MEET THE DIRECTOR: Barbara Ross is the creative inspiration for and energy behind the MADE IN AMERICA system and its all volunteer staff. Her parents supported her participation in dance, vocal music, community and summer stock theater performance and award winning oratorical competition from an early age. Leadership in planning association events and campus celebrations as part of her high school and undergraduate years in combination with a continued participation in college theater kept her in touch with her “let's give a show” passion while pursuing a real world approach with a degree in marketing and business management.

While employed by the Home Shopping Network in Clearwater, Fl, she stepped into the media industry as first a contributing reporter and then “on air “talent and producer for public and commercial radio and cable television venues. She attended graduate school and then added teaching art, music, literature and film at the University of South Florida to her completion of a masters degree in the Humanities and American Studies Department and one in education.  She combined operating a weekend non profit coffee house, sitting on the board of an art gallery and producing fund raising shows and events with her other work while in the midst of adopting her two infant children.

As they grew she instilled in them a desire to develop themselves and dare to shine as well as an understanding of the importance of sharing through service. She sees all that was, is and will be as the gifts sent to her by Spirit and also an obligation to humankind to nurture those gifts and grow great results through service. Being true to that belief led her to serve in the Army and later as a Corporation for National and Community Service liaison for homelessness services and veterans employment initiatives in Ohio. But still, that “let's give a show” flair remains fragrant in her air.

Today as the volunteer system director,  she's applying all that she has to offer to creating a children's development experience that supports natural and creative essence and showcases the process, progress and products of each child and family while reenforcing a love of nation and service to community, MADE IN AMERICA All America's Boy and Girl Pageants.