The show has come to a close and Kansas has a new queen! Although all of the women lead accomplished lives, Mrs. Dianne Paukstelis, just crowned Mrs. Kansas America 2009 stood out from the rest.

Dianne Paukstelis is proud to represent the married women of the state of Kansas. No stranger to competitions, Dianne has competed in local, state, and national pageants and talent competitions off and on for over 25 years.

Dianne is the Executive Director for the United Way of Riley County in Manhattan, Kansas. In her role as executive director, Dianne urges everyone she meets to “LIVE UNITED” and GIVE.ADVOCATE.VOLUNTEER. To lead by example Dianne regularly volunteers in her community and has served on boards or volunteered for the K-State University Theatre Guild, Raising Riley, Junior League of the Flint Hills, The Lou Douglass Lecture Series, and the Manhattan Arts Center.

Under her leadership, in 2008 the United Way of Riley County formed a student chapter at Kansas State University, the United Way Students In Action. The group creates a bridge between community and the university by encouraging students to impact lives by giving their time. Dianne saw a need for this type of volunteer resource after a G4 tornado hit Manhattan, Kansas in June 2008. Over 50 homes were destroyed, and numerous businesses, a grade school, and much of the K-State University campus were damaged. Student volunteers were available, but they were not an organized group.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Kansas, and has worked for both businesses and nonprofit agencies. Through 15 years of practice, she has honed her skills in the areas of business development, strategic planning, publicity, marketing, and fundraising.

In addition to her day job at United Way, Dianne also owns and operates a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. On any given weekend Dianne can be found somewhere in central Kansas with her acting troop being a British spy, a fortune teller, a beauty contestant (go figure!), a soap opera diva, or even a Douglas-fir (Arbor Day rules – Burn Gas Not WOOD!).

Other than being crowned Mrs. Kansas, so far Dianne’s biggest claim to fame is that of “reality TV star”. In 2000, Dianne and her husband Peter were living in Los Angeles and Dianne gave birth on an episode of “A Baby Story” on The Learning Channel. Giving birth on national television was certainly not her most glamorous moment – but unquestionably one of her most interesting.

The 2009 Mrs. Kansas America winner receives more than $10,000 in prizes including an all expense paid trip to the National Competition Mrs. America, an Alberto Makali Evening Gown and  wardrobe for use at Mrs. America, $500 gift certificate from Sassy Chic, a 14K Gold Crown Ring from Ballerina Jewelers, use of a custom evening gown from Frankie Couture plus much more.