Sugar Grove Woman Wins Mrs. Illinois International Competition

Sandra Costa, a resident of Sugar Grove, has been crowned Mrs. Illinois International. Costa will now represent Illinois at the Mrs. International 2024 competition in Kingsport, Tenn., from July 26-27, 2024.

Beyond the excitement and glamour, Costa’s journey to the Mrs. International stage has been fueled by a profound commitment to family values, community service, and raising awareness about domestic violence.

In her year-long tenure as Mrs. Illinois International, Costa will collaborate with the WINGS Program, a Chicagoland-based nonprofit dedicated to providing housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence (www.wingsprogram.com). As a survivor of domestic abuse herself, Costa takes on the role of spokesperson for WINGS with passion and purpose. Her personal narrative of resilience and triumph over trauma is her purpose for advocacy, shared in her powerful message: “My scars tell a story; my story saves lives.”

On her goals for the year, Costa shares, “My objective is to integrate family support, community engagement, and awareness into the core of my advocacy efforts. I aim to inspire others with my story, emphasizing the strength found in solidarity and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence.”

Costa is the mother of four daughters, and enjoys a large, blended family, including six grandchildre. Professionally, Costa works as a human resources executive and lends her voice as a regular contributor to Forbes magazine, focusing on human resources topics such as diversity and inclusion.

As Costa steps into her role as Mrs. Illinois International, she will carry the torch for domestic violence awareness, supported by her family and community. She views her position not as just a title but a platform to advocate for change, support survivors, and contribute to a world where love does not equal harm.

Mrs. International showcases married women 21-to 56 years old and features three categories of competition, including interview, evening gown and fitness wear.  It is the only platform-based pageant system dedicated to highlighting women’s accomplishments through community service.