Havre native wins state BPW competition

Tricia Williams of Chester has been named 2002 winner of the Virginia Allan Young Careerist Program by the Montana Federation of Business and Professional Women.

The competition was during the state conference held on May 18 in Bozeman. Williams was one of the two participants who progressed through local and district competitions to reach the state level.

Judging was based on the candidates' career achievements and ability to project an image reflecting the career potential of today's young adults. Candidates were judged on five phases of competition: written biographical information, personal interview, group interaction, prepared speeches, and helping others to achieve. Williams' winning speech was on women's mental health issues.

"This is a huge honor," Williams said. "I faced very qualified candidates throughout the process, and was able to address a subject that is dear to my heart."

Williams is employed by Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Centers in Shelby. She attended high school in Havre and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Northern Montana College. She credits part of her success to her days on the Havre High School speech and debate team.

She will now move on as the state representative to compete against 49 other representatives at the National Convention of Business and Professional Women in New Orleans in July.