Pageant Queen, Activist and Scholar: Gloria Combs
Gloria Combs is an Indiana native who wears many hats. She is a new wife, a mother, national pageant queen, and dean-list scholar attending Indiana University School of Social Work. She is also a plus size fashion enthusiast and an adult learner advocate. Gloria was first introduced to the pageant world in 2016. Since then, she has used her platform to inspire adult learners across the nation. She was crowned in 2019 as the overall high point winner, American Beauties Plus Elite 2019-2020. Her platform is A.L.E.R.T. is dear to her heart. This unique acronym signifies adult, learners, educated, restored, and transformed. Her mission is to connect adult students to resources that make their educational opportunities more accessible through, volunteerism and mentorship. For her dedication to adult learners, she will be honored with the prestigious ( PVSA) Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award for volunteering over 4000 hours of community service.
In her work, Gloria has helped to connect dozens of students to nearly $800,000 in scholarships. Her platform has now become her "Brand Beyond the Crown." On December 1, 2020, The National Calendar Day Association observed August 10th as National Adult Learner Day. When Gloria is not working to make a change in the world of education, she uses her crown in the community to encourage others. With limited appearance opportunities due to the pandemic, Gloria was inspired to continue her reign and empower plus size women to feel beautiful in the skin they are in. She opened her pageant closet which later developed into, Glo’s Glam Closet By Gloria Marie, LLC. Her fashion-forward outfits, dresses, and accessories provided plus-size women the opportunity to shop for less in the trendiest styles.
“Education is the fuel that ignites the fire to spark a passion that will never die.”
-Gloria Combs
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