DOWNEY - Kari Volen, a community education and development representative at Downey Federal Credit Union, was crowned Mrs. California-America at a pageant June 23 in Anaheim.Volen participated in the swimsuit, evening gown, interview and onstage question competitions, beating out all other contestants to be crowned the winner. As the winner, she will represent California at the Mrs. America Pageant in Tucson, Ariz. next month. The winner of that competition will represent the United States at the Mrs. World Pageant in China in September. Volen is a familiar face in Downey. She has worked at Downey Federal Credit Union for the last seven years, promoting financial literacy. She develops customized training for all ages of Downey students - from kindergarten through high school - about the importance of money management, having a budget, and saving for the future. She also mentors high school students in marketing and business projects. Volen has visited numerous businesses in the city and has given workshops about financial education for community members. Throughout her rein, Volen will continue to work with the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and No Worries Now, an organization that holds proms for teens with life-threatening illnesses. Locally, she is a member of Soroptimist International of Downey and Elks Club. "I am very pleased to be chosen as Mrs. California-America and will continue to support organizations that foster women's issues," Volen said.

********** Published: July 18, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 14