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Elaine & David Marmel

INTRODUCING, DAVID & ELAINE MARMEL

The Mrs. America competition, rich in history, was first held in 1938 and continued until 1968. In 1977, after a nine-year hiatus, it was revived by David Z. Marmel after his successful career in professional athletics and independent television production. He was instrumental in setting the new directions for the pageant and for transforming the pageant into the multi-faceted event it is today.

In 2019, David and his wife Elaine felt it was not enough to honor 50 married women from around the country. That is why they created the Mrs. American pageant, a premiere nationals experience for a second set of women from each state.

This modern pageant experience new seeks to recognize what David called "America's greatest natural resource - the contemporary married 

woman." The winner of the Mrs. American competition goes on to compete in the international Mrs. World Pageant. 

Thanks to Mr. Marmel for his vision. He is the reason we have Mrs. America, Mrs. American, and Miss for America competitions today! Sadly, David passed away in 2019, but his wife Elaine has continued the tradition of the America pageants, with her state directors rallying around her.

David Marmel
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Mrs. American 2021

Rhonda Wofford

Rhonda Wofford is living proof of the saying, "What is meant for you, will find you." At age 53, she had not competed in a pageant in 30 years and decided to take the plunge. When she was named first runner up at the Mrs. American pageant in November, she knew that she was meant to keep working to empower women of any age to pursue their dreams. When Shaylyn Ford was crowned Mrs. World, Rhonda stepped into her role as Mrs. American with the same grace she has always exuded.

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