Meet Mrs. East Providence

Meet Suzette Sousa: dutiful mother, registered nurse, a champion of senior citizens and proper nutrition. She's got the face of an angel. And she's Mrs. East Providence.

Organized by Mrs. Rhode Island America, the preliminary pageant to Mrs. America, Sousa will be competing against candidates throughout the state in 2013. The start of official pageant festivities begin in February. But in the meantime, she's keeping busy. While not working or taking care of her two beautiful daughters and her husband, Tony, she teaches weekly wellness workshops at the East Providence Senior Center while honing her pageant platform which advocates for healthy eating. The Portuguese-American will also be participating in the city's upcoming Labor Day Parade.

Question: What are some of your favorite activities, hobbies?

Answer: Countless! I'm a cake baker and decorator, crafter, couponer. I enjoy shopping of course, traveling with the family and day trips with them, especially cruising, watching National Geographic channel and anything science related. Any activity that allows the four of us to spend uninterrupted time together! A weekly tradition at our house is on Friday or Saturday nights where we have "Family Movie Night" where we rent a movie, make popcorn (add chocolate chips to the popcorn) and toss blankets and pillows on the living room floor and make one craft and watch the movie.

Q: What is your favorite meal to cook?

A: One that will satisfy my kids and husband at the same time - usually it's very simple like grilled cheese for the girls or grilled peanut butter for the husband Tony. Steak tips on the grill and home made french fries is usually a family favorite. I like to make more intricate meals on days off from work.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Toy Story and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: It's absolutely got to be classy, sophisticated but modern. I am fascinated by Kate Middleton.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five, ten years?

A: After five years, I will have a master's degree in nursing administration or a master's of business administration. In 10 years, I will be debt free with no mortgage on two homes! I'm also planning a super sweet 16 for my oldest daughter Victoria and welcoming Sophia into her teens when she turns 13!

Q: What is your favorite thing (location, activity) in East Providence?

A: It absolutely, positively has to be the Carousel in Riverside. We frequent there for rides and attempts at the duck game! The girls love riding and tossing rings into the clown's mouth. My husband is responsible for grabbing the brass ring of course. I just love watching them laugh and their hair blow as the carousel turns. The history and artifacts there are also amazing and I'm intrigued by all the posted photos.

Q: What are some of the things on your bucket list?

A: Completing a half marathon, (which I did), losing 40 pounds (which I did), travel the world with my family including going to a third world country so my children can experience cultures and socioeconomic statuses completely foreign to ours, complete a full marathon, get a master's degree, buy another investment home, compete in a pageant (which I'm doing) and staying humble with my family.

East Providence Patch will be following Suzette's progress as she competes for the title of Mrs. Rhode Island.