More than a crown.
A movement empowering authenticity across Minnesota.
“Authéntique Beauties Pageant empowers individuals to express themselves, build confidence, and embrace inner beauty through pageants, skill-building, and community service across Minnesota, all while supporting causes that matter.”
Our Mission
To empower individuals across Minnesota to step into their authentic selves — on stage, in their schools, and in their communities — through pageantry built on integrity and inclusion.
Our Minnesota Chapter
We are a tight-knit family of contestants, ambassadors, parents, and directors who share a love for confidence, sisterhood, and giving back across the great state of Minnesota.
Confidence, Community & Inner Beauty
Every program is designed to celebrate inner beauty in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The crown is a reminder; the confidence is the prize.
Skill-Building & Mentorship
Workshops on stage presence, public speaking, etiquette, leadership, and personal branding led by mentors who've walked the runway before.
Community Service & Causes That Matter
Service is woven into everything we do. From food drives to community partnerships, we use our platforms to support causes that uplift Minnesota families.
The Six Pillars of Authéntique
Every event, appearance, and mentorship moment ties back to these six commitments — the foundation of everything Authéntique Beauties Minnesota does.
BE Empowering
Through interviews, talent, and stage presence, participants build poise, confidence, and public-speaking skills that last well beyond the crown.
BE Inspiring
Members share their real stories, cultures, and passions — proving that beauty comes in every shape, size, and color.
BE Uniting
A shared mission of authenticity, mentorship, and service brings families together across every county in Minnesota.
BE Leaders
Ambassador, titleholder, and director roles give members real leadership responsibility — planning, representing, and lifting others up.
BE Serving
From MS Walk and Heart Walk to Feed My Starving Children and Toys for Tots — service is a core part of every year of our program.
BE Mentors
Through Jewels & Gems and Authentique Elite, experienced members guide newer ones in life skills, self-expression, and personal growth.
How We Serve Minnesota
Community service is at the heart of our mission. Our members volunteer monthly at Feed My Starving Children and support causes like Walk MS: Twin Cities, MN Heart Walk, Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, Ronald McDonald House, Hats & Mittens, Coats for Kids, and Toys for Tots.
Our Mini Miss titleholder won the National Award for the most community service.
Corinne Rode
Authentique Beauties' First Franchisee
Corinne Rode proudly became the very first franchisee of Authéntique Beauties, bringing the mission of confidence, community, and inner beauty to Minnesota. As Franchise Owner and State Director, she leads with heart, builds leaders, and ensures every contestant and ambassador feels like royalty.
Meet the Director
Corinne Rode — Franchise Owner & State Director
A Conversation with Corinne Rode
What is your name, title, and the state or area you represent?
My name is Corinne Elizabeth Rode. I am the Director and Franchise Owner of Authentique Beauties Pageant of Minnesota, and I am also serving as Miss Authenticity Around the World 2026–2027.
Tell us a little about your family and the people who mean the most to you.
My family consists of my daughter, Lochlyn, and me. She is almost seven years old and will celebrate her seventh birthday in September. I also grew up as one of six children, so family has always been an important part of my life.
What do you do professionally outside of pageantry?
Outside of pageantry, I work as a Direct Support Professional for a woman with cerebral palsy. I have also worked at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for the past 10 years and at Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies in Richfield, Minnesota, for the past seven years.
How did you first become involved in pageantry?
I first became involved in pageantry when my daughter was an infant. People would often approach us in public and tell me how exceptionally beautiful she was. At the time, I was watching Kim of Queens on Lifetime, and I admired the confidence and poise the girls developed. I thought pageantry could provide that same positive environment for my daughter, so I entered her in her first pageant just for fun. The experience was incredibly supportive and welcoming, and I quickly became friends with many of the other pageant moms.
What made you want to become a Director with Authentique Beauties?
I believe pageantry should be more representative of women of color, more affordable and accessible, and welcoming to people of all body types. My daughter and I had experienced pageant systems that charged excessive fees for basic activities, offered very little hands-on support during a titleholder's journey, or felt exclusive and cliquey. Those experiences inspired me to become the kind of Director who truly shows up for her delegates — to create a family of titleholders who would grow to genuinely love, support, and care for one another throughout their year of service. Instead of simply critiquing the systems in which my daughter and I did not thrive, I decided to become the change I wanted to see in pageantry.
What does 'being Authentiquelly You' mean to you personally?
Being Authentiquelly Me means showing up 110 percent and always trying to present the best version of myself. I am someone with big ideas, and I approach new challenges with an optimistic, 'I can do that!' attitude. I continually challenge myself to build a pageant system where titleholders can grow, serve others, and make a positive difference in the world. Even the smallest act can create an enormous impact, and over the past four years, I have watched Authentique Beauties Minnesota grow and help change the world in so many positive ways.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your role as a Director?
I hope to establish Authentique Beauties Pageant of Minnesota as a well-known pageant system throughout the state, with at least 15 to 20 delegates competing each season. Ultimately, I would love to grow Authentique Beauties into my primary business and full-time career, and to see young people grow and learn through my system, having new Authentique experiences each time they join us.
What do you love most about working with children, families, and your community?
What I love most is connecting with unique individuals and learning their stories — where they came from and what shaped them into the people they are today. I truly enjoy caring for the people in my community and developing meaningful relationships with local organizations. It is especially rewarding when our community partners remember Authentique Beauties, recognize our mission, and appreciate the positive impact we are making in the world.
What is one important lesson pageantry has taught you?
Pageantry has taught me that it is not the pageant itself that makes the experience extraordinary — it is what a titleholder or ambassador does with their year of service while wearing the crown that helps make the world a better place. Many of the most meaningful things titleholders accomplish never happen on the pageant stage. They happen with boots on the ground through initiatives serving their communities, cities, states, and country.
What is one thing people would probably be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to learn that I am actually very shy and can become overwhelmed in large crowds. I prefer quiet spaces and have never considered myself especially outgoing or a 'girly girl.' In fact, I never learned how to apply makeup and have worn it only a handful of times in my life. People often assume pageantry is primarily about being the face or body of a brand, but I hope to embody the heart of pageantry. To me, character, compassion, and service matter far more than outward qualities, which are fleeting.
What are three words that best describe your personality?
Compassionate, resilient, and hardworking.
What is your favorite way to spend time with your family?
I enjoy cooking for my family and sharing meals together. I also love volunteering alongside my daughter, cuddling up to watch movies, and creating meaningful shared experiences and memories with the people I love.
What is your favorite food, restaurant, or guilty pleasure?
My favorite food is salad, and I also enjoy sushi and Asian cuisine. My guilty pleasures are bubble tea and ice cream!
What is your favorite color, song, movie, or TV show?
My favorite color is light blush pink. Music is such a significant part of my life that I could never choose only one favorite song! I love classical pieces I have performed on the violin, as well as musical theatre songs that I cannot resist singing. I truly love the fine arts. My favorite movie is Where the Heart Is, which I have watched many times. I also enjoy Korean dramas, foreign films, romance, and the occasional reality show.
What is something you enjoy doing when you have free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin. I am a member of the Linden Hills Community Orchestra and the Minnesota Chamber Players. I have played the violin since I was a little girl, I have a degree in music performance, and music has remained an important part of my life. I also love to sing and have fun doing karaoke!
Who is someone who inspires you, and why?
My mother was — and continues to be — one of my greatest inspirations. She raised six children through poverty as a single mother and later returned to school as an adult, ultimately earning her master's degree. She was also a strong spiritual role model and mentor. She was an extraordinary woman, and I feel incredibly blessed to have called her my mother.
What is one accomplishment you are especially proud of?
I am especially proud to be the mother of Lochlyn Marguerite Brinley Rode. She is a remarkable child, and I am in awe of her each and every day. Being her mother is one of the greatest blessings and accomplishments of my life.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young queen or king?
Remember that we are all here to see you succeed in life. We want you to learn how to handle failure just as much as we want you to experience winning. Through those failures, you will develop resilience, self-determination, and strength. My faith in God has carried me through many of my struggles. I believe God guides our steps through both our failures and successes because He wants the best for us. The road will not always be easy, but every experience can help you learn, grow, and become stronger.
If you could leave every Authentique Beauties family with one message, what would it be?
You will never know what you are capable of unless you take that first leap of faith and try. Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and never be afraid to discover, explore, and become your most Authentique Self.
Finish this sentence: 'The thing that makes me uniquely and Authentiquelly ME is __________.'
The thing that makes me uniquely and Authentiquelly ME is that I refuse to believe I cannot do something. Instead, I approach life with an optimistic, 'Why not?' and 'How hard can it be?' perspective.