we made our way to Oaks of Auburn, a retirement facily, where we took pictures with the residents and visited with them. I enjoyed the time Claire and I got with the residents and all the cute things they had to say. Next it was off to Placer County Children's Emergency Shelter. This is where it really hit home for me. This is the same type of shelter that I lived in and it is a perfect match for my program Luggage of Love. I got the opportunity to brief them on my story and my hopes of initiating Luggage of Love in Placer County....and they accepted!!! I will be sending my first shipment of luggage to them next week. We then visited Koinonia Family Services which is an organization that sets up foster homes as well as adoptions throughout the county. With all this excitement I also needed someone to run the distribution of luggage once it was sent up North, so I asked Claire if she would be Luggage of Love's Northern California Representative and she accepted! This way she can be in direct contact with distributing luggage to her facility Acres of Hope, as well as the children in Placer County that are in foster and shelter care. THANKS CLAIRE...YOU ARE AN AMAZING YOUNG LADY! Together we will make a difference in the lives of many children!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Make a Smilebox postcard

Make a Smilebox postcard

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Make a Smilebox postcard