In 1998 an engaged Daphne Rice fled an abusive relationship and had to sleep in her car for a week. As a single parent, she knew she needed more stability than her work as a professional model provided. She applied to Ford Motor Co. and subsequently hired on as an assembler at the Rawsonville (Mich.) plant. Earlier this year, the 40-year-old member of UAW Local 848 competed in the Ms. Michigan Galaxy and won.

How did your co-workers find out about your Ms. Michigan Galaxy title?

“I tried to keep it a secret. I told one person about it, and when I came in to work, she asked me how I did. I gave her a thumbs-up gesture and she screamed. Of course everyone found out then.”

What role has the union played in all of this?

“Everyone has been so supportive. My local is helping me raise money for the national competition.”

What’s the next step with the pageant?

“I’ll compete to become Ms. Galaxy in Orlando this July.”

How do you mesh being a pageant winner and being a union member?

“Some people think it’s hilarious that I can do both. My motto is that we are more than just automotive workers. There is much more to us than that. As a model and a pageant contestant, I can do my part to show everyone how multidimensional we are.”

Sandra Davis