Melissa Cockerham, 48, was recently crowned the 2023 Mrs. Alabama International and will compete for the 2023 Mrs. International title during the finals July 21-22 in Kingsport, Tennessee.
On behalf of her platform, Cockerham will support national and international children’s charities through her marathon during her tenure as Mrs. Alabama International. She has run many marathons for charities including the Boston Marathon for the Herren Project in April 2022 and the Berlin Marathon in support of Children for a Better World in September 2022.
“I’m honored to be named a 2023 Mrs. Alabama International, which will enhance my ability to raise awareness for children who need resources that optimize their growth and enable them to be the best version of themselves.” said Cockerman. “This new role also gives me the ideal opportunity to combine my passion for marathon running with my passion for helping children.”
Cockerham’s next race will be the Mercedes marathon in Birmingham on February 12, where she will act as bell runner for Bell Centre. The Bell Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maximizing the potential of children ages three and younger who are at risk for developmental delays.
She is also scheduled to run the London Marathon in April 2023 for Get Kids Going, a charity that gives disabled children and young people up to the age of 26 the opportunity to play sports by providing them with purpose-built sports wheelchairs to take part in any sport . Get Kids Going inspires disabled youth to participate in sporting events, from start to Paralympic level.
Cockerham is a mother of six and grandmother of one, and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her spare time, she enjoys running marathons, competing in USATF Masters indoor and outdoor championships, and traveling nationally and internationally.
The Mrs. International Pageant is owned and operated by International Pageants, Inc., which also operates Miss International, Miss Teen International, and Miss Pre-Teen International contests. It is the only platform-based pageant system dedicated to highlighting the achievements of women through community service. Mrs. International features married women aged 21 to 56 and features three competition categories including interview, evening dress and fitness wear. For more information, visit www.mrsinternational.com.
–Submitted by Denise O’Handley