Bio

Shaunie Cousins is a mother of eight, a military wife, and a nationally recognized pageant queen who leads with purpose, heart, and resilience. A survivor of 15 years of domestic abuse, she rebuilt her life and created Rise & Reign, a platform rooted in service, sisterhood, and sustainable strength. Her movement includes Let Live, a bold initiative that champions body autonomy, confidence, and the freedom to choose self-expression without shame. With nearly two decades in human services and nonprofit leadership, Shaunie empowers others to rise above adversity and reclaim their worth. She also serves as a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish and a Key Spouse in her husband’s Air Force unit, roles that deepen her commitment to service. As a pageant queen, Shaunie uses her crown as a microphone, not a spotlight, amplifying stories that need to be heard. She leads with courage, parents with compassion, and shows others that rising is always possible.

Parenting Philosophy

My parenting philosophy is grounded in grace, adaptability, and unconditional love. As a mom of eight in a beautifully blended family, I’ve learned that parenting doesn’t come with a universal rulebook and it certainly isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each child brings their own personality, needs, and story into our home, and my role as both a biological and bonus mom has shown me the beauty in embracing that uniqueness. In our house, we lead with presence, not perfection. I believe in structure, yes, but also softness. We talk about feelings. We hold space for hard days. We celebrate small wins. I’m a firm believer that parenting is not about control, it’s about connection. Kids don’t need to be molded into who we think they should be; they need to feel safe enough to become who they truly are. Blending a family isn’t always easy. It takes patience, humility, and a deep commitment to unity over ego. As a bonus mom, I don’t try to replace; I try to reinforce. I show up, I support, and I love without conditions or expectations. I also model resilience. My children have witnessed me rise from hardship, navigate healing, and build a life rooted in purpose. I teach them that courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing to love, lead, and try again anyway. In our home, parenting is a team effort, love is expansive, and growth is always the goal. We may not do it perfectly, but we do it together, with open hearts and open hands.

Motherhood and Community

Becoming a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish is one of the newest and most meaningful chapters in my life. Though I’ve just begun this journey, the mission speaks directly to my heart: bringing hope, joy, and a sense of magic to children facing critical illness. It’s a powerful reminder that impact isn’t always loud; it’s often found in quiet moments of connection. Even in its early stages, this role has already shifted my perspective and reinforced the kind of compassion I want to model for my children. That same spirit of support is reflected in my ongoing role as a Key Spouse within my husband’s Air Force Reserve unit. I walk alongside other military families as they navigate deployments, transitions, and life’s unexpected turns, offering steady guidance, emotional connection, and access to resources. It’s a role built on trust and empathy. Behind the scenes, it has shaped my leadership, strengthened our own family, and taught my children the power of showing up for others, especially when it’s not glamorous. Pageantry has brought these values to life in a very public way. Through Rise & Reign, my platform for service and leadership, I’ve led statewide initiatives, mentored women across systems, and launched Let Live, a movement that promotes body autonomy and confidence without shame. Competing isn’t about titles. It’s about using the stage to serve, speak boldly, and inspire others to do the same. Each of these experiences has shaped who I am and how I lead. They’ve strengthened my home, expanded my heart, and affirmed my belief that leadership, at its core, is love in action.