Annie Ackerman-Brown is a Client Sales Executive for a leading digital banking technology company and the reigning 2023 Mrs. USA Prime Division 4. She has been in banking most of her career while spending the last 10 years in the fintech space.
One of the biggest challenges Annie has faced was losing her son to Suicide.
Annie says, “There is nothing that can prepare a parent to losing a child, especially to Suicide.” Kess is my son by marriage and I was blessed to help parent him for over half of his life. One of the biggest challenges I have faced since losing my son is the guilt and shame that comes with losing a loved one to Suicide. I have spent the last 5 years healing and letting go of the notion that it was my fault for Kess losing hope.
Fueled by the desire to help families and advocate for teen mental health, Annie and her husband co-founded the nonprofit BlessedbyKess Rest & Rejuvenate. Annie says, “My husband and I did lot of soul searching to understand the contributing factors to Kess losing hope. Stress and anxiety played a huge part in his overall mental health. We decided to provide the necessary tools to help kids with self care and awareness of stress anxiety.” We provide 4D massage chairs, aromatherapy, weighted blankets and other element stimuli in schools. By having these tools readily available in the schools give kids an immediate resource to tap into to reduce stress and anxiety.
Annie and her husband are driven by keeping the memory of Kess alive by partnering with schools and non-profits to get them to see the importance mental health services for our youth. Annie says, “By far one of the biggest challenges we have experienced with our service is education and getting organizations to view mental health in a different light within the schools. There is a disconnect with what the educational system thinks kids need and what kids actually need. We have learned through our existing high school suites kids are visiting frequently as well as teachers and staff.”
In 2024, Annie is looking forward to her reign this coming year to help grow Prime Pageants. She says, “I am looking forward to adding more relaxation suites in our schools and nonprofits. She is most looking forward to working towards retiring in the next 6-8 years. Most of all, Annie wants to let all women know you are never too old to go after your dreams and to explore new things!! Finally I AM destined to be everything that I dreamed of being!!
If you want to know more about BlessedbyKess or to follow this amazing woman during her reign, you can reach out to her at Annie.ackerbrown.prime@gmail.com, or follow her on FB at Mrs. USA Prime Division 4-Reigning Titleholder Annie Ackerman-Brown