Shannon Bingham

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” ... One of the core pillars of my life is serving. Since I was a young child I served my community, whether it was organizing blood drives, teaching VBS at 16, helping neighbors in need, volunteering at the local care center or a camp counselor at various camps, it has always been something that drives my spirit. As an adult, I have continued on a life of service. As a business owner, we give back to the community in various ways, and encourage our staff to do so as well. We volunteer at our local church as a family and we donate to several organizations that are special to us! I still volunteer at various events, none of which pay is requested. I have recently become an adopted family mentor through the Nebraska children’s home as well. Some thing that I hold, dear to my heart. It is special to me and I always hope it inspires others to do the same! As Mrs International, I will continue my quest of service! It is natural for me and will be no transition at all. I hold high value in service and serving others, and will continue to do so long past a crown. Cover photo by @jenpfeff Some organizations highlighted: @nechildrenshome @releaseomaha @heartofachildministries @dreamcityomaha @avasarmy4 @crohnscolitisfoundation @kirstenhaglundfoundation @faithstaska memorial @thehopecenterforkids Global Women’s Forum, Omaha Leaders, @projectharmony @ymcafremont @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #AdoptionIsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #Foster #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Omaha #Nebraska #CouncilBluffs #Iowa #Midwest #WomenInspiringWomen #OmahaNebraska #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

Embracing the power of change and compassion as I passionately advocate for adoption and policy reform to create a brighter future for kids. 🌟✨ We all have the ability to impact policy, an advocate for the causes that we are passionate about. Whether it is testifying in front of a Senate committee hearing on a piece of legislation, or being a part of the proclamation by a governor to announce adoption awareness month for the state that we live in it is imperative to be involved! Adopt, advocate, reform. 💙💚 Did you know? 🤍Over 140 million children worldwide are orphans in need of a loving home. 🤍Adoption provides a second chance at life, offering a forever family to those in need. You can affect change! Impact lives. Get involved! Some video by @ninetysixoak Cover photo by @jenpfeff @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #AdoptionIsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #Foster #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Omaha #Nebraska #CouncilBluffs #Iowa #Midwest #WomenInspiringWomen #OmahaNebraska #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

As Mrs Midwest International, one way I have been bringing my platform to the forefront is through EDUCATION. I do this by educational talks at schools and with various organizations, using my social media platforms and YouTube, and through various media opportunities. As an adoption advocate and adoptive family mentor, I have been fueled with a desire to be a voice for adoptive children and families around the world. Adoption connects us all according to Eph 1:5. We all know someone that is adopted, and by creating more awareness through education we begin to encourage a more positive, uplifting and encouraging conversation about adoption! For every 1 child born there are over 40 families waiting to adopt which is why educating that adoption IS an option will open the doors of conversation that it is a viable and available option for a pregnant mother and allow families who are considering adoption to feel supported and unashamed of their journey. The mission behind the global movement of Adoption is an Option is to increase awareness about adoption AS an option, educate, advocate, open up healthy conversation about adoption, and to bring awareness to this life changing decision @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #AdoptionIsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #Foster #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Omaha #Nebraska #CouncilBluffs #Iowa #Midwest #WomenInspiringWomen #OmahaNebraska #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

Send-Off Party!!!!! Sunday was absolutely amazing filled with many friends and family as I get ready to go off to the International pageants in just a few weeks! Thank you for all who came out and special shout out to everyone who brought school supplies for the backpack I’m taking to Kingsport for Girls, Inc. ( @girlsinckpt ), to Chef Nickie ( @chef1173 )and her daughter Aurora ( @princessro05 ) for the incredible food, to AJ for the wine from @vinomasomaha and also to Haley (@haleyrose.hair ) for being an incredible host. Sponsors: Host Coffee @hostcoffeeservice Central Athletics @centralathleticsia The Hub @thehubcb @thehubtrampolinepark Old Market Emporium @oldmarketemporium Hearts and Fire @heartsandfire Omaha Steaks @omahasteaks Ninety Six Oak Photography @ninetysixoak @jenpfeff Photography Edge Magazine @edgemagazineomaha Seven Salon @sevensalon Creative Factory @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 #FunFact (s) about me Why not post a couple! •I am a photographer! While my chosen career may be cosmetology, my first business venture was photography! I got my first camera when I was 13 years old and began shooting in high school! I shot both film and digital and shot my first wedding when I was 23! I still shoot this day! • I have been in two demolition derbies at our county fair and placing fourth out of eight both times! •I have been an International traveling haircutting/salon mentorship educator/platform artist for nearly 25 years for two major manufacturers and solo as well! I have CONNECTIONS and salon friends and partner all over the world! •Anyone that knows me knows my fascination, knowledge and love for MIDWEST storms! At one point, I wanted to enter the field of meteorology and weather observation, however, I chose a different path. I became a trained National Weather Service Storm Spotter for two years in the city of Omaha. To this day storms stop me in my tracks. Hope you enjoy! Please feel free to share comments if you have experienced any of these with me! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest

The surprise opening number dress by @ashleylauren and fitness wear arrived today from Ashley Rene Prom and Pageant and I COULDN’T BE MORE THRILLED! Thank you to this incredible sponsor @ashleyrenes !!!!! I can’t WAIT to rock these on stage in Kingsport in 24 days!!!!! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 #TuesdayMotivation When speaking in front of an audience, I am mindful in preparation and strong with the delivery. As a requested Key Note speaker, we have a responsibility to leave the audience with something more than in which they came. I consider it a high honor to be able to speak in front of others, and making an impact is the goal. I love inspiring, aging, and connecting with the audience. I have spoken in front of audiences whether it’s an education or speaking engagements for nearly 24 years. Happy Tuesday! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 #PageantpPrep Pageant prep at age 46 is all about self preservation, igniting, passion, and competing with yourself to be the best version of you! Here are some of the things that have been so important to me during this season of prepping for the International Pageant this month! 🎯 Fitness Lifestyle Increasing my focus in my daily workout routine has been pivotal and shifting my body to be pageant ready. Increasing cardio, upping protein and carb intake, and increasing reps with weights has been key for me to feel strong in body and mind. 🎯 Practice Whether it’s taping my speech to the steering wheel, working intensely with an incredible coach, working through mock interviews, or working my platform…all of these things add up to reps, and reps equals reward! 🎯Self Care and Self Talk Comparison is the thief of joy, and working on your inward self is so key to mindset! Mindset is something that can make or break a candidate, and can also be a huge factor in your daily life! 🎯Balance Working to maintain balance during this time becomes more difficult the closer it is to the pageant. Prioritizing your family and faith become absolutely imperative to keeping a balanced life! Pageants aren’t for everyone, but if you find yourself inclined to do one in which I’m so glad I did, prep is absolutely key! Shout out to. @teamslapp for the killer cap. TS! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 Day 8 #Sponsor Shoutout I am so excited to be back in the beautiful city of Kingsport, Tennessee in just a little over three weeks for the Mrs. International Pageant. One thing that is so special about this organization is the incredible sponsors such as Sandbar Spray Tanning, Ashley Rene’s Prom and Pageant, AshleyLauren, Constantine James Co, LJ Custom Jewelry Design, and Be International Coaching and many more. I have had the opportunity to work with several last year and looking forward and so grateful to be working with even more of the sponsors this year! Thank you to ALL of the sponsors who make this pageant so fantastic. Also shout out to some of my local Midwest sponsors Host Coffee, Omaha Steaks, Old Market Emporium, Central Athletics, Foxy Hobbit Art, Hearts and Fire, @edgemagazineomaha , Creative Factory, Seven Salon + Boutique, Kristin at Faces Spa, Ninetysix Oak Photography, Cartering2You, and Jen Pfeffer Photography. And lastly, thank you to the city of Kingsport, Tennessee and the Meadowview Marriott Conference Center and Resort for hosting this incredible pageant for the 5th year in a row. 👏🏼👏🏼 Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, what a fine pageant you have curated. @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 Day 7 #GRWM ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Success is not a habit but an action’ Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to the Omaha Leaders group about Powerful Habits. Number 6 on my list was ‘Be Consistent’. Incorporating these daily actions not only will ‘center’ someone, but sets one up for a successful day. Here are some of the bullet points from this specific yet simple actions that I practice. •Pray/read devotionals •Workout •Make Your Bed •Balanced Breakfast/coffee •Do one thing that brings you joy every day. Although my daily routine can vary from time to time, and also includes hair and make up, I have found that when I get ready with these action steps that I feel the most fulfilled for the journey the day will bring to me! If you are interested in knowing the rest of the actions and habits from this speech, please feel free to DM me! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 My Platform #MyWhy I am an adoptive mother, adoptive family mentor and an adoption advocate. My platform is Adoption As An Option. After adopting my son, Seth, 17 years ago, a passion began in me to advocate for this incredible life-changing decision! At my core, I am about service. Service to the community and to the things that I love and believe in! I have had incredible opportunities to speak about my platform, including what you see in this video. This was the day that the governor of the great state of Nebraska signed a proclamation stating that November will be forever recognized as Adoption Awareness Month. Also an adoptive parent, he recognized the great impact that adoption can have on communities and families. My ‘why’ is simple. I want to make an impact. 🎯 I do this by empowering families, believing in people and propelling them to their destiny to the best of my ability. This includes my family, my friends and anyone who I am able to reach. Here is a quote from someone whom I had met through my daughter‘s cheer gym: ‘Five years ago, we embarked on a journey with the sole purpose of providing a child with the love and attention they deserved, using all the love we had to offer. Unsure of where to begin, we were fortunate to meet Shannon, who had already navigated the process and guided us in the right direction. Shannon’s encouragement and dedication to adoption, as seen through her own blessed son, inspired us to work together as a team to share the joy of adoption. We are grateful for Shannon’s guidance and for being an incredible and motivating mother figure to those seeking to adopt and share their love with a child in need.’ -Starr Hobbs I am honored to influence, guide and inspire prayerfully. Adoption IS an Option Some video by @ninetysixoak @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #Adoption #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report

👑 Countdown to the Crown 👑 Day 5 “How I Met my Husband” #MyHusband “WHAT WE FIND IN A SOULMATE IS NOT SOMETHING WILD TO TAME, BUT SOMETHING WILD TO RUN WITH.” - Robert Brault My husband, Kurt, and I have known each other way longer than when we actually began dating. The story is a bit unbelievable. Each of my two sisters dated EACH of his two brothers (and one of those sets got married!). He stood up for my brother in law (his brother) as the best man and I stood up for my sister in 2009 as a bridesmaid! So…we knew of each other but never began a relationship until 2012! And we lived in two different states! When I went out to Des Moines, Iowa one night to spend some time with my sister and brother-in-law we had invited Kurt out to join. He declined at first until he found out I was there. Then he showed up in a rather short amount of time. My sister brought it to my attention that he liked me, which I was clueless to, and i couldn’t ignore it after that. We quickly began to see each other, which swiftly led to an engagement after a year and a half of dating, and a wedding by 2015. And you know it, the two of them that were married both stood up for us at our wedding! We both own businesses and we are always up for any adventure. We have many goals, travel plans and future aspirations we continue to set together as we build this adventure we call married life! @intlpageants #MrsIntl2024 #2024IntlCountdown #AdoptionAsAnOption #TheAdoptionConnection #Adoption #AdoptiveParent #BeAFoster #MrsInternational #MrsInternational2024 #IntlPageants #JourneytoMrsIintl #MrsMidwestInternational #MrsMidwestInternational2024 #Midwest #MrsIntl @mrspageantry @mrspageanthq @mrs_pageant_worldwide_report