As Presbyterian Village North (PVN) resident, Vicki Keltner, 76, prepares to compete in the Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant—a celebration of women over 60 — she has developed a unique and valuable friendship. In planning for the pageant, Vicki enlisted the help of a PVN Community Life teammate, Marquise Willis, 27, who also happens to be a published and signed model with the Alice Laura Agency working in the print, commercial and runway arenas.
In the months leading up to the pageant, Marquise has taken a personal interest in helping Vicki perfect her stage presence, coaching her most recently on her walk, posture and eye contact, in PVN’s Auditorium. Although he is helping her sharpen the skills needed to stand out in a competition where poise is key, his guidance goes beyond just the surface. Vicki speaks warmly of how Marquise has also provided invaluable support and encouragement, helping her feel confident both inside and out as she steps closer to her big day.
“Vicki pursues greatness in everything she does, refusing to let age hold her back,” Marquise shared.
Vicki, who has competed in two other pageants in years’ past, says this particular event carries a deeper meaning. On November 2, she will take the stage at the Hilton Richardson, not just to showcase herself but to represent the broader message that life’s later chapters are full of vibrancy and opportunity. Her mission is to inspire others to see aging as a time to thrive, not slow down.
Throughout her life, Vicki has been a fierce advocate for women in business, and as the years have passed, her advocacy has expanded to focus on senior health, wellness and rights. For her, competing in the Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant is about the enduring value seniors bring to society. She wants to ignite a conversation about how older adults can continue contributing, growing and advocating for themselves and their communities.
“I want women my age to know that we are not defined by our years, but by what we do with them,” Vicki says passionately. Her hope is to encourage seniors to take pride in their journeys and recognize the wealth of wisdom they still offer. The pageant provides a platform for her to broadcast that message, with a goal that transcends the crown.
The Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant, now in its 27th year, is built around this principle: celebrating the “positive image of aging” and encouraging senior women to lead by example.
Since moving to PVN, Vicki has found a sense of community and renewed purpose. “Coming to PVN has been a blessing,” she shares. “I miss my family deeply, but here, I’ve discovered new passions I never knew I had.” Preparing for the pageant has given her an exciting new purpose, with Marquise by her side, helping her not only train but thrive in her role as an advocate for senior empowerment.
As Vicki steps into the spotlight this November, with Marquise in the audience cheering her on, she will be carrying the hopes and dreams of seniors across Texas—proving that life’s later years are filled with opportunities for growth, friendship and impact. With Marquise’s guidance and her own relentless passion, Vicki walks the talk that accomplishments don’t end with age—they continue to evolve.
Click here to learn more about Vicki and the pageant.
