Crowns, Community & a Cause: Inside the Queens Tea Celebrating International Women's Day
On Sunday, March 8, 2026 — International Women's Day — something extraordinary unfolded in Keokuk, Iowa. The United USA National Pageant system welcomed guests, supporters, and titleholders to a special crowning ceremony and Queens Tea celebration that honored women's leadership, community, and purpose-driven advocacy.
The event marked the historic crowning of Ella Wilson as Miss Preteen Illinois United USA and Nichole Kraus of Keokuk as the first-ever Mrs. Elite Iowa United USA 2026. It was a day filled with elegance, empowerment, and the kind of sisterhood that reminds us why gatherings like these matter.
Trena Myers, Ms. Elite United USA, speaks to guests at the Queens Tea celebration in Keokuk, Iowa. Photo by Doug Ewing Photography.
A Homecoming with Purpose
The event was emceed by Trena Myers, formerly of Keokuk, who currently holds the national title of Ms. Elite United USA. Trena, who now resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area, returned to her hometown to help organize and lead this celebration — bringing with her a message rooted in rare disease awareness and the power of using your platform for good.
"My journey with rare disease has shaped my purpose. Through my nonprofit work and my initiative with Sunny the Rare Bear, we are working to bring visibility, compassion, and support to families living with rare conditions. Every time we tell our story, we help #MakeRareVisible."
Trena's advocacy platform, which she carries through her national title and her work with Rare Wish, has become a cornerstone of her legacy — proving that a crown is not just a symbol of achievement, but a vehicle for meaningful change.
A Benefit for Rare Wish: Donations Still Being Accepted
Beyond the crowning ceremony and celebration, the Queens Tea also served as a benefit event for Rare Wish (www.rarewish.org), Trena's nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting families affected by rare diseases.
The current campaign is raising funds to grant a wish to provide two car seats for a treatment center — a practical yet deeply meaningful contribution that helps families navigating the challenges of rare disease treatment get their children safely to and from the care they need.
Donations are still being accepted. If you were inspired by the Queens Tea or want to support this cause, visit www.rarewish.org to contribute. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to granting this wish and making a tangible difference in the lives of families who need it most.
Crowning New Leaders
The crowning ceremony was the centerpiece of the day. Nichole Kraus, a Keokuk native, was crowned Mrs. Elite Iowa United USA 2026 — the first woman to ever hold this title in the state. Her mission centers on women's wellness, breaking stigma, and creating empowering spaces for women to learn and grow.
"When I was crowned Mrs. Elite Iowa United USA, I felt overwhelming gratitude. There was a time in my life when I didn't understand my own body and felt broken because of it. Today, that experience fuels my passion for breaking the stigma around women's wellness and creating safe, empowering spaces where women can learn, laugh, and confidently own who they are."
Ella Wilson was also crowned Miss Preteen Illinois United USA, stepping into her own journey of leadership and community impact at a young age.
Celebrating Sisterhood on International Women's Day
Following the crowning ceremony, guests gathered for the Queens Tea — an elegant celebration held in honor of International Women's Day. The tea brought together women from across the region to celebrate leadership, purpose, and the bonds that form when women support one another.
"The tea party was a beautiful celebration of sisterhood, purpose, and community. International Women's Day reminds us that when women gather to support one another, extraordinary things can happen."
Nichole Kraus reflected on the significance of hosting the tea immediately after her crowning:
"Hosting the International Women's Day Tea Party right after my crowning was incredibly meaningful. It was a beautiful way to celebrate not only the honor of the title, but also the power of women coming together to uplift and support one another."
National Titleholders in Attendance
The event drew national titleholders from across the country, including Mrs. United USA Jessica Hopper-Landrum of Indiana, who traveled with her husband, and Miss Preteen United USA Pressley, who traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, with her parents. National directors Buddy and Naomi Jones were also present for the celebration and crowning ceremony.
The United USA National Pageant system, led by the Jones family, focuses on empowering women and girls across ten divisions — from Tiny Miss through Ms., Mrs., and Elite categories. The system emphasizes leadership, community service, and personal development.
Community Support Made It Possible
The Queens Tea was made possible through the generosity of local sponsors and supporters, including The Hawkeye Restaurant, Stan's Bakery, Sweet Sally's, Hy-Vee, Hair Designers, Sneezy Beaver, The Grand Theatre, Lake Cooper Foundation, Montebello Gardens, Lang Enterprises, Kraus & Son Heating and Air, Brotherton Home Inspection, Cre8tive Agency, and Doug Ewing Photography.
Their support is a testament to the strength of the Keokuk community and the shared belief that investing in women's leadership creates ripple effects that benefit everyone.
Support Rare Wish Today
The Queens Tea may have concluded, but the mission continues. Donations to Rare Wish are still being accepted to help provide two car seats for a treatment center — ensuring families affected by rare diseases can safely transport their children to the care they deserve.
Donate now at www.rarewish.org
Together, we can make rare visible, grant wishes that matter, and build a legacy of compassion and community.
As featured in the Daily Gate City.