Be the Next Intl' Lupus Pageant Royalty

Tonya Michelle Johnson is a dedicated lupus advocate, proud mother, grandmother, and chef. She has embraced her journey as a lupus warrior with strength and resilience. Her advocacy work earned her the prestigious title of Ms. Lupus International, allowing her to raise awareness about lupus and support others affected by the disease. With her passion for helping others, Tonya continues to inspire the lupus community with her story of perseverance and hope.

 My name is Emmitt Henderson III, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus back in 1995, however, I had a visible rash all over my upper body and arms that resembled the symptoms of Discoid Lupus. This took a toll on my skin when I was a young boy at the age of 10 in 1980 for about a year. Back then it was not diagnosed as a form of Lupus but treated as a skin disease of unknown origin. This lasted for about a year, then faded away on its own.  

Calvinia Williams, of African American and Cherokee/Blackfoot descent, is the founder of Lupus of Nevada, Inc., in Las Vegas, after working 30 years in the non-profit sector. Her experience includes roles at the United Negro College Fund, the NAACP, and the Sickle Cell Chapter in San Francisco. She also produced her own cable talk show and worked as a sound engineer. Diagnosed with lupus in 2001, she overcame vision impairment and has since dedicated herself to lupus awareness, serving on the Lupus Foundation of America's Education Committee. She received the Woman of the Year award from her Omicron Chapter Beta Sigma Phi in 2006-2007.

Shamekka Marty, a New Jersey native now living in the Bay Area, is a Cybersecurity Project Manager, Motivational Speaker, and Patient Advocate. She holds a degree in International Business from Rutgers University, along with certifications in Project Management, Scrum Master, and Cybersecurity. Despite personal challenges, including caring for ill relatives from a young age, a lupus diagnosis at 30, and a kidney transplant in 2023, Shamekka continues to inspire others. She advocates for patient rights, serves on multiple boards, and shares her journey on social media as @prettysickchick, offering hope and support to those battling chronic illness.

Maria Lowe is a passionate young advocate dedicated to raising awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease she has personally battled. Diagnosed at a young age, Maria uses her platform to educate others about the realities of living with lupus and inspire hope in those affected. Through public speaking, social media, and community outreach, she empowers others to take control of their health and advocates for better research and support for lupus patients. Maria’s mission is to ensure no one faces lupus alone and to foster a greater understanding of the disease.

**Are You Next? The International Lupus Pageant Winner Search**

Do you have the strength of a warrior, the heart of an advocate, and the passion to inspire others? The International Lupus Pageant is seeking its next extraordinary queen to represent the global lupus community. This is your opportunity to share your story, raise awareness, and empower others living with lupus to embrace their resilience.

As the next International Lupus Pageant winner, you’ll have the platform to amplify your voice and shed light on the often misunderstood challenges of living with lupus. You’ll stand as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of perseverance, grace, and advocacy that this journey demands.

Are you ready to take the crown and become the face of lupus awareness? **Apply now, and you could be next!**