Because They Matter
BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN MATTER,
AND, BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS CAN,
LET'S SHARE OUR LOVE FOREVER,
ALWAYS LENDING A HELPING HAND!!!
BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE,
WE DEARLY WANT THEM BLESSED,
PROFESSIONALLY, PERSONALLY, & WITH PURPOSE,
WE WANT THEM TO BE THE BEST...
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Welcome to you all!! We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our podcast family here at "Because They Matter."
Please accept our deepest gratitude for choosing to spend your valuable time with us. It is both your encouragement and commitment that helps us in the creation of meaningful, impactful and inspirational episodes.
We created and launched "Because They Matter" with the intention of making a positive difference in the lives of children, who will be our future generations.
Our goal is to serve you and your family, forever providing content that deeply resonates with your interests and needs. And please don't ever hesitate to share your ideas, guest interview suggestions, or future topics with us. We forever aim to serve you better and provide the content that resonates deeply with your interests and needs.
As we move forward on this exciting podcast journey, we invite you to continue being an active part of our team. We're confident that you'll join our conversations regularly, and that together, we can create a program that will inspire us all in our mission to support the children, parents and community that we're proud to serve.
Again, our sincere thanks for choosing to be a part of our "Because They Matter" team. We are most honored to have you all on board, and we look forward to bringing you the most captivating and emotionally engaging episodes, in our efforts to make you and your family's life as positive and rewarding as you could ever dream of.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The "Because They Matter" Team
Because They Matter
New Year - New Title! Celebrate as Rhiannon is Crowned Miss Chicago
Join us as we celebrate the Crowning of Miss Chicago - our very own Rhiannon Graham. She shares about turning challenge into triumph, and also how staying the course and not giving up on your dreams are SO important.
To connect with Scott Murray, email him at scott@murraymedia.net
To connect with Stacie Martin, email her at smartin@singleparentadvocate.org. You can follow Single Parent Advocate on Facebook and join their community.
To connect with Rhiannon Graham, email her at rhigraham4@gmail.com
To connect with Jelesa Warren, you can find her on Instagram @Jbirdflew or on You Tube here:
Our own Rhiannon Graham, crowned Miss Chicago 2025, shared her journey and future plans. She highlighted her community service initiative, "Single But Not Alone," aimed at supporting single-parent families. Rhiannon discussed her preparation for the Miss America competition, including private interviews, talent showcase, fitness, and evening gown segments. She emphasized the importance of resilience, citing her car breakdowns en route to the competition. Rhiannon aims to inspire Chicago youth and plans to pursue a master's degree in social work. She aspires to open a nonprofit for single parents. Rhiannon's message: dreams can come true, regardless of one's background.
Rhiannon Graham's Journey to Becoming Miss Chicago
- Scott Murray introduces Rhiannon Graham, who has become Miss Chicago 2025.
- Rhiannon shares her excitement about being crowned Miss Chicago and the upcoming Miss Illinois pageant.
- Scott and Stacie express their pride and excitement for Rhiannon's achievements.
- Rhiannon describes the Miss America competition process, including private interviews, talent showcase, fitness, and evening gown segments.
Rhiannon's Community Service Initiative
- Rhiannon explains her community service initiative focused on single families.
- She highlights the high percentage of Chicago Public School District students raised by single parents.
- Rhiannon plans to visit classrooms and provide free resources and a success plan curriculum.
- She emphasizes the importance of not letting single-parent status define one's future.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Road to Victory
- Rhiannon recounts the challenges she faced, including her car breaking down twice on the way to the competition.
- She relies on her preparation and community support to overcome obstacles.
- Rhiannon shares her talent, baton twirling, and the significance of her song choice, "Survivor" by Destiny's Child.
- She discusses the importance of slowing down during the competition to make a lasting impression.
Rhiannon's Emotional Moment of Victory
- Rhiannon describes the emotional moment of being crowned Miss Chicago.
- She reflects on the late nights and hard work that led to her victory.
- Rhiannon's mother's supportive and encouraging words during the competition are highlighted.
- Scott and Stacie express their admiration for Rhiannon's resilience and dedication.
Rhiannon's Future Plans and Legacy
- Rhiannon discusses her plans for the next year, including continuing her podcast and visiting public schools.
- She aims to inspire the next generation of students and provide them with the resources they need.
- Rhiannon shares her long-term goal of opening her own nonprofit for single parents.
- Scott and Stacie express their support and willingness to partner with Rhiannon in her future endeavors.
Rhiannon's Message to Single Parents and Students
- Rhiannon emphasizes the importance of not letting one's family background define their future.
- She encourages students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
- Rhiannon shares her experience of helping a high school student apply for scholarships and attend college.
- Scott and Stacie share their own experiences of helping single parents and students achieve their dreams.
Rhiannon's Personal Reflections and Aspirations
- Rhiannon reflects on her journey from a single-parent household to becoming Miss Chicago.
- She shares her motivation for competing in pageants and her long-term goal of becoming Miss Illinois.
- Rhiannon discusses her academic achievements and plans to pursue a master's degree in social work.
- Scott and Stacie express their pride in Rhiannon's accomplishments and support her future endeavors.
Rhiannon's Closing Thoughts and New Year's Resolutions
- Rhiannon shares her excitement for the upcoming Miss Illinois pageant and her commitment to working hard.
- She emphasizes the importance of staying organized and using a paper planner to manage her time.
- Rhiannon expresses her gratitude for Scott and Stacie's support and partnership.
- Scott and Stacie wish Rhiannon the best of luck in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued success.
