What Happens After the Crown Comes Off?
Behind the pageant smile and the picture-perfect exterior, Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson was battling a hidden reality of self-doubt, divorce, and survival. More Than a Crown is the raw, inspiring account of how a former Miss New Jersey survived corporate bias and overcame cancer twice to become a leading marketing executive. Elizabeth’s heartfelt story proves that life isn’t about the crown you wear—it’s about the resilience, faith, and hope it takes to build a life of true purpose.
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Meet the Author
An award-winning communications executive and partner at Westchester’s leading PR firm, Thompson & Bender, Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson has spent decades shaping the region’s media and corporate landscape. Long before commanding boardrooms or being named to City & State’s Westchester Power 100, Liz began her journey on the Miss America stage as Miss New Jersey, learning early lessons in discipline and self-definition. In her moving memoir, More Than a Crown, she pulls back the curtain on the personal storms, healing, and profound reinventions that taught her true identity is found not in a title, but in the courage to keep evolving.
A Personal Message from Liz
Watch this personal video introduction to More Than a Crown. Liz shares the deep inspiration behind the book, her journey from the pageant stage to the corporate boardroom, and what it truly means to build a life of purpose.
What They’re Saying
“Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson’s authenticity is wildly inspiring. Her writing presents a guide to living fully in the present, and shows how painful experiences can turn into powerful, new beginnings. Bravo on the debut!”
— Mary Calvi, Best-selling author, award-winning television journalist—news anchor on WCBS-TV and the national Inside Edition Weekends on CBS
“I found Liz’s story riveting and the life lessons she shared serve as a great foundation for any businessperson. It’s truly worth reading.”
— Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonards
News and Events
Business Council of Westchester’s Women in Business Council Meeting
For BCW Members Only. 8:30 am: Networking 9 am: Talk by Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson
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Former Miss New Jersey and Prominent Communications Executive Elizabeth Bracken Thompson Announces Memoir: More than a Crown: From Pageants to Purpose, Lessons from a Life Unfolding
From the Miss America Stage to Corporate Boardrooms, a Powerful Exploration of Resilience, Double Cancer Survival,…
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