As part of its celebration of Women’s History Month, TRiO Student Support Services is bringing Sandra Dubose to the campus of Beaufort County Community College on March 13. This year’s theme is “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination.” Dubos is a motivational speaker, R&B singer and author. Last year, TRiO hosted a panel of women who were pioneers in their fields to a lecture hall overflowing with students.

Sandra Dubose is known as “The Bald Beauty Queen of Self-Esteem.” She has advocated for women’s health issues since the age of 25, when she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata. This incurable condition resulted in the loss of all of the hair on her scalp and body and subsequently, the loss of her self-esteem.

She was forced heal her emotional wounds, overcome obstacles and rebuild her confidence. As a testament of her courage as a vocalist, in March 2011, Dubose competed bald in a statewide beauty pageant. She made history when she was crowned 2011 Mrs. Black North Carolina, the first bald contestant to achieve the honor.

In her book, “My Crown and Glory, It’s Not About the Hair,” she shares her personal life lessons and six principles she used to shift her life from being a victim to living in victory.

She is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2012 Radical Woman Award, 2015 Lamplighter Award for Health Outreach and 2017 Spectacular Magazine Woman of the Year Award in the health category.

Student Support Services is a federally funded TRiO program, which provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward successful completion of their education. All of the services are free for program participants.

Dubose will speak in the Building 8 auditorium from noon until 1 p.m. TRiO Student Support Services, the Student Government Association, the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation and the BCCC Foundation are helping to put on the event. There will be door prizes and refreshments available.