An Albert Lea woman will represent Minnesota in the 2013 Ms. Senior America Pageant later this month.

Sherry Westland is Ms. Minnesota Senior America and is slated to appear in Atlantic City, N.J., for the pageant the week of Oct. 20 at the Resorts Hotel & Casino. The pageant is for women 60 years of age and older.

Westland studied business administration at Pacific Union College in Angwin, Calif., and has worked early in her career as a flight attendant who visited 21 countries. She had a 16-year career as an executive assistant to the CEO and board chairman of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in Ridgecrest, Calif. She now works with her husband as office manager of his certified-public-accountant firm and as the conservator of her disabled sister’s estate.

In May 2011, Westland lost her eldest son, Ryan, to suicide. She since has become an advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Contestants in the Ms. Senior America Pageant will be judged in four categories: interview, talent, philosophy of life and evening gown.