Executive Directors
Miss Northern Lakes | Miss Northern Lakes' Outstanding TEEN Executive Director Heather Lata
I am very excited to be the Executive Director for Miss Northern Lakes. I have over 13 years experience as a dancer and competitive gymnastics. In addition to my performing arts background pageantry was a part of my life growing up.
Service is one of the points of the Miss America crown, and I feel strongly about reaching out to the community and providing outreach to children and their families. I am truly passionate about early education and making a difference. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and reinforcing the titleholders individual social impact initiatives.
As Miss Northern Lakes Director I have the honor in partnering with the two Directors who are just as dedicated as myself. My first experience with the Miss America Organization was when I had the the opportunity to judge at a 2015 North Jersey Triple crown Pageant. I witnessed first hand how dedicated, intelligent and poised these contestants are that are running to be the next Miss New Jersey and furthermore the dream to become Miss America. I intend to inspire these titleholders to be what they dare to achieve. I am determined to be their backbone and most importantly someone that believes in them. Success is very powerful and with the right support system in place it can drive Miss Northern Lakes or any of the triple crown winners exactly to where they need to be. It is with pride that I am a part of this organization and can support the young woman that are the upcoming leaders in our society.
Miss North Jersey | Miss North Jersey's Outstanding TEEN
Executive Director Anne Sturmfels
My role as a Director is one dear to my heart because I have spent the last year watching my daughter mentor and advocate for her own titleholders. I have already been very involved with the organization for the last 2 years by volunteering at Miss New Jersey local pageants. My first experience was when I was a host in 2015 for a local triple. Ever since then I have been a host each year. My commitment doesn't stop there; I have also attended other locals within the organization. In addition, I have continuously helped prepare the Northern Scholarship Program titleholders by sitting on the panel for mock interviews and finding new appearances for them to attend. I did this because I found joy in supporting the titleholders. I have had the chance to witness firsthand just how dedicated, intelligent and poised these contestants that are running to be the next Miss New Jersey are and I would be privileged to work with them on their journey to become the next Miss America.
For the last 4 years I have been a Teacher’s Aide at the Chester M. Stephens Elementary school in Morris County. I have also been work at my full time job for the last 20 years. These positions display my long lasting work ethic and dedication. My background includes color guard for 4 years, as well as, a ballet and tap dancer for 15 years. Performing just naturally runs in the family. My first daughter did competitive dancing for 13 years and my youngest competes for all star competitive cheerleading-- I can recognize talent and hard work pretty quickly! As their mentor, I will be there along the way to motivate them. More importantly, I want to be there for my titleholder and help her reach her goals, advocate for her, and join her in raising awareness about her platform.
I think one of the biggest reasons I wanted to become the new Executive Director for Miss North Jersey is that we are bringing the North back! I know the interest in bringing more competitions to the North is something that the board has discussed and wants to move forward with. I feel that adding an additional title to compete in the Miss New Jersey pageant is a benefit because they can be involved in our community and participate in hometown events. As a program it will really help with spreading the word in the Northern Region about the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation.
Miss Northern Highlands
Executive Director Terry Karns
The first pageant, as we referred to it back then, that I ever planned and held was in 1964. I directed the Miss Navy Pensacola Pageant in accordance with Miss America Rules and regulations. This event was a huge success and one that I am proud to say started my journey for years to follow. I am confident since having many years under my belt and with my skill set that I can contribute the the Northern Scholarship Program and their ongoing growth.
In addition, I have volunteered in various pageants as Publicity Chairman, Judges Chair, Judge and all around general flunkie. I enjoyed every one of those specific roles and responsibilities; no matter how big or small it was. Since I have had the opportunity to understand each of these tasks I know that with the new Miss America 2.0 guidelines I can ensure a smooth transition because of my experience in the past within the organization. This is because I know that the root of this organization lies with the commitment and service that the candidates represent within their communities both on and of the stage. Promoting a Social Impact is a crucial part of their work in the organization and I intend to help find them appearances and events to coincide with their individual missions.
Furthermore, besides being involved with running the competition itself I have also served on many mock Interview panels over the years. I know what is expected of me as a Executive Director and will take on this rewarding experience with great pride.
In the past, I ran Miss Gateway & Miss Tri-County for a number of years in the late 90's and early 2000's and started the Miss Northern Lakes title in the early 2000's as we wanted to host a triple. I would be honored to come onto the team as the Miss Northern Highlands Executive Director. I have worked with many of the current Directors over the years and enjoyed those relationships that I have formed.
Currently, I am married to Willadene Karns for 57 years and look forward to many more. We have recently sold our home and are moving to the Woodmont West Luxury Apts in July. We have three grown daughters, all of whom have competed over the years. One daughter won enough prize money to mostly pay for her Masters Degree. She competed in NJ, Louisiana and Texas. We love to travel, but also love to help with the Miss America System as we have seen first hand how it helps young women. Being a Director in the North part of Jersey for me is dear to my heart, and I share the same ambitions as the other two Directions in this program. Heather Lata, Anne Sturmfels and myself are looking forward to a strong year ahead.
