Marlena Martin, Founder and CEO of the Woman of Achievement Pageant, is a visionary leader transforming the pageant world. Her platform celebrates the whole woman—inner beauty, community contributions, and personal development—while empowering women to lead with purpose. We had the privilege of speaking with Marlena about her inspiration, leadership philosophy, and the message she hopes to share with women everywhere.

 Marlena, can you describe your business in one sentence?
Of course! I recognize women leaders who do outstanding nonprofit community work and who have developed themselves in the arts, public speaking, and education.

What motivated you to start the Woman of Achievement Pageant?
I went to a pageant where they were emphasizing the wrong qualities for teenagers and young women. It was all about outward appearance, and I felt they were missing the mark. I knew it was time to create a pageant that focused on inner beauty, community work, and the whole woman—not just how she looked on the outside. That’s where the idea for Woman of Achievement came from.

 How do you manage a healthy work-life balance while leading such a dynamic organization?
Balance is so important! I’ve found that planning ahead really helps. I often go on cruises and take long periods of relaxation between intense work periods. Having a vacation on the calendar gives me something to look forward to after working hard. I also make time for meditation, prayer, and other practices first thing in the morning to create a sense of soul balance before diving into work. Starting my day this way makes a huge difference.

How do you stay motivated and inspire your team during tough times?
I believe praise and recognition are everything. Women love to be celebrated for their efforts—it’s not about how expensive the recognition is, but the thought behind it. I give small gifts, bring my team on stage, and publicly acknowledge their work. Highlighting their contributions inspires them and shows the audience how amazing my team is. When women feel appreciated, they’ll go above and beyond for you and your organization.

Is there a particular message you want to convey to women reading this?
Absolutely. Success and winning aren’t easy—they require persistence and resilience. It’s the people who burn the midnight oil, who push through when the odds are against them, who ultimately win. I’ve had moments where I was tired and didn’t feel like making that extra effort, but when I did, those were often my biggest breakthroughs. Success isn’t convenient, but it’s worth the effort.

Marlena Martin’s passion for empowering women and celebrating their achievements has created a unique platform that goes beyond traditional pageants. Through the Woman of Achievement Pageant, she inspires women to embrace their inner beauty, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in their communities.

“A Courageous Woman listens to her own heart and isn’t swayed by others’ opinions of what she should be doing with her life.”