Why were you drawn to the Earth Goddess pageant?
This is my year, I wanted to give back and use my outgoing, free-spirited attitude to be heard. I’m perfect for the job. In the Earth Goddess Pageant, once you’ve won, the wand is handed over—and I’m damned proud of it. It’s powerful, and so is my responsibility to Mother Earth.

What was your talent for the competition?
I decided to go old school: I sang my heart out to “Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste of Honey. I picked this song because it is, was and always will be about getting the crowd moving.

What is your role at this weekend’s Earth Jam?
Before the festival starts, Karen—Earth Goddess 2009—and I will be opening sacred space. Just like human beings, the Earth has an aura. The aura has hundreds of lines of energy, which connect to one another along a geometric grid. We will be opening this energy and space. I will be volunteering all weekend to announce bands, make crafts with kids in the Children’s Garden, face-paint at the Goddess Booth next to the Earth Stage, and perform on Sunday during the goddess hour. Can’t wait to see you there …

What do you say to parents worried about their teens going to Earth Jam?
I would say: Chill out! Earth Jam is family friendly—parents, you’re invited, too.

There is a good time to be had by everyone and there’s something for everyone to learn about protecting our Mother Earth. No worries. Yes, I extend my protection.

As Earth Goddess, what do you want people to do to celebrate Earth Day?
If you don’t recycle, start! Make it a goal to yourself to improve what you do every day to protect Mother Earth. Get involved in the community. Volunteer at a community farm like Calcium Springs—it’s local, it’s organic and it could use your hands.