In our February issue, we introduced you to Lake Norman resident Carrie Arnold, an accomplished motivational speaker, dedicated mentor and now a first officer on a Boeing 767 with ABX Air Inc. flying freight for Amazon and DHL.
Before reaching this personal long-time goal, Carrie raised a family and established herself as a savvy sales professional, always with a giant sized dream in mind. While taking her passion for the skies to a new and exciting level, she re-certified her commercial instrument pilot license and secured a commercial multi-engine rating.
Reaching that milestone has prompted Carrie to inspire women of all ages to realize their full potential, as she prepares to set out on another unexpected journey! This month, you’ll find Carrie focused on the Mrs. North Carolina pageant, after being nominated as the Mrs. Iredell County delegate for the state pageant. While definitely something she never envisioned herself doing, Carrie is excited about the opportunity, where she hopes to make an empowering run and inspire her “sisters in the skies and behind the mics” as they, too, keep spreading their wings.
The winner of the Mrs. North Carolina pageant will travel the Tar Heel State promoting her personal platform and the ideals of the pageant organization and will go on to compete at the national level in the Mrs. America Pageant. The winner of that coveted Mrs. America crown will travel across the country making personal appearances during her year’s reign, again with a chance to promote her personal platform. Mrs. America also represents our country in the Mrs. World Pageant.
“Running for Mrs. North Carolina through America Pageants is a journey that blends self discovery, discipline and courage,” shares Carrie. “It begins long before stepping on stage, with setting goals, refining personal style and developing confidence from the inside out.”
Contestants prepare with an eye on fitness, wardrobe, planning, interview, practice and talent or platform development, all while learning how to present their authentic selves under pressure. Along the way, they build resilience, poise and a strong sense of purpose. By the time the spotlight hits, the pageant is no longer just about crowns or titles – it’s a celebration of growth, commitment and the confidence to be seen and heard.
“We can do many things,” Carrie shares. “Just like with flying (when we all initially started), I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone with the pageant! I’m not a beauty queen…nor a career pageant contestant; but, I’m excited to learn and push boundaries that are unexpected.”
Continuing to spread her ongoing message of positivity and dream building, Carrie is also scheduled to be a podcast guest with workshop business coach, Lori Anne De Lulio Casdia, founder of LDC Strategies and the host of HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH LORI ANNE. With coverage throughout New York and Florida, her inspiring words are sure to connect with an even broader audience.
“I’ve been told by many women that my career story is especially empowering for mid-transitional ‘career pivot’ individuals,” Carrie explains.
Being completely vulnerable, she’s hopeful you’ll share her story on your own social media – and among friends – to encourage others to take their own risk and try something new.
“It’s NOT too late. I am living proof that you can start (or restart) flying in your 30s, 40s or even 50s!” she adds. “Don’t give up on your dreams – no matter what they are. Those dreamscapes are not placed here by accident!”
You can connect with Carrie Arnold on Instagram @crushingtheclouds. The Mrs. North Carolina Pageant will be held on March 14, 2026 at the James Warren Citizen Center in Lincolnton, NC. Learn more about the pageant at pageantplanet.com. For more information on HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH LORI ANNE, visit LDCstrategies.com.
