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What happens when an accomplished woman in real estate decides her career isn't the whole of who she is? She competes in a pageant. And she wins.
In this episode of X-Factor Marketing, I sit down with Qadra Evans — a leader and connector I've known for years in the real estate industry — who recently won the title of Mrs. Montana 2026. Now she's heading to Mrs. America, and she's sharing everything: the preparation, the discipline, the platform, and the mindset that made it all possible.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like their job title was starting to swallow their identity. It's proof that you can be excellent at your career and still have room to chase something else — something that's purely, boldly yours.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why Qadra Evans decided to compete — and why she did it for herself, not for anyone else
How she managed a high-demand corporate career alongside 5:30 AM gym sessions, pageant prep, and social media batching
The hardest part of the whole process (hint: it wasn't the swimsuit competition)
Her platform, The House That She Built — and why she's reading books to kindergartners about women in the trades
What Mrs. America actually looks like: 10 days, three outfits a day, and the Super Bowl of pageants
Her X-Factor: being a cheerleader — and what that really means
Resources mentioned:
The House That She Built by Molly Elkwin — available on Amazon
Follow Qadra Evans' journey: @MrsMontana2026 on Instagram
Qadra Evans' website: MrsMontana2026.com
Leverage Your X-Factor by Wendy Forsythe — on Amazon (all proceeds benefit Extend a Hand)
Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @wendyforsythe
LinkedIn: Wendy Forsythe
Book: Leverage Your X-Factor on Amazon
Timestamps:
0:00 — Introduction
1:40 — Why Qadra Evans decided to compete in Mrs. Montana
3:30 — The preparation: gym, interview practice, and time management
6:00 — The decision and the five months of prep
7:00 — The hardest part: learning to tell your own story
9:30 — Tips for answering questions and pitching yourself
11:00 — What Mrs. America looks like
14:00 — Her platform: The House That She Built
17:00 — Growing up and losing the spark — and what we can do about it
20:00 — Her X-Factor: being a cheerleader