Our 2013 Judges Panel:

Su Drakeford is the National Director of the Essence Pageant system.  She is proud of mom of Ava and works in the banking industry.  Su has an extensive pageant background with accomplishments such as being Miss Nebraska USA and first runner-up (after just months of delivering baby Ava!) to Miss Corporate America.

Su Drakeford

John Walker is a computer consultant in Richmond, VA.  He is the proud dad of Garret and Hayley and married to Brenda for 20 years!  He has a degree from Elon University and is an avid Redskins fan!

John Walker

On August 4, 2012, in Arlington, Virginia, LaFonda Parham, Mrs. Virginia Essence 2012 captured the title of Mrs. Essence 2012! This is LaFonda’s first national title and her first time to compete in the Essence system.
LaFonda also received the following awards, the Business Award, the Media Award, the Photogenic Award, 1st runner up for the Congeniality Award, Best in Interview and Best in Evening Gown. She also submitted a written review of her husband for the Husband of the Year award, and her husband Ty Parham was named Husband of the Year. She was also a nominee for the Community Service and Website Awards.
LaFonda Dandridge Parham is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She is a wife, a mother of four beautiful and extraordinary children, a businesswoman, an ambassador, an advocate and a volunteer in her community. Prior to running Heating & Kooling, LLC and New Blissful Cosmetics, with her husband, she worked at the Virginia Department of Health Professions for the Virginia Board of Medicine.
LaFonda is the Founder and CEO of New Blissful Cosmetics, LLC (http://www.newblissfulcosmetics.com/) and is also a trained ambassador for the American Diabetes Association. She is also a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners National and Richmond Chapter.

LaFonda Parham

Stefanie Bragdon has been married for 12 years and is a proud mom of  Zack – 11yrs and Becky 7yrs.  She  grew up in NJ  and was a ballet dancer for over 10 years. Stef graduated from Boston University and has been in the fitness industry for over 18 years. She is the  Group Fitness Manager  of American Family Fitness at Virginia Center Commons. Stef teaches  CX, ShBam, BodyVive, Pitaiyo  and Body Pump.  She also is a  Lover of all things that walk on 4 legs.

Stefanie Bragdon