CHICAGO, Ill. — When one is in the spotlight, considerable potential is often at his or her fingertips to promote socially redeeming projects. For Whitney Kudela, campaigning against drunk drivers is high on her list of worthwhile projects.

Miss Georgia, Kudela, 21, daughter of Rhonda and Kent Kudela, of Moultrie, is Miss International 2007. She was crowned at the international pageant Saturday, July 28 in Chicago. She will tour the globe promoting her platform, and the morals and ethics of the Miss International Pageant.

She is working toward a marketing degree at Valdosta State University and, while attending school, she also works as a fitness trainer. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family. She said she looks forward to promoting her platform now that she has been chosen as an international ambassador for her chosen cause.

“Winning this crown allows me to broaden my platform. It will let me promote my platform nationally,” Kudela said enthusiastically.

She said she will leverage her position as Miss International 2007 to increase public awareness about Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), for which she is a national spokesperson. She plans to bring attention to this important issue by making public speeches, making public appearances and participating in events throughout the country.

“During my reign as Miss International, I want to promote the values of MADD; to raise awareness, serve victims and prevent underage drinking,” she said.

She hopes to use her title to make people aware of the dangers of drunk driving to prevent further accidents and fatalities.

“I decided to get involved with MADD after my grandfather’s car was hit by a drunk driver. I realized that this is a huge problem that is completely preventable and doesn’t have to happen,” Kudela said.

At the end of August, she will be speaking at a press conference in Valdosta aimed at reporting on a sobriety check point that will have been set up by the local law enforcement on the prior evening. She will also be walking and presenting prizes at the “Strive for Change Walk” in Atlanta, which is sponsored by MADD. Kudela suggests readers check-out the MADD website at www.madd.org for more information on this non-profit organization.

In three words, she describes herself as determined, honest and dependable. These personality traits inspired her to participate in the competition. She won the state title in May and went on to compete against 32 beautiful and accomplished women from around the world to gain the title of Miss International 2007. She said that when they called her name she was really excited but she still feels it has not hit her yet.

“I’m kind of waiting for it to sink in,” she said.

The Miss International Pageant is a production of International Pageants, Inc., which celebrates its 20th year of competition, under the leadership of the national executive director, Mary Richardson, herself a former Mrs. Virginia USA. The pageant is recognized for its integrity, high ethical standards, utmost fairness, and consistent application of its rules and regulations.

“It is our goal to provide ladies everywhere with the opportunity to compete in a pageant system that maintains the highest moral values. We are firmly committed to applying these standards to our past, present and future contestants and directors,” said Richardson.