Meet Mackenzie...
Mackenzie McCommon
Title: Miss Forest Festival
Social Impact Initiative: Breast Cancer Awareness and Education
Talent: Dancing
Age: 19
Hometown: Toone, TN
University of Tennessee at Martin
Hi! My name is Mackenzie McCommon, and I am representing Hardeman County as Miss Forest Festival. I am a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and a member of the UTM Dance Team. My major is Business Management, and I plan to pursue a career in Human Resources. My social initiative is Breast Cancer Awareness and Education. Since 1 out of every 8 women will be affected by breast cancer at some point of their life, I feel it is imperative to make sure women are aware of the risk factors and for them to know that early detection is the key. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, as well as my great-aunt. This made me aware of how important it is to stay informed and to get a yearly mammogram. Breast Cancer Awareness / Prevention is also the philanthropy for my sorority. Zeta Tau Alpha is passionate about raising awareness and supporting women who are survivors. Competing in Miss Tennessee has given me many opportunities to share my platform. Attending our local Holiday Mart was my favorite event. It allowed me to meet so many survivors. At my booth, I passed out breast cancer awareness pens, buttons, and informative flyers. I realized just how many people have been affected in my small community alone. Every one of us will experience someone we love having to battle this disease. Hearing the stories from these survivors affirmed my decision of picking breast cancer as my social initiative. The brave women I met left me feeling humbled and honored to speak on their behalf.