Today we’d like to introduce you to Winslyn Parrish
Hi Winslyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began at the intersection of community, health, and pageantry, deeply influenced by my mother and grandmother. Although both faced significant health challenges, their unwavering commitment to community service inspired me profoundly. At around six years old, they introduced me to my first pageant, where I proudly became Little Miss Fashionetta. Growing up, my schedule was filled with academics, pageants, and community service—a blend instilled by my mother and grandmother, both dedicated Alpha women.
My passion for healthcare and pageantry deepened simultaneously, driven by my role as a caregiver to my mother and grandmother through their health journeys. Witnessing their resilience and commitment despite illness shaped my purpose.
At Florida A&M University, I took my passion to another level, serving as the 2020-2021 Miss Junior Attendant on the FAMU Royal Court. During this period, I expanded into pageant coaching, directing, and mentoring, ultimately launching my own business, The Winning Experience, and eventually my brand, Winning with Winslyn.
In 2021, I faced the unfortunate loss of my mother, a turning point that solidified my dedication to health advocacy. Today, as the reigning Miss Black Atlanta USA, I proudly carry forward my platform, “Your Health, Your Crown,” striving to make healthcare information accessible, relevant, and understandable within the Black community. My journey has been deeply personal, driven by family legacy, resilience, and a passion for meaningful change.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the woman I am today. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles my mother and grandmother faced due to their health issues. While battling significant illnesses, they still prioritized community service, instilling in me a deep sense of purpose and resilience. Their strength guided me, but as I grew older, I had to take on the role of a caregiver, a responsibility that brought both emotional and physical challenges.
The most devastating moment in my journey was the loss of my mother in 2021 due to an avoidable hospital issue. Her passing was not just heartbreaking—it was a defining moment. It solidified my commitment to health advocacy, pushing me to ensure that others in the Black community have access to quality, equitable healthcare.
Beyond personal loss, my journey in pageantry also had its hurdles. After stepping away from pageants for some time, I returned with high hopes, only to lose my first competition out of retirement. It was a humbling and difficult experience, but instead of letting it defeat me, I used it as fuel. I trained harder than ever, refining my skills, growing my confidence, and learning invaluable lessons about perseverance. That setback ultimately propelled me forward, helping me become the titleholder and businesswoman I am today.
Through it all, I have remained committed to my purpose—honoring my family’s legacy, advocating for health equity, and using my platform to uplift and empower others. The road has been tough, but every struggle has only made the victories more meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a health administrator working in the private sector, where I focus on enhancing member experience and ensuring that individuals receive the quality care they deserve. Beyond healthcare, I am also a business owner specializing in HBCU pageant coaching and campaign management. Through my company, The Winning Experience, I help aspiring queens and student leaders refine their skills, build confidence, and execute winning campaigns. My expertise extends to consulting for HBCU student leaders, speaking engagements, and hosting workshops aimed at professional and personal development.
What I am most proud of is my ability to blend all of my passions into a fulfilling career. I have successfully created a space where I can uplift and empower others while staying true to the things that inspire me. Whether it’s through healthcare, pageantry, or mentorship, my goal is always to create lasting, positive change.
What sets me apart is my unique combination of experiences and my ability to connect with people on multiple levels. I bring both lived and professional expertise to the table, allowing me to offer guidance that is both strategic and heartfelt. My journey is proof that passion and purpose can coexist, and I am committed to helping others realize that for themselves.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a continuous learner, always seeking ways to stay informed and improve in my fields of expertise. Rather than relying on specific books or podcasts, I stay up to date by following pages and individuals in healthcare, pageantry, and leadership to learn innovative methods and industry trends.
Every day, I make it a priority to read or listen to the news to stay informed on current events that may impact my work and community.
When it comes to organization, my Outlook calendar is my go-to tool for keeping everything on track, from meetings to deadlines. I also use it to take notes and document key insights. At the start of my day, I grab my coffee and write a to-do list, prioritizing tasks by order of importance to ensure I stay productive and focused.
These simple yet effective habits allow me to stay engaged, informed, and prepared to make an impact in everything I do.
Pricing:
- Host/Speaking Engagements are free
- Pageant Judging services are free
- Leadership Workshops are free
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/winslynparrish
- Other: https://instagram.com/winningwithwinslyn
