The 2013 Tulip Queen Finalists were announced yesterday, and we got the typical bios on each one, but we thought you might like a little more insight into the minds of these 5 young women…
You may commonly hear only about their community service and accomplishments, which are always extremely impressive and admirable, but these young women are real people, like you and me! To spotlight this, we asked them a few questions that are more on the “fun” side so you could get to know them even better… (and if you already know one of them, maybe you’ll find out something new about her!)
Congrats to these young women for making the 2013 Albany Tulip Queen Finalists! But who will win? We’ll have to wait for the Albany Tulip Festival to find out. In the meantime, let’s meet the candidates…
Kate Bender
Bio:
Kate is a freshman Business major at Siena College. Through the Siena Bonner Service Leaders Program, Kate works as a recruitment and outreach intern for the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. She helps teach English to local refugee students and volunteers as a Girl Scout leader. Kate is a co-host of WVCR’s Change Makers radio program and is an active volunteer with the American Cancer Association, the Teresian House and Refugees & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus. Kate is a part of the Siena College dance team and loves to spend time with her friends and family. As a 2013 Tulip Court member, Kate hopes to establish sustainable programs for the Mayor Jennings Literacy Campaign in order to empower local youth and help to create a close-knit community.
What is your favorite…
Thing to do in Albany?
My favorite thing to do in Albany is to go to Washington Park! It is absolutely gorgeous no matter what season! In the Winter you can go see the lights in the park, the Fall brings beautiful color changing trees, the Summer has Park Playhouse shows and fun filled picnics, and of course the tulips of Spring!
Place to shop?
My favorite place to shop is Francesca’s Boutique in Crossgates Mall… or Target…everyone loves Target! =)
Local restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant is Bomber’s, the burritos are SO delicious! (I love mexican food) But, my favorite thing to get at Bomber’s are definitely the nachos!!!
Annual event?
My favorite annual event is the St. Patrick’s Day parade! Being a Irish girl, St. Patty’s day is my favorite day of the year and the parade is always an amazing time with family, friends, and the amazing floats!
Movie / Book?
My favorite book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Ever since I was younger this book is what I have tried to base my life around. There is always something that you can do for someone else even if you don’t think you have anything to give. This book, though simply written, has so much value!
TV Show?
My favorite TV show is Say Yes to the Dress. I know how cliche? I love watching the brides find the perfect dress to make them feel like a princess on their special day!
Music group or song?
My favorite musician is probably Jimmy Buffett, I love that beach sound that makes me think of Summer!
Place to vacation?
My favorite place to vacation is Lake George! I love going up to the lake in the summer and sitting on the dock! I also love to go on boat rides, tube, water ski, and of course go to the village for some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream!
Meghan Cahill
Bio:
Meghan attends the College of Saint Rose, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice. She works as a teaching assistant for an after-school program at TSL Daycare and as a weekly respite worker for handicapped children. Meghan’s volunteer experience includes tutoring students and working with the Capital District Lyme Disease Association, St. Peter’s Hospital, Guilderland Pop Warner, Reach Out Saint Rose Day, the City Rescue Mission and Mater Christi School. Meghan enjoys exercising, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and dog. As a member of the 2013 Tulip Court, her goals are to encourage children in the community to chase their dreams and to serve as a role model for young girls.
What is your favorite…
Thing to do in Albany?
Walk my dog and have picnics in Washington Park, take the children I babysit to the New York State Museum, See the tulips in bloom during Tulip Fest, Alive at 5, and Parades! There are so many wonderful things to do in Albany, you will never be bored here!
Place to shop?
Stuyvesant Plaza, even if I’m not shopping its such a beautiful place to just go for a walk. Also if I’m in the mood to really do some shopping damage I go to the Lee Premium Outlets in Lee MA. There are so many great stores and the sales are always awesome! My favorite store that really hurts my wallet is the Michael Kors Outlet!
Local restaurant?
Cafe Madison! They have the BEST breakfast. My favorite is the homemade oatmeal with brown sugar and fresh fruit. Also a piece of walnut wheat bread on the side!
Annual event?
The Tulip Fest on Mother’s day weekend of course! I never get bored there. I can be there all day Saturday and Sunday, there is so much to do!
Movie / Book?
Movie, Tangled because I am a huge sap for Disney Princesses and Rapunzel is my favorite. My favorite book is Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. It’s a great read and very relatable. This book showed me that even when things get really tough, you should never give up!
TV show?
Glee! I have been a faithful watcher from the beginning. Every episode keeps me on the edge of my seat.
Music group or song?
My favorite song is Call Me Maybe, it never gets old! Everybody loves it, kids, adults, seniors, it’s a hit with everyone!
Place to vacation?
The Bahia Principe Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic! I went there 3 years ago and it was the most amazing trip of my life. It was so relaxing and absolutely gorgeous!
Gigi Diffenback
Bio:
Gigi is a senior at the College of Saint Rose, majoring in Childhood Education with a concentration in Earth Science. As a volunteer, Gigi traveled to New Orleans’ lower Ninth Ward twice to aid in Hurricane Katrina efforts, assisted at co-ops and local gardens in Washington, DC, and worked with Christmas in Action in Spartansburg, South Carolina to repair homes of aging individuals. Locally, she’s participated in Hurricane Irene relief, mentored at-risk youth at Help Yourself Academy and is involved in various projects with Saint Rose.Her hobbies include baking, singing and enjoying time with loved ones and animals.As a member of the 2013 Tulip Court, Gigi’s goals are to promote the importance of the community’s history and to create unity between residents of all ages.
What is your favorite…
Thing to do in Albany?
My favorite thing to do in Albany is go to Thatcher Park. I love the overlook, it’s so peaceful. Also, as an Earth Science major, I love going there to point out all the fossils to my friends! Thatcher is one of my favorite places.
Place to shop?
I always liked Aeropostale to shop at even before I started working there. I’m not the biggest shopper in the world but I usually find really cute things there. Almost all of my plaid shirts are from there! It’s a fun place to shop.
Local restaurant?
Ralph’s Tavern or Beff’s are probably my favorite places to eat. When I want a good Italian meal, Ralph’s is the great. On the other hand, when I want to watch sports and eat wings, Beff’s is the best!
Annual event?
The obvious answer is Tulip Fest. I’ve been a few times, and it’s always beautiful. I haven’t actually been to Tulip Fest in a long time because I always work that weekend but I love Tulips and I remember from when I was younger how nice it was to walk through the park with all the flowers. In recent years, I have had so much fun going to PearlPalooza! I love listening to all the bands, they have brought some of my favorite artists to Albany and it’s a blast!
Movie / book?
My favorite movie is probably West Side Story. I love so many movies but this one is my favorite. The dancing, singing, colors of the dresses, all of it is fantastic! My favorite book is the Great Gatsby. I love how honest, yet mysterious, Jay Gatsby is.
TV Show?
Arrested Development is the best show EVER. I am so excited it is coming back to Netflix!
Music group or song?
Foo Fighters is my all time favorite band. It’s too hard to pick a favorite song but it might be Times Like These. I also love Walk the Line by Johnny Cash.
Place to vacation?
I’ve gone on some cool vacations with my mom but I always remember the day we spent in Virginia beach. It was really cool there! I would love to go back. Really any place with a beach is ideal for me.
Fendi Munoz
Bio:
Fendi is a University at Albany junior, studying Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She currently works as an intern in the office of Assemblyman Francisco P. Moya. Fendi has volunteered as an organizer for a series of NYU-sponsored workshops on topics concerning youth and women’s issues. She has also participated in the University at Albany’s Cinderella Project, working as a personal shopper to help underprivileged high school girls buy a dream dress for the prom. Fendi enjoys singing, acting, dancing, reading and spending time with friends. As a member of the 2013 Tulip Court, she hopes to inspire children to read and grow so that they can one day reach their dreams.
What is your favorite…
Thing to do in Albany?
My favorite thing to do in Albany would be to go to Lark Street with my girlfriends, it’s very fun and lively there and I love the boutiques, restaurants, and the bakery. It’s a lot of fun, especially on a nice day!
Place to shop?
My favorite place to shop would be Crossgates Mall, I love finding sales in stores like Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe, and Forever 21! I am definitely a bargain shopper!
Local restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant is definitely Sukhothai! I am such a big lover of Thai food and I was so happy that they opened this restaurant!
Annual event?
My favorite annual event is definitely Tulip Festival, it’s such a beautiful time, when the flowers are out and everyone is enjoying the music that the festival has to offer and the warm weather, such great food and things being sold, it’s just a really great and happy atmosphere.
Movie / book?
My favorite movie is P.S. I Love You, it is such a beautiful love story and also a story about moving on and growing as an individual. Besides my mother was also featured in it!
TV Show?
My favorite TV Show is Glee, I love to sing and watching this just makes me happy! I love it so much that I auditioned for the Glee Project 2 in 2011!
Music group or song?
My favorite music group is Il Divo, they are a classical music group and were my absolute favorites when I sang opera.
Place to vacation?
My favorite place to vacation would have to be Miami, Florida. The people are very nice and lighthearted, and the atmosphere is really wonderful!
Alexis Osborne
Bio:
Alexis graduated from Saint John’s University with a degree in Legal Studies and will begin the graduate law program at Albany Law School this fall. The American Bar Association recently certified her as a paralegal. Alexis has volunteered as a youth representative for the United Nations Partnership for Global Justice and interned with the Brooklyn Nets, working closely to help NBA players give back to the community. She has also volunteered her time as a tutor and with the Ronald McDonald House, Relay for Life and Midnight Run programs. Alexis enjoys playing softball, basketball and soccer, traveling and reading. As a member of the 2013 Tulip Court, she looks forward to promoting literacy by showing children that they can achieve their dreams through a solid education.
What is your favorite…
Thing to do in Albany?
Taking an early morning jog through Washington Park and attending Sunday mass at the Cathedral. Jogging helps me stay physically in shape and church helps my spirit, both very important to me.
Place to shop?
Sports Authority or Dicks Sporting Goods. I love to buy new work out gear or rack up on some stylish athletic clothes to support my favorite team – Go Nets, Hello Brooklyn!
Local restaurant?
Tala. My parents ate there recently, and all I hear about is how excited they are to take me as soon as I get back from college. I heard the menu is phenomenal and the food is as good as my mother’s homemade cooking (which is very hard to compete with!).
Annual event?
There are so many to choose from but I’d have to go with the Tulip Fest! The music, the food, the people, the arts and crafts, the beautiful weather, the celebration of our Capital’s heritage, and the fun! I love any event that brings the community together for an enjoyable time.
Movie / book?
My favorite book is Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. I have read it about 5 times already and I learn a new valuable life lesson from it each time I read it. It shows that we should not be worried with the quantity of time, but rather the quality of our time, and how we can make a difference on earth with the time we are given. I truly believe in making a difference and spending time wisely to benefit others.
TV show?
Suits – I love to see the passion of the lawyers/ legal staff for the cases and clients. Sometimes I envision myself on the show and how I would act in those situations. It’s a thrill!
Music group or song?
I am a big J. Cole fan. He is an alumni of my alma Mater St. John’s University. I like to see individuals that came where I come from, succeed. J Cole is more than just an artist, he was a successful student in which he graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors at St. John’s! I’ll always be a big supporter. His new album just came out ‘Truly Yours 2″, it’s amazing!
Place to vacation?
I have never been, but plan on vacationing to Hawaii one day. Crystal blue water, the wind blowing, sun shining and a book in my hand – sounds like complete paradise! I also look forward to seeing the diversity of the Island. One day!
Individual photos by Michael Panzarino of M.A.P. Graphics
Wondering how the Tulip Queen selection process works? About 70 nominations were received, and each eligible candidate was interviewed by the Tulip Queen & Court Selection Committee, a panel of judges from the community which includes prior Tulip Queen & Court members. Based on the interviews, 12 semi-finalists were chosen to attend the Tulip Tea. At the Tea, the women were judged based on their interaction with their fellow semi-finalists and the committee. After a final interview with each semi-finalist, five finalists were chosen. These 5 young women were chosen as finalists based on their community service and leadership skills as well as their knowledge of Albany.
The Tulip Queen will be announced at the Coronation at Tulip Festival on Saturday, May 11 at noon in Washington Park. All five women will work together as a team throughout the year to develop various initiatives to promote literacy in the Capital Region.
“I am proud to have these five remarkable young women represent our city over the next year,” said Mayor Jennings. “They each possess an inspiring commitment to the Albany community, and I look forward to working with them as they develop new programs for the Mayor’s Literacy Campaign.”
