Ms. Great Lakes Woman AmeriFest

✨ AmeriFest Nationals Photo Challenge – Day 2
What is your favorite community service/platform topic?
If I could dedicate every day to serving others, I would.

My platform is centered on improving access to mental health resources while inspiring kindness, compassion, and hope through IAMHEART (International Association of Mental Health Education Awareness Resource Team).

When I first began this journey, my goal was simple—to reach people who were struggling and remind them they were not alone. Through advocacy, education, community outreach, and sharing stories of hope, that message has reached countless individuals.
Today, my mission has grown. It is no longer just about reaching people; it is about continuing to expand access to mental health resources, helping individuals and families find support when and where they need it most. I believe resources should be easier to find, conversations about mental health should be easier to have, and no one should ever feel isolated because they don't know where to turn.

Through IAMHEART, I strive to connect people with meaningful resources, advocate for veterans and underserved communities, promote mental health education, and encourage acts of kindness that create lasting change.

Together, we can build communities where kindness is contagious and seeking help is a sign of strength

I'm Kristie Carmichael, proudly representing Great Lakes Woman.

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran, mental health advocate, and doctoral researcher dedicated to improving healthcare leadership. Through my foundation IAMHEART, I've worked to promote mental health awareness, support veterans, and encourage kindness around the world.

The Great Lakes region represents strength, resilience, and community—values I carry with me every day. I'm honored to share this journey with so many incredible women and cannot wait to meet everyone at Nationals!

See you soon, AmeriFest National Pageants !

Wishing each of you a safe and happy holiday.

Being a veteran is one of the greatest honors of my life. Recently, I found myself in a position where I needed to stay at the Lexington Fisher House, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for what this place truly means.

Fisher House is more than a building. It is a home away from home for military and veteran families during some of life’s most stressful medical moments. The Fisher House program began through the vision of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, who believed families should be close to their loved ones while they receive medical care. Today, Fisher Houses provide no-cost lodging near VA and military medical centers, offering comfort, dignity, and support when it is needed most.

The Lexington Fisher House, located at the Lexington VA Health Care System’s Sousley Campus, provides free lodging for military and veteran families while their loved ones receive care. It includes 16 private suites, along with shared kitchen, laundry, dining, and living spaces where families can rest, gather, and support one another.

As a veteran, staying there reminded me that service does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues through the people, programs, volunteers, and communities who show up for us when we need them.

To the staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters of the Lexington Fisher House — thank you. Thank you for creating a place of peace, compassion, and care. Thank you for reminding veterans and their families that they are not alone.

Fisher House is not just lodging. It is love in action.

Had a chance to spend time training with the Pageant Dr. Miss Tiffany Porter. Road to Nationals & the countdown continues.

Oooh EXCITED! When you get home and get COOK STUDIO MAIL!!


LOVE LOVE LOVE, my signature cards!!! Thank you Michael Cook!!

Today was a great day to visit one of my favorite self care spots! Pro Nail Spa in Bloomington, Indiana is my go to place for Tip & Toe care! Every special occasion and pageant stage has their technicians keep me putting my best foot forward!

May today be one of remembrance and honor for those who have given the ultimate sacrific.

This week I had the special privilege to crown Diane Wideman as the 2026 Miss Sunshine state. It make it even more special as she is my daughter and I we got to spend part of the day successfully looking for her Nationals wardrobe. Thank you to Elizabeth at Miss Priss in Lexington for your patience and support in helping her find her perfect gown.