MISS ACADEMY

For today’s life-prep and tomorrow’s coronation, MISS Academy is the first ever pageant training school for girls ages 13 to 27, where our pageant prep will also make you a life-pro! We offer hands-on training in all areas of pageantry, all under one roof. We’ll elevate your makeup, hair, and communication skills, polish up your poise and posture, re-work your wardrobe and get you strutting with confidence down any runway.

We invite you to enroll in one of our training platforms or join us at our MISS Happenings, all designed to upgrade your Manners, Image, and Style to claim your Success at every stage of life, with or without a crown.

Currently, we have two MISS Academy locations; one in Uptown Park in Houston, Texas as well as one in Los Angeles, California! But look out for another MISS Academy coming to a city near you.

OUR MISSION

To elevate the status of women in society, beginning on the individual level; showing them the entirety of their potential and giving them the tools to access and utilize it through pageantry.

OUR VISION

MISS Academy is committed to translating traditional values through pop culture. We envision a society in which every girl, across cultural borders can become her best self through life and image education, with hands on training in pageantry. Guiding young women globally to loving their individuality, discovering their talents, knowing how to best present themselves, and owning every aspect of who they are, MISS Academy will be synonymous with the history of female success.

OUR FOUNDERS

CRYSTLE STEWART

Crystle Stewart-Sebrechts is our founder and a beauty and etiquette enthusiast. Born in Texas, the former model and current TV and Film actress also holds the title of Miss USA 2008.Throughout her entertainment career she gained exclusive access to resources in the fashion and beauty industry. 

Crystle is certified in Etiquette Consulting by the International Etiquette & Protocol Academy of London and studied Consumer Science and Merchandising at the University of Houston. Her formal education combined with her celebrity resources has helped her create a unique and trendy environment for ladies to obtain skills of a lifetime.

MAX SEBRECHTS

A scholar and fashion model, Max Sebrechts is the co-founder of MISS Academy. Born in Belgium, Max has a Bachelors in Economics, furthering his studies in Italy and Beijing, before going on to complete his Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California.

His international modeling career was kick started with an exclusive contract with IMG models in New York and then Ford Models in Los Angeles. Max’s business savvyiness, his keen sense of beauty and fashion and his European savoir-vivre adds a contemporary flare to MISS Academy.

ADVISORY BOARD

PAULA SHUGART

PRESIDENT OF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORG

READ BIO

PAULA SHUGART

PRESIDENT OF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

Paula M. Shugart has over 20 years experience as a driving force in entertainment television around the world. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Television Production and Interpersonal Communications and has worked in the industry ever since. Paula is now the President of the MISS Universe Organization and produces the Miss Universe, Miss USA and MISS Teen USA pageants yearly. She serves as mentor to the titleholders throughout their reign and is pleased to be on the advisory board of MISS Academy.

PAUL ANTHONY

CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST

READ BIO

PAUL ANTHONY

CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST

Born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico and Miami, Paul Anthony became a stylist at the age of 19. Paul has trained  and specialized in haircuts, coloring, styling, make up and overall beauty makeovers. Having worked with Channel, Valentino, Dior, YSL, Fendi, Versace and others, Paul has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the US for training and educational seminars, keeping up with the ever changing beauty industry. He is committed to sharing his talents and experience with MISS Academy.

MARY E. BANKS

EXECUTIVE COACH

READ BIO

MARY E. BANKS

EXECUTIVE COACH

Mary E. Banks is an executive coach and owner of WOW Consulting Group, LLC. Mary has enjoyed a successful 25 year career in both the financial services and oil and gas industries and she has vast experience in the areas of leadership development, employee relations, change management and team-building. In addition to her extensive corporate experience, Mary is a published author of three books, The Multi-Faceted Woman published in 2003, Living by Faith 9 to 5 in 2006, and 52 Weeks of WOW Faith in 2009. Mrs. Banks  is a much requested keynote speaker on women’s issues and faith in the workplace and she has been involved in the leadership of several non-profit and civic organizations and so we are honored to have her on team MISS.

MICHAEL HANNAH

BUSINESS CONSULTANT

READ BIO

MICHAEL HANNAH

BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Michael Hannah is currently a business consultant for fortune 500 companies helping their businesses reach higher levels of success. He was formerly a chairman on the board of the Miss America Organization and was also involved with the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization for 15 years. In 2008, he received the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for demonstrating the outstanding character of America, helping strengthen our country, and making a difference through volunteer service to others. In 2019, Michael founded the non-profit organization Michael Hannah Family Foundation and has continued his lifetime commitment to serving the under-served. We are forever grateful to have his insight and contributions at MISS Academy.

DEDE RAAD

STYLIST

READ BIO

DEDE RAAD

FASHION STYLIST & BLOGGER

Dede Raad is a lover of all things fashion, travel, and family. She graduated from the Hilton Conrad College at the University of Houston, after which she tried the corporate America oil & gas route but quickly realized that it was not for her. Dede then went on to be a wedding planner for two years at the Chateau Cocomar venue in Houston. It was there, while working in the wedding industry that she discovered her passion for design. Since then she has gone on to create Dress Up Buttercup – an online community for women to inspire other women to feel confident, just what she brings to the MISS table.

TODD KRIM

CELEBRITY PHILANTHROPIST

READ BIO

TODD KRIM

CELEBRITY PHILANTHROPIST

A lawyer-turned-charity matchmaker, over the past decade Todd Krim, known in Hollywood circles as “Mr. Charity,” has fostered partnerships between countless nonprofits and celebrities, advised for-profit companies on social impact campaigns, and produced widely-publicized charity events. For the past few years,Todd has donated his services to The White House and Congress arranging for celebrities to testify on the Hill and supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative and College Signing Day. He is most excited to bring along his contacts and charity charm to the MISS Academy board.

MONICA LEWIS

ETIQUETTE EXPERT

READ BIO

MONICA LEWIS

ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Monica Lewis is a leading expert in the industry of etiquette and protocol. With more than ten years of experience, Mrs. Lewis is renowned for her vibrant personality and highly interactive presentation skills. She is the author of “Say Yes to Manners”, “Practice Good Manners” Workbook and co-author of the “Breaking BAD in Business” series. As an author, motivational speaker, wife, and mother, Monica is committed to bringing a positive change everywhere she goes and she also devotes many hours to mentoring teenage girls and boys across the country, including MISS Academy.

DR. PHI NGUYEN

PLASTIC SURGEON

READ BIO

DR. PHI NGUYEN

PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Phi P. Nguyen is the founder and physician of  MIA Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas. is skilled in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and aesthetic, nonsurgical treatments and procedures. Dr. Phi, is extremely knowledgeable with over 20 years of medical experience, specializing in minimally invasive repair, maintenance, as well as facial rejuvenation surgery, rhinoplasty, labiaplasty, and vaginoplasty. Dr. Phi’s use of modern technology, attention to detail, and passion for meeting the aesthetic goals of his patients is what sets him apart from others and why we welcome him to the MISS Academy board.

JOSH ROGERS

CELEBRITY FITNESS EXPERT

READ BIO

JOSH ROGERS

CELEBRITY FITNESS EXPERT

Josh Rogers, is a celebrity trainer and owner of Results Fitness. Rogers holds a BS in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University, and his personal training and group fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His clientele includes Victoria Secret Super Model, Sofie Rovenstine; Olympic Gymnast Gold Medalist, Shawn Johnson; Todd and Savannah Chrisley of the hit reality show, “Chrisley Knows Best”; and many other celebrities. He is a regular TV personality on WSMV’s “Today in Nashville” and can also be seen on the hit talk show “Pickler & Ben” discussing all things fitness. Rogers has been featured on the Travel Channel, The Zone, CMT, VH-1, & MTV. He also has an extensive modeling background, which includes print work, commercials, music videos, and hosting gigs. Josh resides in Nashville, Tennessee but is happy to make his way over to Houston to lend MISS the support as we need.

ARQUELLA HARGROVE

BUSINESS COACH

READ BIO

ARQUELLA HARGROVE

ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Arquella Hargrove is a business savvy coach and speaker, with over 18 years of experience in Human Resources Management, and clients that range from non-profit organizations to global fortune 500 companies. Arquella hosts her own weekly radio show, aimed at helping employers and employees to receive advice on managing teams, resolving conflict, turning contacts into contracts, and organizational communication. In addition to executive coaching and development, Arquella facilitates training and webinar sessions, speaks at conferences, and is co-author of the book, “Coaching Perspectives.”. She currently serves on quite a few Board of Directors and Committees and is committed to giving of her time and expertise to MISS Academy.