NM CliQ Magazine August 2015 | Page 6

Ms. Woman United States 2015 Albuquerque’s Own... A N N I T T R A AT L E R On Friday, July 24, 2015, Annittra Atler, the reigning Ms. Woman New Mexico United States, was crowned Ms. Woman United States 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annittra, as Ms. Woman NMUS, thin herself fortunate to be involved with an organization that emphasizes values, recognizes achievements, social and civic involvement and the hard work of women who seek to improve the lives of others. This organization has a tradition of spotlighting positive role models for today’s young people, which is something she strives to do on a daily basis as an Elementary School Principal. She is the embodiment of the Ms. Woman United States Organization, as well as a native New Mexican who is willing to take a leadership role throughout her community. Annittra has had the opportunity to be more visible as a school principal and express her passion for expanding programs that support children in need. Poverty is an issue that more and more of our nation’s children are coming face to face with and the price that these children-of-poverty must pay is unbelievably high. Although poverty in education is not a new concept, Annittra’s actions to address that problem are making a difference. She has spent her time as part of this organization working towards building better lives for children in poverty. Her efforts have been to create supports that address hunger and the need for clothing. She has focused on creating a School Backpack Program and a Food Pantry. The school backpack program is designed to help children get the nutritious and easyto-prepare food they need to get enough to eat on the weekends. The school-based pantry is a grant and donation-funded food distribution location, situated on the grounds of the school. This makes it an easily accessible source of food assistance to low-income students and their families. Currently, this location is receiving and distributing 2,500 lbs. of food per month. In her own words, “The Ms. Woman United States Pageant celebrates strong, committed women, along with helping to develop and refine attributes that will assist me to continue being a role model for others.” 6 NM CliQ Magazine | August 2015 Photo: NoraSue Photography