BY KIRSTEN

 

The view from the contest stage: Ditching bikinis will let the true power of Miss America shine

New York Daily News | June 05, 2018

If we are going to measure health and well-being, let us not measure it based on how a woman looks in minimal clothing or an evening gown completely out of the budget range for most college students. Let us base it (not measure it) on her character. On her leadership qualifications and accomplishments. Furthermore, on her compassion, kindness and community service mindset; on her inclusivity and her strength of spirit.

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Why Donald Trump’s fat-shaming hurts: A former Miss America who struggled with an eating disorder explains

New York Daily News | September 29, 2016

I am not supporting Hillary Clinton for President. In fact, most of my life I have identified as conservative or “conservatarian,” a blend of conservatism and libertarianism common among my generation of millennials.

But the rehashing of Donald Trump’s cruel, fat-shaming behavior toward Alicia Machado, the 1996 Miss Universe, has wounded me greatly — and convinced me yet again why Trump must not be President.

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How Can Women Succeed In Business And Find Meaning In Life? Banish The Beauty Ideal
Forbes.com Interview  |  October 23, 2013

I recently caught up with Kirsten (18-months after our first meeting) — we talked about “what’s new” including her graduation from Emory University, what needs to be fixed in the world, what she’s doing to fix it and how I can help. Our conversation naturally started with the fight against eating disorders. 

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My Springtime: Kirsten’s Eating Disorder Recovery Story
Timberline Knolls Treatment Blog  |  February 29, 2012

I think we love spring because it gives us a feeling of hope – rebirth, reawakening, and resurrection.  Out of the dark and the cold of winter, every year, without fail, colors and life are born anew.  I believe that subconsciously, this anticipated change of season resonates deeply within every soul as it is the metaphor of life.

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It's Not About Miley Cyrus. It's About Our Culture.
Blog Her  |  August 27, 2014

To begin, it is important to recognize that in its history, MTV has long been out for ratings, publicity, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered tasteful far more than it has been for promoting good values or showcasing talent. The network has taken the proverbial PR cake with the latest Miley Cyrus “performance.”

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Changing Hearts & Minds: The Power of Pathos and Logos in the Fight Against Weight Stigma
Blog Her  |  September 27, 2013

A few years ago I found myself sharing another special moment with the Miss America Organization as I was introduced to Kirsten Haglund, during her reign as Miss America, at Harvard University in 2008. We were both there as guest speakers to bring awareness to Eating Disorders as a public health priority. 

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Feeling Brave? Run Away From Routine.
Blog Her  |  September 12, 2013

I love to run, but usually in a climate-controlled environment, on a treadmill, with music blasting in my ears. However, on a recent trip, I wasn’t able to get to a gym, so decided to hit the pavement outside instead. I thought that running outside wouldn’t be much different, and certainly not any less enjoyable than my “norm,” but boy, was I wrong! 

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It's Fashion Week! And You're Not On the List.
Blog Her  |  September 10, 2013

Lincoln Center is buzzing with glitz and glamour; it’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Tickets are notoriously hard to score to the 350 shows taking place in just nine days – that is, unless you are an industry insider: that’s what gives this elite event its mojo.

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Beauty and Brains: Empowerment through the Unconventional
Kirsten Haglund Blog |  June 18, 2013

In light of the current controversy swirling around the Miss USA competition on Sunday night, and Miss Utah’s unfortunate answer to her final question, I would like to offer a few thoughts.The media has once again latched on to a recent pageant “gaffe” that occurred during the oft-feared final question portion of the Miss USA Pageant on Sunday.

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Why I Walk? Speak Up and Speak Out: Finding My Voice in Recovery
Huffington Post  |  October 4, 2013

More than 1,200 people -- registrants hailing from Boston to D.C. -- will be walking in the National Eating Disorder Association's fifth annual NEDA Walk, Save a Life fundraiser in New York City this coming weekend (Oct. 6). I walk because I suffered from -- and survived the horror, depression and isolation of -- anorexia.

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National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Get in the Know
Huffington Post  |  February 24, 2014

"I Had No Idea" is the theme of the 27th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is Feb. 23 -- March 1. Ask anyone. Most people suffering from eating disorders are young, wealthy, Caucasian women. And you can't be too rich or too thin, right? Wrong.

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