THE QUEEN BEHIND THE CROWN

Waltisa Jones | Ms. Black International Ambassador North Carolina 2026

More Than a Crown. A Purpose Beyond the Title.

For me, wearing a crown has never been about being above anyone. It's about having another opportunity to reach someone, encourage someone, and use my voice for something greater than myself.

I am a mother, a United States Army veteran, an author, a model, and a woman who has experienced her own share of life's storms.

My journey has taught me that strength doesn't always look like standing tall. Sometimes it looks like getting through another difficult day, asking for help, or finding the courage to begin again.

Through my title and my platform, Grace Through the Storm™, I hope to remind others that their circumstances do not determine their worth, their struggles do not erase their purpose, and they do not have to face life's challenges alone.

 

GRACE THROUGH THE STORM™

You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.

     Grace Through the Storm™ was born from personal experience, particularly my journey as a mother caring for a child with serious kidney disease, while navigating my own emotional challenges and life's unexpected hardships.

     I know what it's like to be the person everyone depends on while quietly carrying worries, fears, and exhaustion that others may never see.

     I also know what it means to keep showing up, even when you don't have all the answers.

     That is the heart of Grace Through the Storm.

Grace represents compassion, patience, forgiveness, and the understanding that we don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love and support.

     The Storm represents the challenges that can shake our lives: illness, grief, mental health struggles, caregiving responsibilities, financial hardship, and the moments when hope feels difficult to hold on to.

     Together, Grace Through the Storm represents the courage to keep moving forward while extending compassion to ourselves and others along the way.

     It is not about pretending life is easy. It is about making sure people know they don't have to walk through the difficult parts alone.

 

WHAT WE STAND FOR

     We believe that every person deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported, especially during life's most challenging seasons.

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Our advocacy focuses on

     Childhood Kidney Disease Awareness: Bringing greater attention to children living with kidney disease and the families navigating treatment, dialysis, transplantation, and long-term care.

     Mental Health Awareness: Encouraging open conversations about depression, anxiety, emotional well-being, and the importance of seeking support without shame.

     Caregiver Recognition and Support: Acknowledging the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by parents and caregivers who often put their own needs last.

     Family and Community Empowerment: Helping individuals and families discover resources, build supportive relationships, and feel less isolated during difficult circumstances.

     Literacy, Encouragement, and Youth Development: Using storytelling, books, and positive engagement to help children understand emotions, practice kindness, and develop resilience.

 

HOW WE HOPE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Our vision is to turn compassion into action.

Through Grace Through the Storm™, we are working toward meaningful opportunities to serve individuals, children, caregivers, and families in our communities.

Our efforts and goals include community outreach, children's book donations, care packages, educational workshops, mental health awareness activities, caregiver support initiatives, and partnerships with schools, hospitals, and community organizations.

We may not be able to change every circumstance, but we can help change how someone experiences it.

Sometimes that begins with a listening ear, an encouraging word, a resource, or simply knowing someone cares.

 

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MISSION

I don't share my story because I have overcome every obstacle or figured everything out.

I share it because I haven't.

I am still learning, still healing, still growing, and still finding my way through some of life's challenges.

But I have learned that even in difficult seasons, there is room for kindness, hope, purpose, and grace.

If my experiences can help another mother feel understood, encourage a caregiver to care for themselves, or remind someone struggling emotionally that they matter, then sharing my journey has meaning.

My crown represents an opportunity to serve. My platform represents the reason I choose to do so.

And my message will always remain the same:

You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.

With grace and purpose,

Waltisa Jones

Ms. Black International Ambassador North Carolina 2026

Founder, Grace Through the Storm™