Rita Verreos: TV Spokesperson/Host/Pageant Coach

Reality Rally 2012 for Breast Cancer!

2013-03-18T12:24:00.003-07:00

PLEASE, click here to donate! http://www.active.com/donate/Realitystar2013/RR2013RVerreo(I need to raise just $800.00) 100% will go to the Breast Cancer Resource Center "Michelle's Place." (www.michellesplace.org) They help those who can't afford the exams, treatments they so desperately need.

Last year, I was fortunate to have gotten invited, for my 2nd time, to participate in the REALITY RALLY (www.realityrally.com) created by a fellow SURVIVOR Castaway, Mrs. Gillian Larsen (to the left & Kim Goodnough, Director of Michelle's Place, below) to help raise funds for "Michelle's Place." The 1st year I participated, I'm happy that Gillian took advantage of my Runway Modeling Expertise and so I was one of the "Experts" at one of the Rally Stops. Click here for fun images/video from the 2011 Reality Rally where, alongside 80+ fellow Reality Show participants, we helped raise $30,000. (http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Reality+Rally).

This past year, I got to participate as an actual "Runner" in the Rally and I'm sooo proud to say that my team and I came in 13th place out of 90 some teams!!! The Producers of this Rally aren't messin' around! They create, well, very creative! Rally stops-reminiscent of the SURVIVOR challenges! LOL It's PANDEMONIUM when we take off..cuz, well, us 'SURVIVORS' aren't messin' around either!-especially yours truly when it comes to raising awareness and money for breast cancer-a dreadful disease that has claimed the life of 3 dear friends. Diedra Auci Bradshaw, Jenn Lyon &, in this past month, Karen Martinez-my dear friend fellow News Anchor (below). PLEASE, Click here to see why this cause is so near and dear to my heart: I had so much fun running around the BEAUTIFUL city of Temecula, from Rally post to Rally post: from Acting out a Shakespeare scene, to Zip-Lining to Gold Mining to Salsa Dancing (I aced this one for my team-provin' I got the Venezuelan rhythm in me.. ja, ja, ja) to transporting a glass of water in a race...look at my face folks...I told y'all I wasn't messin' around! LOL After the seriously fun Rally was over, it was time for some socializing. We got to meet fans. Here I am with one of my favorite fans whom I met at another Reality Charity event that I do to help raise funds for a No-Kill Animal Shelter (www.realityfestival.com) Hours before the Rally, we do a "Meet & Greet" where we get to, well, meet fans, but also catch up w/each other. Here I am showin' some love to a couple of my favorite friends, my fellow Latina and ONLY 2X Winner of SURVIVOR, la Boricua, Sandra Diaz Twine and with my fellow SURVIVOR FIJI Ravu Tribemate, AnthonyRobinson I also met participants from other Reality Shows like "Amazing Race 20" Sisters, Misa and Maiya (below) Here I am w/fellow SURIVVORS, Bob Crowley (winner Survivor Gabon), Christa Hastie Waydo (Survivor Pearl Islands) vying for the OLYMPIC TORCH! From the looks of us, I think we thought it was the Immunity Idol! LOL. This is a weekend full of events! At another "Meet & Greet" I got to meet a special Animal Friend, the "Harley" doggie. I LOVE dogs, can you tell? The last night, the Red Carpet was rolled out. Here I am sharing a moment with my friend, THE Original one and only 1st WINNER of SURVIVOR and also a participant of THE APPRENTICE, Richard Hatch: and the charismatic and very fashionable Lawon Exum of Big Brother 13

It's all about Latin Music! From Red Carpet Correspondant to Emcee

2013-02-21T16:13:00.005-08:00

Several months ago, I was happy to have gotten asked to be a Red Carpet Correspondant for Marvelez Productions (http://www.marvelezmedia.com)at the Salsa Music and Dance Congress held at the fabulous Grand Hyatt in downtown San Antonio, TX. It was an all day, all night, all weekend affair...usually that's how we Latino's roll! Life is too short, you have to enjoy it, live it to the fullest and live it to the fullest they did! I interviewed the best of the best in Salsa Dancers from all over the US, Central and South America. I felt particularly excited and proud to meet my fellow Venezuelans pictured here with me. I know we have the Salsa rhythm in our blood! Viva Venezuela mi patria querida! It's also always wonderful to run into my friend, the Talented Ray Colao (below) his band is one of my favorites, please: "like" him on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colao-Entertainment/202773773088072)

Last, but NOT least, the main attraction of the Salsa Congress, meeting a name in his own right, following closely the footsteps of his legendary father, Tito Puente (to my left, below) During the interview, I mentioned his "sister" the beautiful Sheila E.-because I'm a big fan of hers. Little did I know that I'd get to interview her a few months later! (Read below:) Special thanks to @Julio Velez, to my left, for asking me to be the Red Carpet Correspondant at this wonderful event. Also to @Wayne Zamora, Owner of Latin Connection Magazine, for recommending me to Mr. Velez. Please, click here if you want to see some past Latin Connection Magazine covers that I'm so Honored and Blessed to have been featured in (http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Latin+Connection)

CELEBRATING more Latin music, Last November, I was very happy to Emcee one of Main Plaza Conservancy's funnest events: The Texas Latin Music Festival! Once again, as it is with us Latinos:) It was an ALL day affair, filled with the most talented singers, musicians, artists while the audience delected in the tastiest food & drinks throughout the afternoon on thru midnight! The crowd slowly started arriving at noon and the Main Plaza filled up as the afternoon wore on to near full capacity crowd at midnight. Those who attended enjoyed the lineup of a wondeful varierty of music-so characteristic, I feel, of the variety that the city of San Antonio, in general, has to offer. Please, enjoy the images and videos:

Ole! SUSPIRO FLAMENCO

A visit from this representative of the Indian community in San Antonio

What a treat to meet the Beautiful and Talented Patricia Vonne. I LOVED her unique style of music so much, I approached her to feature her music as soundtrack for a movie that I'm acting in and Co-Producing called "Jimmy and Mia." Little did I know Patricia is a veteran of the movie world. Her brother is none other than the movie director, Robert Rodriguez! To see previews of the movie I'm working on, please, visit our website: www.jimmyandmia.com and "like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jimmyandmia. Thank you!

It's always wonderful to run into friends I've made throughout my career on television and Emceeing events. I was so happy to see the classy Carlito Miranda, Chris Perez' Manager, whom I had met a couple of months earlier when I Hosted a special "Meet and Greet" book signing to promote Chris's book: To Selena, With Love at Wonderland Mall, San Antonio, TX. Here I am interviewing Chris at the 1st Annual @PEOPLE en Espanol Magazine festival held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in September 2012. I also had the Honor and, am not gonna lie, was a bit Star-Struck when I got to meet and interview the SUPER Talented and ever glamorous, Ms. Sheila E! For even more images of the Latino Music Festival, please, visit: (http://www.mainplazaconservancy.org/38901.html ) Special thanks to @Jane Pauley-Flores for asking me to Emcee the Plaza Conservancy's 2012 Latino Music Festival.

The US Army Bowl 2013

2013-01-13T08:47:00.002-08:00

The 1st weekend of January marks an exciting football bame, the @US Army Bowl! Thanks to my involvement in helping the US Army Recruiting Batallion, my small way of thanking our soliders for their service to our Nation, I've been fortunate to attend in the past several years. Please, click here to see images from my attendance/involvement in past Army Bowls:http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=us+army The @US Army goes ALL out with a line-up of events starting with a breakfast held in recognition of United States Army Future Soldiers. Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler(pictured below), (SMA), Major General David L. Mann, Commanding General of Unites States Army Recruiting Command and Command Sergeant Major, Todd A. Moore hosted a breakfast the morning of the Army All-American Bowl on January 5, 2013, to recognize over 100 young men and women who will be joining the US Army. SMA Chandler commended these Future Soldiers for their commitment to their Country and to their future.

United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) Deputy Commanding General, Brigadier General Henry L. Huntley, congratulates one of the Future Soldiers for his commitment to the Army.(to the right)

USAREC Commander, Major General David L. Mann visits with several Future Soldiers at the breakfast and welcomes them to the US Army(above)

(Left)SFC Daniel P. Scott, San Marcos Recruiting Company and SGT Brent P. Mciver, San Antonio East Recruiting Company visit and answer questions with Future Soldiers.

I made a point to stop and greet Col. McGee(left). Besides the obvious Honor, I'm particularly happy to always greet him and thank him, 1st and foremost, for his service to our Nation and, on a lighter note, for him and his wife's huge admiration of the Reality Show I, pun intended...survived, LOL... @SURVIVOR Fiji!

It's thanks to my friend /Lt. Col. David Grant, Head of the San Antonio Recruiting Batallion that I was a part of this special breakfast as well as being able to take my kids and father, also, a bit later that afternoon, to the main event: The Army Bowl!

After the delicious Taco Breakfast, we were energized and went to the next series of events that the Army had lined up. The ARMY ZONE! 1st stop, an actual Army Medical Helicopter. Here, I ran into another friend of mine and @LATIN CONNECTION Magazine, "Longhorn" Gene. We were fortunate to be there at the same time to have the Honor to meet 3 star General Tally.

Further into the ARMY ZONE. I decided to line up to try one of the G6 Fighter Jet Simulators and was intercepted by "Longhorn" Gene and General Mann, who, I was pleasantly surprised , knew of me thanks to my participation on the CBS Reality Show, SURVIVOR Fiji.

Miss San Antonio USA 2012-13, Che White-Miss San Antonio Director, "Longhorn Gene," Miss Teen San Antonio USA 2012-13

After visiting the ARMY ZONE, I was ready to head to the Alamo Dome for the Army Bowl! It's an exciting game featuring the BEST High School football players in the Nation. For the 13th year in a row, some the best and brightest future stars of the college football gridiron came together in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Each year dozens of elite prospects go head-to-head all week in practice trying to showcase their talents for former NFL coaches, the fans, their fellow recruits and college coaches. The East Team (black) defeated the West Team (yellow) 15-8 on the back of a few big plays from its offense and special teams. The game is attended by close to 40,000, among them, my fellow Beauty Queen title Holders (above)@Miss San Antonio USA. Last, but not least, the MAIN reason the Army has created this event, to Highlight our Nations Soldiers, to applaud their bravery, selflessness and dedication to Protect our FREEDOM. I'm so Honored to be standing among just of few of them (left).

The last of things on the list of events set up by the Army, was a Tandem Parachute Jump with the World Champions, THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. Bright and early the next morning, once again, HUGE thanks to Lt. Col David Grant, I was able to be a part of the World Champion Golden Knights Tandem Parachute Jump-this time, as a Viewer. Several years ago, I was given the opportunity to take this Leap of Faith! LOL and I did. Here I am Tandem Jumping w/Billy V...ARMY STRONG!! This year, when Lt. Col. David Grant offered me the same opportunity, I decided to give someone else a chance to have this once in a lifetime experience, so my boyfriend, Carl Mergenthaler, pardon the pun....Jumped at this chance! A little trivia on Carl. He currently Wrote, is starring in and Producing a wonderful feature film called "Jimmy and Mia" (stay tuned to LATIN CONNECTION Magazine for more details about that). To the right, Carl and I with Col. Mark Rado, Commander US Army Accessions Support Brigade. A little trivia on Col. Rado..he was Jay Leno's first Agent! Huge thanks to him for squeezing Carl in that day as they had a record 29 jumps!! The @GOLDEN KNIGHTS Team did an amazing job under the Command of Lt. Col. Jose E. Melendez proving why the are the current World Champions! Can I get a Hooah!!

Coaching Miss USA winners: Past, Present and Future?

2013-01-09T17:24:00.002-08:00

I'm so proud and thrilled that I now add one more "Miss USA" to my list of girls that I've had the pleasure and priviledge of Coaching: @Nana Meriweather! From the 1st time I saw this over 6' STUNNING girl in the group of girls I coached for the Miss California USA pageant a few years ago, I recall telling her, according to my expert "Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant School" Trained eyes, she had the makings of a Miss Universe! Click here to read how she took part of what I tell ALL my girls-everything happens for a reason. If you maintain a positive mind frame you can turn what may seem like a "loss" into a WIN! Nana did just that. Click here to read how: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Miss+USA
A few years ago, I also had the pleasure of having another one of my girls crowned "Miss USA," @Crystle Stewart, whom I 1st met when I was a Judge at the Miss Texas 2004 Pageant. She was my front runner. Unfortunately, the other Judges didn't agree with me and another girl won. Afterwards, at the Crowning dinner, she asked me for advice to help her win-which I gave her; a minor "hair styling" detail (as w/everything in life, however, it's all in the small details), and a big detail-public speaking instruction. She followed my advice and, voila! She became Miss Texas 2008 and, ultimately, Miss USA 2008! Click here to see photos of Crystle and I at the @Miss California USA 2008 pageant:http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Miss+USA.

Showing Jenna the correct foot placement to strike the perfect basic pose!

Last, but not least, I recently Coached this young Beauty Queen for the @Miss American Coed National Pageant. She competed amongst approx. 65 girls from across the US and came out w/several trophies! "National Academic Achievement," "National Best Smile" and made Top 15. Jenna Covarrubias is the current Miss American Coed Miss Texas Junior Teen!

1st Latina Emcee for 2012 RINGSIDE SA Boxing Event!

2012-12-02T17:44:00.001-08:00

RINGSIDESA, GALA 2012

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

FREEMAN COLISEUM

3201 EAST HOUSTON STREET

SAN ANTONIOTX

RING ANNOUNCER

LUPE CONTRERAS

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY

RITA VERREOS

NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMED

BY PATSY TORRES

6:00 PM - RECEPTION

7:00 PM - DINNER & PROGRAM

9:00 PM - DANCE

Several years ago, I was asked to be a "Ringside" girl at a boxing event in San Antonio. Since I'm no where near being a "girl," I was extremely flattered and accepted the "gig"! Lol Please, click here(http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=celebrity+boxing) to see images from that event which was the 1st Annual Ringside SA. That one was held at the University of the Incarnate Word's Burton Grossman Salon. Thanks to very hard work and excellent PR, the event has catapulted in size to this years location; The Freeman Colisseum. What an Honor to go from "Ringside" girl to becoming the 1st Latina to Emcee this event. special thanks to Maritza Quiroz of CE Group for recommending me.

I'm not gonna lie, after Emceeing the 2012 RINGSIDE SA Boxing Event, I was even more grateful to havebeen asked to Emcee and not box! These were serious bouts...blood flying and all, yikes! Lord knows I paid in my dues on SURVIVOR FIJI-breaking my cartiledge in my nose during the "Sumo Wrestling Challenge" was enough:(

3201 EAST HOUSTON STREET,

ATTIRE: BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

....I Survived, yay! 5 years later, all cleaned up:)

It was a pleasure to be in the Ring with the eloquent and very well know Ringside Fight Announcer, Mr. Lupe Contreras

This event raised funds for the Southtexas Hispanic Fund. Kudos to the following talented and very professional women heading the Production of this succesful event: , Maricela Espinoza-Garcia & Marisela Barrera. People usually say "God works in mysterious ways." In my life, God, actually, works in very clear ways. A few days ago, at a the "Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas" 5th year Anniversary event (https://www.girlscouts-swtx.org/) I met Mr. Dennis E. Noll,"SA Area Foundation" one of the main sponsors of Ringside SA (left). I was pleasantly surprised to find out was a big SUVIVOR fan!

Reuniting with Latin Pop Sensations, Chayanne & Mark Anthony

2012-11-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

VP of ASCAP Latin Membership and 2011 BillBoard Magazine "Latin Power Players," Alexandra Lioutikoff

After the event, with Luis Fonsi

Several months ago, the VP of ASCAP Latin Membership, Alexandra Lioutikoff invited me to a Latin music event held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, where Marc Anthony would receive the "Founders Award," (click video below)

David Beckham presents Marc Anthony with "2012 Founders Award."

It was a night filled with special performances the likes of Latin Pop hearthrob, Luis Fonsi and the elegant & exquisite voice of Natalia Jimenez, who honored Marc Anthony by singing some of his songs:

A bailar con Chayanne! He didin't let down, delecting his fans with his signature dance moves & romantic ballads .

Igot the treat of hearing and meeting Marc Anthony, once again, when, last month, I was reunited with my dear life-long friend of over 20 yrs! Latin Hearthrob, Chayanne, during his "3 Gigantes" Tour. I had a chance to spend some time with him and his friend and World tour colleague, Marc Anthony.

the first time I met Marc Anthony was when Chayanne and him did their first tour together, about 7 yrs.ago. He was w/JLo. That time, I remember I asked JLo if she could take a photo of myself with w/Chayanne and our best friends from Puerto Rico. She was very sweet and told me Marc took better photos so Marc was the photographer. This time, Marc got to strike a pose w/Chayanne and I.

The 3 Giants of Latin music

Marc Anthony belted out that powerful voice & like his song says "Valio la Pena!"

Continuing to help Animal Friends all over the US!

2012-10-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

For the 3rd year in a row, I was invited and able to attend the Reality Rescue event in Glendale, VA last year. (Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I was unable to attend this year) It's because of those work commitments, NO COMPLAINTS, btw-as I always give so many thanks to God for the fact that I'm doing/pursuing what I love to do to make a living for myself and my kiddoes! Better late than never, as son, too wise for his 15 yrs. of age tells me, I'm, finally, posting images from this fun and, thankfully, succesful event that reunites close to 100 Reality Show contestants. April Mueller is the organizer of this wonderful event. Here we are giving interviews for the fun internet show "Reality Nation," where I made new fabulous friends, fellow Host and Reality Show family (BIG BROTHER's Kevin Campbell), beautiful, Chelsia Hart whom, in my characteristic silly mode, I sang a love song to! Click on the video to hear and see me doing a very silly dance!:
Here I am w/April: .
We got to mingle in the evening w/fellow contestants from ALL seasons of SURVIVOR and stars the likes of: Ozzy Lusth (3x SURVIVOR player: Cooks Islands, Fans vs. Favorites, South Pacific) and a special treat for me to run into my SURVIVOR FIJI "brothers" (below right) Earl and Dreamz. The following morning, we got to meet some of the doggies we were helping to rescue, here they are in the below videos: Besides getting to reunite with fellow SURVIVOR castmates/friends, meeting the doggies we're helping to rescue, for me a very special part/highlight, is meeting the wonderful, faithful, supportive, kind fans. Here I am w/one of my youngest fans and with one of my favorite sweet fans and during the "Meet & Greet" Session:The last day, those of us who still had energy in us, played in a Soccer game w/some of our fans, who donated money to get the chance to play in the soccer game with us! I'm tellin' you, our fans are absolutely wonderful. I can't thank them enough. They have been a huge Blessing in my life.

Apparently, I'm like the Energizer Bunny...I just keep goin' and goin'...until I get voted off..LOL/:( If you know me personally, you know that I'm ALL about having fun, being silly. My daughter, in fact, recently told me "mommie, the thing about you is you don't just act like you're 5, you REALLY think you're 5 yrs. old" ...yes siree Bob! Life is too short, I wanna laugh through it and, if I'm lucky, put smiles on as many people's faces as I can along the way. Hopefully, this will put a smile on yours:) with my soccer team. Btw- we're NOT messin' around. Unfortunately, one of our kindest fans, Curt Clarke (4th from left) suffered a TERRIBLE injury when he slid to steal the ball from the other team. I told you we're not messin' around. Here I am givin' it my mightiest "Grand Bat ma" Ballet kick..lol He ended up in 6hr.surgery!! w/a broken ankle bone:(( & I'm done folks...lemme grab my purse and call it a day! Click here to see more "Animal Friends" events: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=animal+Friends and for more coverage from Reality Nation:www.realitynation.com

Eva's Heroes Casino Night, 2012

2012-10-11T15:45:00.001-07:00

On the Red capet donning one of my brother's NIKOLAKI vintage designs.

I'm so happy & grateful to be a part of Eva's Heroe's Casino Night, once again, this year. I've been very fortunate to have been a part of this event since it's inception 5 years ago. In fact, it's one of the very 1st "appearances" after my experience on CBS's SURVIVOR. Click here for images from the very 1st and 2nd Eva's Heroes events: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Eva%27s
This time, it was at the JW Marriott Resort. It was a special evening featuring Poker tables, of course and even Slot Machines!

There was a Live and a Silent Auction which was, thankfully very succesful once again this year. I believe last year raising over $100,000. Above to the right, some painting's by my good friend, Lettie Longoria's husband, Hector. They also had a XBOX Tent set up where you could, well, play XBOX games. Here are Mario and Eva, playing like a "brother" and a "sister," well, not quite, shall I say like a grown up brother and sister would play, having a blast!
The event was Hosted by the Eloquent Bill Taylor, Kens 5 Meteorologist
former colleague of mine from my beginnings on local television: HEB Plus! TV Spokesperson and Fill In morning news traffic anchor:

I'm forever grateful to Bob McGann and Kurt Davis for giving me those opportunities. I look forward to re-joining the Kens 5 team in the near future, if another opportunity opens up for me! I always enjoy running into my friend, Mr. Gordon Hartman, whose Foundation: goes hand in hand w/Eva's Heroes.http://www.hartmansa.org/ Last, but not least, with Eva's wonderful family whom I treasure: Lisa, Ella and Enrique..I adore them!

A quick interview on the Red Carpet on her way into the event:

SA Disabled Athletes Christmas Party at Morgan's Wonderland, 2011

2012-10-11T10:01:00.002-07:00

I've been very Blessed that God seems to bring to me, put in my path, opportunities to be involved, at any level, w/helping those w/special needs, as is the case that I've been a part of Eva Longoria's events to raise funds for her organization, Eva's Heroes. Click here for images from past Eva's Heroes events: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=eva%27s+heroes. One of my dear girlfriends, Manola, is VERY involved with the San Antonio Disabled Athletes Organization. She knows of my desire to help people with special needs so she invited me to the San Antonio Disabled Athletes Organization Christmas party last year. I was soo happy to be a part of this. My mother tells me that , ever since I was a little girl, I've always had a connection with people with special needs.

You don't have to twist my arm to get me to dance! I had so much fun dancing w/Melissa Cheatwood and other wonderful children..I'm a pretty good dancer-bein' Latina and all..LOL, but I gotta admit, they taught me a move or 2! If you don't belive me, check out the pics below!

Throw yer hands up in the air everybody!-hey, at least I'm not clapping-my kids told me that clapping while you're dancing means your OLD!!! You're welcome for the tip:) lol

I don't think this one needs a caption, but I'm gonna put one anyways, this is what you call "gettin' DOWN!"

Here I am with a beautiful little girl who I was THRILLED to have her mother tell me she was a fan of my World Car Hyundai commercials! I also met this extremely talented artist. He brought his art book to share with everyone that evening. Here I am trying to show off one of this creations:) Hope my daughter doesn't get jealous, she's also quite the artist! A Christmas party wouldn't be complete w/o Santa Claus! Here we are asking for what we want for Christmas..(ps-this is a great Santa because I got what I wanted-to be w/my kids and see them getting everything they asked Santa for:) If you take a CLOSE look, you may recognize him..hint, hint, he's known in San Antonio as one of the most prominent home builders and he's the force behind "Morgan's Wonderland." Alrighty, if you just can't guess, here's your last hint!

W/Gordon Hartman and San Antonio Disabled Athletes Ambassador, Melissa Cheatwood

This Wonderful Christmas party was held at the Morgan's Wonderland Auditorium. For more information please click here:www.sanantoniodaa.org

Emcee for 1st Annual HEALING HEARTS Gala benefitting THRIVEWELL Cancer Organization 2012

2012-10-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I lost my best childhood girlfriend, Diedra Auci Bradshaw and a fellow Survivor Castaway and friend, Jenn Lyon, to breast cancer. Ever since my friend Diedra was diagnosed, I started doing what I could to help raise awareness and funds for this cause, from Blood Drives :http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=donating+blood to Rallies around the country with fellow Reality Show contestants http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Reality+Rally to posing in a Hollywood Glamour Pin Up Calendar;http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Strike+a+Pose. A few months ago, one of my fellow "Celebrity" Pin Up Calendar Models, San Antonio Fox Evening News Anchor Karen Martinez asked me to help her organize a Gala to raise funds for the THRIVEWELL Cancer Foundation. Besides my above connection to this cause, Karen has become a Hero of mine as a working mother who hasn't let the Breast Cancer she's currently battling, slow her down. She is absolutely AMAZING! I was so Honored to help organize this event alonside another of her fellow News Reporters, Yami Virgin and ESPN Radio Host, Chris Duel. As if that weren't honor enough for me, Karen asked me to Co-Emcee the Gala alongside Fox Weather Anchor, Mike Hernandez. One of the friends that I reached out to for help with the event was Eddie Romero, GM of TELEMUNDO. I'm very lucky that they have always been tremendously supportive of my work on television and in the community. Thus, they produced a beautiful PSA which they ran on air to help me promote the Gala (below). FOX was also tremendously supportive and had Karen on a few times to promote the Gala before and after the event. Click here to see an apperance on the Fox @ 9 Morning show: http://www.foxsanantonio.com/newsroom/daytime/videos/vid_353.shtml below with my AMAZING parents (my Dad, 2X lung cancer survivor) and beautiful daughter.

Karen was VERY gracious to let me have a moment to Honor my Hero, my father: Click here to see/listen why: Thanks to EVERYONE who came to the Plaza Club to attend the Gala, including our Guest Speaker, the poised Mrs. Erica Castro, wife of the Mayor of San Antonio: and a special thanks to very generous sponsors who gave us items for the "Live Auction" The "Healing Hearts" Gala was a HUGE success. We raised $30,000!! Please, click here for beautiful photos of a night full of delicious food, fun music and most of all, HOPE:) :www.healingheartsgala.com

Magazine features!

2012-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm VERY grateful to be featured recently in two magazines! I'm particularly Honored to be the 1st two time cover for Latin Connection Magazine: Click below, please, to see the 1st cover: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=latin+connection highlighting my participation on the CBS Reality show, SURVIVOR Fiji. This second one, Mr. Wayne Zamora, Owner of Latin Connection, applauds my work (alongside my TV Hosting) as Beauty Pageant Coach. To see more of my work as Beauty Pageant Coach, please, click here: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Beauty+Pageant+Coach
HUGE Thank you to my Guardian Angel here on earth, Mr. Eugene Williams, for suggesting me as 2X cover article to Mr. Wayne Zamora. Thank you, Mr. Zamora, for allowing me to be a part of your prestigious publication once again!

Currently, SAN ANTONIO MAGAZINE, did a feature "Lifestyles of the Reality Famous!" and I was soo lucky that I was picked as one of the people they highlighted. THANK YOU so much to Rebecca Fontenot, Editor in Chief and Linden Wilson for the wonderful article.(above) Last October, the former editor, Rachel Benavidez was kind enough to do a feature article to help me promote the "Strike a Pose" for Breast Cancer Calendar where I'm featured as a Hollywood 40's Pin Up girl alongside other San Antonio TV & Radio personalities. Click here for more on the "Strike a Pose" for Breast Cancer Pin UP Calendar:

Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas, 2012

2012-08-11T14:59:00.001-07:00

I'm grateful to have been invited as a Special Guest to help induct, for the 2nd time this year, the Gamma Sigma Girls & Pearls. I was happy to run into LTC David Grant and,of course, my dear friend, the newly appointed CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Ms. Rose Gonzalez-Perez.

with my dear friend & newly appointed CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas,Ms.Rose Gonzalez-Perez the day of her official Induction

With Girl Scout, Clarisa Medina, Recipient of the very 1st Bill Gates Millenium Scholarship. She's also President of the "Run the World Camp" Please, click here for a Motivational Speech she recently asked me to give to some of the girls of her camp:http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Run+the+World

Anti-Bully Motivational Speech for WOW

2012-08-11T08:57:00.002-07:00

THANK YOU! HEB

My facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/ritaverreosfanpage)has proven to be an invaluable work networking tool for me...as opposed to a "social" networking one..I still believe in socializing in person, not "virtually," LOL. A wonderful woman, Ms. Ellie Rios, head of WOW, became aware of my work as TV Host/Spokesperson as well as how I've used my experience on the CBS Reality Show, SURVIVOR, to help others. She 1st asked me to Emcee an Anti-Bully Rally in downtown San Antonio, unbeknownst to her that I, too, had been bullied when I was in Elementary School. Please, click here to read/hear about my and my son's run-ins w/bullies: (http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Anti+Bully). Ms. Rios is RELENTLESS about this anti-abuse, on all levels, cause. As such, she held another event, a hike that she asked me to come by do and do a "Meet & Greet" with the girls: and another presentation at "Dave & Busters" where she asked me to be a Motivational Speaker. If you'd like to help Ms. Ellie Rios and myself with this Anti Women & Children Abuse cause, please, click here: (http://www.womenofwow.org/foundation.html)

Motivational Speaker for the "Run the World" Camp, 2012

2012-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

At a recent Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas event I met Mr. Luis de la Garza, President and CEO of Texen Power. He overheard me giving some motivational advice to one of the Girl Scouts. A few days later I received an email from him recommending me and asking me if I could be a Speaker at an event that Ms. Clarisa Medina, another Girl Scout, had organized at Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, as part of a Camp, "Run the World," that she established. I was honored! I arrived to find one of the most ambitious, far beyond her years, young girl that I've met in a very long time. Clarisa wowed me with the big group of girls that she has that were my audience that day. They were so well behaved and attentive, absorbing every word of my one-hour talk! I'm pictured above, afterwards, doing an autograph signing for these special girls. By the way, Clarisa was recently awarded the first ever "Bill Gates Millenium Scholarship" to the college of her choice. I knew this small, young girl was up to big things!! CONGRATULATIONS, Clarisa. To see other wonderful Girl Scouts events that I've had the pleasure/Honor of attending like the "Gamma Sigme Investiture Ceremonies" and being a Guest Speaker on a "Healthy Body Images" in the Media Panel, please, click here: (http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Girl+Scouts)

Becoming a News Reporter/Correspondant for CYBEREPORT!

2012-06-29T18:40:00.004-07:00

I'm very happy to announce/share that I am the newest addition to the CYBEREPORT News Reporter team or "Voices" as they are called on this new MSN.com type Internet News network created by the Italian Telecommunications Guru, Mr. Roberto Masiero.
My first assignment was very exciting and fulfilling as it took me to the 1st hometown I had in the US when I arrived from my native, Venezuela in 1976. The MOST elegant city in the US, San Francisco. I got to don one of my brother's vintage NIKOLAKI gowns www.nikolakidesigns.com , work the Red Carpet...I mean, literally, as the Red Carpet Correspondant at the NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) West Coast Gala. I interviewed, in Italian (getting to use one of the Languages of the Magna Cum Laude degree I earned from UCLA, Double Majoring in Italian and French Literature). Click here for videos of all the interviews: http://www.cybereport.com/public/interview-niaf-gala-2012-8938.html

Interviewing the President of NIAF, John Viola

Below left, with one of the Honorees, Mrs. Anna Paola Snaidero, VP of Advertising and Public Relations of Snaidero USA-the exquisite high end kitchen designs. She received the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business.

To the right, with the Ecological Visionary and Genius, Mr. John Legnitto, VP and Group Manager for the San Francisco Region at Recogoly. He received the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Environmental Citizenship.
It was such a small world to find out that Mr. Legnitto and one of my dearest friends and CBS, SURVIVOR FIJI Castmate, Sylvia Kwan (President of Kwan Henmi Architecture) are friends! Here I am with Sylvia.

Stay tuned to CYBEREPORT www.cybereport.com for many MORE interviews with the rest of the Honorees: Roberto Crea, Ph.D. CEO, Founder and President of CREAGRI Inc. Awarded for his achievement in Biotechnology (Science and Medicine), Aili and Andres Mc Connon, Co Authors of "Road to Valor", receving the Mazzei Award in Thought Leadership for their outstanding contributions to research, scholarship & innovative thinking, Kim Polese, Chairman of Clear Street Inc., who received the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Technology and Jeffrey M. Capaccio, Esq.-the Regional VP for the far West (north) NIAF and the Gala Co-Chair.Below is an intro preview to the video interviews...Stay Tuned! For more images from the even, please, click here: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/media/set/?set=a.10150990698368856.449054.110762143855&type=1 and here: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/media/set/?set=a.10150990637833856.449045.110762143855&type=1

Coaching Miss USA Winners!

2012-06-05T14:31:00.001-07:00

I'm so THRILLED and proud of Miss Maryland USA 2012, Nana Meriwether. She just became 1st Runner Up at the Miss USA Pageant!! Above, I'm pictured with her when she ran for Miss California. Click below to read more about Nana: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=My+Beauty+Pageant+Coaching+Pays+Off

The first 1st Runner Up that I Coached was Miss California USA 2006, the equally striking, Tamiko Nash who a few months after becoming 1st Runner Up to Tara Conner at the Miss USA 2006 Pageant (upper left), Came VERY close, for a second time! to becoming Miss USA, Click here to remember why: http://www.escoop.com.au/miss-usa/. To the right, I'm in the middle of my 2 beauties, Tamiko and Jessica after Coaching them and helping them win their respective Miss California and Miss Teen California USA 2006 titles!

My 2nd First Runner Up was even more controversial than what happened with Tara Connor. Like Nana and Tamiko, Carrie took my "Stage Presence/Runway Modeling" Group Lessons at the Miss California pageant. To the right, I am with Carrie the night that she won Miss California USA 2009. Above, left, with my 1st Miss USA winner that I Coached to that win! Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008. Click here to read about the scandal that ensued following Carrie's answer to Miss USA Judge, Perez Hilton's question re/Gay Marriage: :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Prejean#Miss_USA_2009_controversy

Receving the "Call to Service Award" given by President Obama

2012-05-24T08:19:00.002-07:00

Receiving the "Service to Call" Award from Mr. Jose Alejandro, Founder and Director of VOS Flipswww.vosflips.com

Mr.& Mrs.Valentin, the people responsible for nominating me for this prestigious Honor

I recently received the Highest Honor in Volunteerism given by The President of the United States. Thanks to an introduction by whom I refer to as a "Guardian Angel" because he's always putting me in front of anyone and everyone he can to help me any way he can, Eugene Williams. Last year, he asked me to help him Co-Host a Silent Auction: click here: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Co+Host+of+Longhorn+Live+Radio+Show%2C+2011 Sitting next to me was Mrs. Marie Valetin, President & Co-Founder of the Monte Christo Center for Voluteer Development. I immediately made myself available asked her to, please, call on me, should she feel I could help her in any way. One of the events I was so happy to be a part of was a Food Drive: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Emceeing+the+Tejano+Octoberfest . Here we are, last summer, receiving an award from Esperanza Calvillo (middel) for "Mentorship" in the San Antonio Government's Summer Ambassador Program that she directs.I've always said that my experience on SURVIVOR FIJI has been the gift that keeps on giving to me in ALL areas of my life. I'm so very grateful that I try to use it as much as a gift to give back to others. Heck, I know I didn't go out there and starve/dehydrate for nuthin'! I've also always had a winners/positive mentality so I had to make it a winning experience. I NEVER dreamt that it would lead to me winning this AMAZING "Lifetime" Achievement Award in Volunteerism: The President of the United States "Call to Service Award." This is one of the BIGGEST Honors I've ever received. THANK YOU so much to my dear friend, Mr. Eugene Williams and to Marie Valentin for making this moment of happiness and pride possible for my family and me. I was so verklepmt, I thought I was receiving an "Emmy"...no, really!!! Check it out, ha, ha, ha: If you'r interested in becoming a Volunteer with the Monte Christo Volunteer Center, please click here:www.centerforvolunteerdevelopment.weebly.com

Rappeling over the edge of a 32 story Bldg.in downtown Austin to help "Make a Wish" come True!

2012-05-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to have gotten to help the "Make a Wish" Foundation in the past several years: At my most recent collaboration, Click here: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Make+a+Wish I met Mr. Chad Wicks, Director of Marketing Communications and Events for the Austin Chapter of "Make a Wish" Foundation (to the right) A couple of months later, he asked me if I could be a "Celebrity" Rappeler as a part of their "Over the Edge" fundraising event in Austin. As you can imagine, being on SURVIVOR, cured me of pretty much every fear-even my greatest one which is of the "unknown." I've NEVER Rappeled so I figured if I was gonna do it, it was definitely going to be as a way of giving something back, cuz Lord knows I wouldn't have signed up to do this out of my own accord, just like I didn't sign up for SURVIVOR, btw... These adventurous things just always seem to find me...and I'm glad:)

Getting geared up!

The team was so professional. It was fun, but for some reason, I thought my feet would stick to the edge of the Building, a la "Spiderman," ha, ha, ha, but they didn't :( and that FREAKED me out, I'm not gonna lie!

Other than that, the view of the Capitol Building was breaktaking..or wait, was it the fact that I was dangling over the edge of a 32 foot Bldg. what was making not breathe..ha, ha, ha!

So let's see:
Jumping out of a Plane: check!
Being on SURVIVOR FIJI, the adveture of a lifetime: check!
Rappeling a 32 story Bldg: check!

These are things on a "Bucket List" that I don't even have! As I always sing: "I sit and talk to God & he just laughs at my plans!" (FEEL, Robbie Williams) ...because He seems to have better, definitely more adventurous plans for me. I can't wait to see what's next! I have an idea, but I guess even I will have to "stay tuned" to find out:)
* Thank you to Erin Molloy for the wonderful photographs!:www.erinmolloyphoto.com.

LIVE Event Host! for Green Fields Grocery Grab!

2012-05-07T16:36:00.001-07:00

COME ON OUT to the 2nd GREEN FIELDS MARKET Grocery Grab!!

Why? Because the first one was a BLAST!! Watch/Read Below:

Recently, I Emceed this a really fun event..the 1st GREEN FIELDS MARKET Grocery Spree! 5 LUCKY Green Fields Market customers were given a chance to win ALL the groceries they could fill their shopping carts with in 60 seconds, PLUS a $100 gift card to GREEN FIELDS MARKET. These ladies weren't messin' around. It reminded me of my SURVIVOR FIJI challenges, where my tribe AND I were also vying for food!! LOL. "SURVIVORS Ready? ...Oopsy, I meant, GREEN FIELDS MARKET Shoppers Ready? and OFFFF they went!! and the Winner Is? (to the right) Katherine Hawk, who, by the way, received the call that she had won the opportunity, in the middle of a dinner party at her home. Now, she won herself more than enough food to Host another dinner party...actually, she cleaned out the meat department!! Fortunately, GREEN FIELDS MARKET is known for keeping all their Departments fully stocked with the Freshest Products. In fact, I'm not just a hired Emcee for them..I'm a client (yes, that sounds familiar... I copied the catch phrase of that hair growth product...LOL) Anyhoo, the stint on SURVIVOR FIJI left my intestines pretty beat up... I know, you're surprised by that...ha, ha, ha. Thankfully, I found the products I needed to restore my intestines back to health at GREEN FIELDS MARKET! Special thanks to Rudy Arispe, President of Arispe PR and Mr. Marco Guerrero, President of the Tejeda Agency for hiring me to Emcee this event and also to Mr. Fred Perez, GREEN FIELDS MARKET store Director and all of his Employees!

My Beauty Pageant Coaching Pays off, AGAIN!!

2012-04-24T10:10:00.004-07:00

America Fuzell, Miss Palmdale 2012!

I just returned from Palmdale, California, a city that takes its Beauty Pageants SERIOUSLY!! Through my work as the Stage Presence/Runway Modeling Coach for the Miss Caifornia USA Pageant for the past 8 years, I was hired by a wonderful family to Coach their youngest daughter, America, for the Miss Palmdale pageant. I worked with her all last week, polishing her interview skills, her skit, and MOST of all and what I've become known, respected and sought after for: Stage Presence and Runway Modeling. As I mentioned, Palmdale takes their Beauty Pageants VERY seriously so this poor girl was STRESSED out. My poor girl had a meltdown just days before the pageant thinking about EVERYTHING I had taught her: posture, choreography, hair & makeup for interview, for the gown, how to conduct her interview answers etc.etc. After a much needed cry, I was able to reel her back...Hook, Line and Sinker for the WIN!!! Here she is, the newly crowned, Miss Palmdale, America Fuzell. I'm so grateful to the Fuzell family for trusting me. Coaching "Miss" America (her name is America!) was a Blessing, THANK you, America, for reaching out to Ms. Rita and for applying EVERYTHING I taught you. I'm THRILLED for you and sooo PROUD of you!! (Above, the Miss, Teen and Petite Palmdale winners)

America and her proud sister!

Miss Antelope Valley & the newly crowned Miss Palmdale

Miss Antelope Valley and Ms. Rita!:)

For more of my work as Beauty Pageant Coach, Click here: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Miss+California

My Beauty Pageant Coaching pays off!!

2012-04-02T10:46:00.006-07:00

I'm so Blessed to do so many wonderful things to earn a living. One of those things is being the Stage Presence/Runway Modeling Coach for the Miss California USA Pageant. I'm forever grateful to the Miss Texas Pageant for when they asked me to be a Judge is when I had the fateful meeting with Keith Lewis, who first became my friend and then, as the Co-Director of the Miss California USA Pageant, asked me to come on board as his Official Stage Presence/Runway Modeling Coach. I've been on that "runway" for the past 8 years! Enjoying every step I've taken alongside the gorgeous and talented girls I've been so priviledged to have met and Coached.
I'm so happy and proud to feature a couple of them as they are an example of one of my motto: PERSISTANCE beats RESISTANCE. Even and sometimes, especially, when others may not believe in you, what's MOST important is that YOU don't stop believing in yourself. (I just sounded like a Journey song there..lol). Seriously, though, faith is so VERY powerful. I remember Coaching both of these girls, Mamta and Nana, both in big group sessions and Mamta hired me to Coach her privately. Neither won the Miss California title, but they went on to become the winners I ALWAYS told them they were. I tell all my girls that it's up to them to make this experience a POSITVE one. If you don't win this crown, there's another one out there for taking. Point in case, no one remembers the name of the 1986 Miss USA winner, but EVERYONE knows who Halle Berry is. Eva Longoria didn't win the 1998 Miss Texas Pageant...That's what I'm talkin' bout! Take a look at a couple of my girls, says the Proud Coach Ms, Rita:)

Nana Meriwether may not have won the Miss California USA crown, but she didn't give up. She found another way to make her dream come true..and THAT'S what it's ALL about..finding a way. God helps those who help themselves folks! So, she moved to another state and went on to become the Queen of that one!
http://www.pageantupdate.info/missusa2012/delegates/maryland.htm

Above, (for those who know my work as TV Host/Spokesperson, you'll be surprised to hear me behind the camera...see, I don't always need to be seen! LOL) teaching Mamta de Evening Gown walk a couple of years ago. Mamta followed my "Persistance Beats Resistance" motto and, a couple of years later, walked her way into becoming the "Bebe it-Girl" winner!

Last nite, I received the following text from her that brought tears to my eyes: "Ms. Rita, I hope you remember me. I wanted to share this with you, and thank you so very much. I'd like you to know how much you influenced and inspired me..I cannot thank you enough! I hope you are doing very, very well." Thank you to girls like Mamta who have not just outer beauty, but the inner beauty to remember me and Honor me with their success. It makes me so happy to see that my "Ms. Rita" techniques are, indeed, effective and will make you a winner wherever you go!
For more of my work as Beauty Pageant Coach: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=miss+california

Special Guest at the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Investiture Ceremony

2012-03-08T13:37:00.004-08:00

Last year, I had a wonderful opportunity as a "Guest" Panel Speaker in a GIRL SCOUTS Forum about "Healthy Body Images" for girls/women: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=girl+scouts. A few months ago, I was very happy to get invited to help induct 80 new middle school age members to become Gamma Sigma Pearls! Please, click here for more info:http://www.p16plus.org/grade-level/middle-school/gamma-sigma-pearls-make-harlandale-history/

At Charles Boggess Center, Harlandale ISD ..

with several of the Gamma Sigma inductees

CONGRATULATIONS to the Girl Scouts on their 100th Year Anniversary! Below with the exemplary Rose Gonzalez Perez, Interim President of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas.

Helping GRID Iron Heroes playing "Friday Night Lights" softball?

2012-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Eddie Canales was so kind to include me in the lineup alongside "Friday Night Lights" actors' softball team vs. Local tv personalities to help raise funds for their foundation "Grid Iron Heroes." I had a BLAST playing with these HILARIOUS big tv stars, who couldn't be more down to earth, btw.

Here are some fun videos of my team-aided home-run! Here's my Victory dance, which I did to humour my kids who I was so happy to have there with me. They'd argue and say I did the dance to embarass them. We were in Cibolo at Pickrell Park for 2 nights of very competitive softball, we lost to the hometown tv personalities, go Kens go!

Team "Hollywood" (blue) vs. Team "San Antonio"

with Jesse James (Y100)

Ernest James and Drew Waters

with former NFL Chicago Bears player Jeff Gandy

THE Grid Iron Heroe, Chris Canales

The Founder and President of Grid Iron Heroes, Eddie Canales, Top 10 CNN Heroe of the Year Nominee.

my softball teammates and "Friday Night Lights" boys: Shane Black, Scott Jefferies, Drew Waters and Ernest James

Runway Modeling/Stage Presence Beauty Pageant Coach for the Miss California USA 2012 Pageant!

2012-01-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, when "The" Donald took over the MIss Universe and the Miss USA Pageants, he meant Business. Mr. Donald Trump wanted to modernize the pageants. Thankfully, my close friend and the Co-Executive Director of the Miss California USA Pageant(http://www.misscaliforniausa.com/), Keith Lewis (on the right at the Miss California 2011 pageant) was on the same page as Mr. Donald Trump. In the past few years, we've gone from "Old School" Beauty Pageant look and feel. to "Hello Bombshell!" alla Victoria's Secret Runway show: Cue Me to teach them "The" Walk they need to Stand out, because among 400 contestants you need everything you can possibly think of to, well, Stand out! ALL these girls are beautiful, ALL these girls have nice figures, but not ALL these girls have "the" Stage Presence, "The" Walk that that I learned during the training I received when I was a Miss Venezuela contestant. We were blessed this year with absolutely GORGEOUS weather in Palm Springs. This was outside the McCallum Theatre days beore the Pageants. Here I am with some of the girls that took my Stage Presence, Runway Modeling Classes this weekend. Last year, it was very cold and windy..our poor girls were in outside tents blowing away as they tried to get dressed, do their hair and makeup blattling the wind! Not so this year, thanks to a change in venue. The McCallum Theatre was home to 400 contestants battling for the coveted crown of Miss California and Miss Teen California USA. They rehearsed their choreography and I showed them how to be a Stand Out on the Runway, Miss Venezuela style!Nerves at an ALL time high backstage! and two Winners are chosen! Below, with Alexa Jones, our new Miss Teen California USA, who I'm so happy is one of the girls I Coached! the Best Swimsuit Winner, below: was also one of the girls that took the "Private" Group Lessons that I gave! With one of the MOST Beautiful inside and out, our 2011 Miss California, Katie Blair. and with our very first Miss California 2011 who went on to become Miss USA 2011, another exquisite beauty, inside and out, Alyssa Campanela (below at when Alyssa won last year.) Verreos of NIKOLAKI designs.)As with everything in life, there comes a time for change. In this case, an exchanging of Crowns..and the winner is....Miss Hoag Hospital, Natalie Pack (also a fellow Reality Show contestant! : America's Next Top Model 12) I want to close out giving a very SPECIAL thank you to Christine Atrache and Dany Atrache of Dany Atrache Haute Couture http://www.danyatrache.com/ for choosing me as a model for one of their exquisite gowns! Fellow Fashion Designer, my brother Nick http://www.nickverrreos.blogspot.com/ paid me the HIGHEST of compliments when he said I reminded him of our mother during her days as Diplomatic wife. Our father was a Diplomat with the US State Department in the 60's.

Thus ends my 8th consecutive year as the Stage Presence/Runway Modeling Coach for the Miss California USA Pageant. I'm so BEYOND grateful to my dear friend and Co-Executive Director of the Miss California Pageant, Mr. Keith Lewis, for continuing of have me on his Expert team. Thanks to God, once again, putting me at the right place at the right time when I was a Judge, alongside Keith at the Miss Texas USA pageant in 2003. That sparked a friendship, which, btw, is also what put me in the path of Ms. Erika Shay, Casting Agent for The Amazing Race and SURVIVOR. Your destiny will find you in the MOST unlikely places! Speaking of unlikely places, this weekend, at the "Meet & Greet" we had for the contestants and their families at the Renaissance Esmeralda who "housed" us for this weekend: I ran into a friend and work colleague from my days as Intern for the Feature Film Production company, Interscope Communications. He was the 1st recording artist we signed when we added Interscope Records http://www.interscope.com/ to the company. ORIGINAL Sexy Latino was my friend, Gerardo, the ONLY "Rico Suave!" I bumped into him at the "Meet and Greet" He was there because his daughter was Miss Chino Hills Teen!In 1991, Interscope Records was just a room. It's grown to what we all now recognize as one of the Top 3 Record labels representing artists such as Eminem and Enrique Iglesias.

I'm wearing a gown designed by my brother, Nick, of NIKOLAKI designs:www.nickverrreos.blogspot.com

Michael & I were dinner neighbors at our Director's Meeting the night before the Pageant...I was surprised to see him eat only ONE Entree..I was expecting to see him down about 3-4 Entrees! LOL

Last year's Miss California Pageant was also star studded, btw. The multiple Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Michael Phelps attended to support his then girlfriend, our Miss California USA 2010, Nicole Johnson.

SPECIAL thanks, also, to Mr. Todd Levine: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Todd-Levine-Presents/241864059182996 for arranging for me to wear the Dany Atrache gown!

* Ahh, relief for my aching feet after teaching these amazing girls "The" Walk..LOL

Key Note Speaker at the Academy of Careers and Technology

2011-12-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

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Last year, it was my pleasure and honor to be invited as a Guest Speaker at the Academy of Careers and Technology: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-speaker.html I was so surprised and grateful that this year, Mr. Earl Bullock asked me to be the Key Note Speaker during their Award and Honors end of year Ceremony. I was able to share with these very intelligent and attentive students the importance of continuing wiht a Higher level of education and how having attended UCBerkeley and UCLA and graduating with a Magna Cum Laude degree continues to open doors for me, including my spot on CBS's Reality Show, SURVIVOR FIJI. After a 1/2 hour speech, which, unfortunately, when I transefered the video from my Iphone to my computer, the video somehow got erased:(( Too bad because I had spilled some "behind the scenes" SURIVOR FIJI secrets on there! Above are some images at the "Meet & Greet" they set up for me after the Awards Ceremony. I was very impressed & grateful with how attentive and the respectful attention these students gave me. No doubt these students are a group of true Survivors!