Coventry Resident Crowned Mrs. Rhode Island International

Mary Alba, 34 of Coventry, was recently crowned Mrs. Rhode Island International and will go on to compete for the title of Mrs. International 2011 during the final competition in Chicago, July 19-23.

Alba, a mother of two, is one of the state's highest credentialed financial advisors, having earned six securities licenses and four insurance licenses. She enjoys helping her clients create multiple streams of income in retirement and gives much of her time to several organizations. Alba is president of the Women in Construction Association No.1 of RI Chapter 52, a member of the board of directors for Easter Seals RI and an avid supporter of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. She is also the founder of two referral networking chapters of Service by Referral Network – a referral exchange organization for small business owners.

During her year as Mrs. RI International, Alba plans on advocating for financial literacy; a topic that she feels need to be addressed urgently.

"If you look at national statistics, less than 50 percent of people know the basics of personal economics," she said. "It is very alarming. We will be facing another economic tsunami in the next 15-20 years and people need to wake up and start making sound decisions."

Her fear stems from the fact that people are living longer lives but caring about finances less. Alba hopes to use her title to teach people how to take care of their financial futures.

Aside from finance, Alba is looking forward to working with her favorite charities during her reign, including the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and Easter Seals RI. She will also be hosting the "Prom Style on a Dime" event on April 17 from 12-4 p.m. at South Kingstown High School.

The event is intended to benefit prom-goers and  local small businesses by showcasing over 1,000 donated prom gowns and selling them for just $20 each. The proceeds will  go to the aforementioned charities and will stay within Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Over two dozen local vendors including boutiques, limo services, tuxedo and accessory stores, photographers, make-up and hair stylists will be on hand at the event to help students make their prom a memorable yet affordable milestone.

"It think it's a really great cause because a lot of people have been hit really hard this year," Alba said. "The proceeds benefit the foundation and the inexpensive dresses will help send girls to prom who might not otherwise get to go. This is the first time we've held this event but we've gotten a really warm response so far and I'm really excited."

Alba, who has only ever competed in one other pageant before, hopes to bring home the International crown and use it as leverage to help small business owners promote themselves.

"I don't think Rhode Island has ever brought home the International crown and I think the title will help people listen to what I have to say a bit more," she said.