Chester County Leadership: Valerie Ross

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After beating cancer, Valerie Ross, the reigning Mrs. Chester County, created the “You Are Beautiful Project,” a nonprofit that works with at-risk children to help them overcome their difficult situations and troubled pasts by helping them feel beautiful and truly worthy of someone’s love.

By Roger Richardson

Valerie Ross, the reigning Mrs. Chester County, speaks with CCCBI’s Roger Richardson about growing up in Laguna Beach, moving to Chester County to attend nursing school, trying and not liking pageantry when she was 17 and then jumping back into the pageantry scene at the urging of Mrs. Delaware two yeas ago, her battle with cancer and her “You Are Beautiful Project” nonprofit to help at-risk children overcome their difficult situations and troubled pasts by helping them feel beautiful and truly worthy of someone’s love.

Where were you born?

I was born in Laguna Beach, CA, a small beach-community. It’s a nice, eclectic, artsy place. Very beautiful. I attended Dana Hills High School and I was kind of a theatre nerd. I sang in jazz choir and performed in musicals every chance I got. I loved it, I loved performing. I was a quiet kid and struggled with confidence when I was younger so performing helped me to grow out of that. It felt good to be a part of something and feel like I fit in with a group. To this day, I still love to sing.

When did you move to Chester County?

Shortly after my mother passed away, my best friend invited me to come visit for Thanksgiving. My first thought was “wow, it’s so green here” quite a shock from the beaches I was used to. Right away I noticed such a different culture. The east coast is rich with history, all 4 seasons, and great schools. I love California, but this was just so different and it really appealed to me.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? Now?

Growing up I listened to anything from Whitney Houston to Motley Crue. I have an appreciation for all music types and always have. I really listen to lyrics and appreciate the depth of a song and it’s meaning.

Valerie competing for Miss Orange County when she was 17. "I didn't like the experience."
Valerie competing for Miss Orange County when she was 17. “I didn’t like the experience.”

How did you get into pageantry?

When I was 17 I competed for Miss Orange County. I didn’t love it and thought maybe pageantry just wasn’t for me. To be honest I did not expect to be involved in pageantry ever again. Looking back, I think I was just too young and inexperienced and wasn’t prepared.

How did you become Mrs. Chester County?

My involvement with the Mrs. Pennsylvania competition was very much by happenstance. After sharing my story and the story of my non-profit with Mrs. Delaware 2016 (1st runner up), she suggested taking my platform to the Mrs. PA America Pageant. My first reaction was, no way! I could never do that. But then I thought, why not? The organization and the kids that we work with deserve me putting it all out there for them. I applied, and was then elected Mrs. Chester County by the executive committee for the pageant.

What are the requirements to be Mrs. Chester County?

You must be married. 26 to 50 years-old, and make at least two public appearances per month that benefit or engage your community in a positive way. I try to work with local organizations like the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry or My City Gives.

Valerie Ross
A California transplant, Valerie Ross views Chester County as a, “perfect mix of rural, suburban, and urban.”

What makes you proud to call Chester County home?

I am so proud to live and work here, the people are kind and welcoming, the schools are great, my children both had great educational experiences. I am proud to call Chester County home for many reasons. It is very dynamic and a charming county. It’s the perfect mix of rural, suburban, and urban. You can go from passing an Amish buggy to being in one of West Chester’s swankiest spots. I don’t consider myself a city girl so the combination of it all is just perfect for me. Besides, it was ranked one of the happiest counties in the US this year, so I’m apparently not the only one who loves it!

What do you do when you’re not in Mrs. Chester County mode?

I am a Nurse-Anesthetist with Associates in Anesthesia and provide anesthesia services for patients and facilities in Chester County and Lancaster County. I am also a Premier Level V Executive Consultant for Rodan+Fields. I feel fortunate to work with the two most famous dermatologists in the world, but I really love that I get to share this with so many people to either improve their skin or have an opportunity improve their income.

I also have a non-profit called the “You Are Beautiful Project”, which works with at-risk youth, providing them with programming to help them with their self-worth. Self-worth is a critical piece when it comes to helping these kids better their lives. You can’t expect a child to get an education or a job when they don’t feel they have any sense of worth. Our mission is to work with these kids to help improve their vision of their future.

What causes are you most concerned with as Mrs. Chester County?

In 2014 I was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma and am currently cancer free. I was overcome with gratitude for life. It’s an interesting feeling, being able to see and cherish life in a different view. As much as cancer awareness and research are important to me, I wanted to focus on something other than cancer as well. The You Are Beautiful Project became a positive and uplifting avenue for me to share my gratitude and love for life. Through programming and opportunity, our goal is to help provide a brighter future for these kids who could benefit from mentoring and guidance.

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