Mrs. United States 2004

Edrienne Carpenter Mrs. United States 2004

Although a proud Texan, Edrienne was born and raised on the beautiful "Garden Island" of Kauai, where she developed her passion for community involvement and high levels of achievement. She was trained in Hula dancing, ballet, classical piano, and the Japanese language. Always active in her youth, she was her high school's Student-Body President, National Honor Society Vice-President, Cheerleader Captain, Volleyball Team Co-captain, a Walt Disney's Dreamer's & Doer's Award Finalist, McDonald's Ray Kroc Citizenship Award Recipient, her island's Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant winner, Hawaii's Junior Miss 1st Runner-up, and much more.

Edrienne attended college on academic, leadership, cheerleader, & volleyball scholarships; and, she was a college dance-team member & choreographer. In college, she further developed her love for writing and acting, and even acted as an extra in major motion pictures. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University in Utah, where she met her husband, Shane (a fifth generation Texan). They have been married for nine years and are blessed with two beautiful little sons, Logan (3) and Austin (2). Edrienne feels fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom, despite giving up a full-time career with a major defense systems corporation.

Also popularly known as Leolani, "The Hula Girl," she enjoys sharing her Hawaiian heritage through educational presentations and hula performances. A multi-talented performer, Edrienne has been recognized for her graceful dancing, lovely singing, and fun participation programs.

This Spring, she is also graduating with her Master's degree at Texas A & M University at Commerce and is recognized in Who's Who Among American Universities & Colleges, for her outstanding GPA in the MBA program and strong community leadership.

During her reign as Mrs. United States, Edrienne will continue to promote her platform on Post-partum Depression. She says, "After having each of my two children, I experienced severe post-partum depression. I learned (the hard way) that there is a need for more educational awareness, emotional & physical support, and medical resources to be at the fingertips of women. In today's news, we've heard of too many cases that have ended in tragedy. My husband and I had to struggle for a few years, in order to find a path to recovery (for an illness we didn't even recognize). My goal is to spare as many women, husbands, and their innocent children the pain of an otherwise long & dark journey to recovery."

As Mrs. United States, Edrienne has already appeared as a featured guest on The Dr. Phil Show on CBS, where she shared the story of her battle & recovery of severe Post-partum Depression. Edrienne says, "I am eternally grateful for the privilege of sharing my story with our country. I deeply love and want the best for the United States and all humanity."