Arizona International Pageants

Merry Christmas! Or Mele Kalikimaka as my family likes to say. Christmas is a time of love and laughter in my family’s home. Our Christmas is always spent in Arizona because who wouldn’t want to get out of the cold for a bit? Throughout the years, my family has begun moving around, making it hard for us to spend time with each other throughout the year. So for us, Christmas is a time to laugh, smile and to enjoy the company of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I was once asked if I had any family traditions… this was a hard question to answer due to my family always changing around the holidays. One year we opened presents on Christmas Eve… all of them!  One year we were only allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. But most years all presents were saved for Christmas day. And what about food…no traditions here as well. Never know if we are going to have turkey, ham, potatoes, or even steak? It seems to always be a mystery to my siblings and me ...

Q.  How do I prepare for a pageant interview?  A. Know yourself and be very familiar with what you put on your application because that is where the judges will begin. Prepare a 30 second personal introduction that clearly states who you are, what you stand for and how you contribute to your community.  Educate yourself on the cause you plan to promote during your reign as well as the pageant system that you seek to represent.  Find out how long the pageant system has existed, the names of notable or famous participants, and the impact the organization has made in the community, the nation and the world.  Keep a notebook with you and write down questions you think a judge might ask related to important local and world events and also news related to your “cause.”  Learn the names of key government leaders and your basic rights under the United States Constitution. Write down a response to those anticipated questions that you can convey in 30 second...

Q.  How do I prepare for the swimsuit or fitness competition? It’s not about being “skinny.” Judges are looking for a healthy, vibrant, confident woman- and that is what contestants should strive to be. Participating in a pageant inspires women to pay attention to their health and allows them to inspire others to do the same. This is important because Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 289,758 women in 2013—that’s about  1 in every 4  female deaths .” [1] Heart disease can be prevented with a healthy diet and regular exercise – which reduces the risk of heart disease by 80%. [2] The American Heart Association’s God Red for Women Initiative recommends Life’s Simple 7 to help women manage their risk of heart disease: (1) get active; (2) control cholesterol; (3) eat better; (4) manage blood pressure; (5) visit your doctor and create a plan to lose weight; (6) reduce blood sugar; and (7) stop smoking if you do. For more ...

Pimp! Prostitute! “She put herself there!” “She can get out if she wants too!” How often do you hear this when talking about “night walkers”? But have you ever thought to yourself, maybe they don’t want to be there? Maybe they are trapped, forced, scared and alone? Or have you ever thought about the children involved? Over 100,000 girls in the United States are currently being sold for sex. These are the things that cross my mind often. As a social worker and children’s advocate, I learn quite a bit about the “hush hush” topics. The topics that often leave you feeling sad or emotional instead of warm and fuzzy. Throughout my life I have wondered what my purpose is and who I would become. As Miss Arizona International 2017, I ask myself the same question. But with this question comes an answer, my purpose is to make a difference and be there for those that often don’t have a voice to speak from. I am huge advocate for those effected by or at risk of sex t...

 Q.  How do I prepare to compete in a pageant?  A.  Success is in the planning!  Mark the date on your calendar and work backwards.  Most pageants require a professional photograph, fitness wear or a swim suit, an interview outfit, and an evening gown. A hair stylist, makeup artist and pageant coach are helpful too!  Next, set a budget.  Challenge yourself to get sponsorships from family, friends or even local business to help with your costs. Be creative and find fun ways to raise money.  Make a list of things you want to improve or change and get it done! Determine why you what to compete and what will keep you motivated when the going gets tough. Imagine yourself as the winner and plan your year as the new title holder.  Practice being a queen and make it a habit to look your best smile, meet new people, keep up with current events, mind your manners, and, by all means be prudent, with social media. Prepare yourself m...

Preparing for the crown: After entering my first pageant at the age of 37 with no experience, no preparation and no understanding of what it takes to win a title, you can imagine the shock and surprise when I placed fourth runner up. I had so much fun and met so many amazing women I knew in that moment I wanted to do it again.  The experience taught me so much about myself. It opened my eyes to things that I never knew I was capable of or ever gave myself credit for.  It was then that I knew I wanted to take this more seriously to achieve a goal of not just winning but finally finding that avenue with which I could share a message - my message. That in our country and around the world we had an epidemic of preterm birth and birth defects. It was now possible to share my story and bring more awareness to something that meant so much to me. I’ll share this story but at a later time. So how did I prepare? Well, the first step for me was the hardest one. It was finding the ...

My name is Kayla Hyun and I am your 2017 Miss Arizona International. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Arizona. You may often hear me say, “Go Warriors.” I had the honor and privilege of attending the University of Hawaii, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in social work. Fast forward five years, and I now have my master’s degree in social work and am doing what I love! I get the opportunity to help children every day and couldn’t be more thankful.  I am a school-based therapist at two schools in the Peoria School District. Go Aztecs and Bengals!! I also spend countless hours supporting StreetlightUSA, a residential community for girls at-risk of or effected by sex trafficking and I am a constant advocate for those effected by sex trafficking. StreetlightUSA and my career are a huge part of me but there is so much more to who I am. First and foremost, I have the most incredible family. I am the oldest of four; I have a brother in the army, a sister in...

I'm Andrea Brower - Mrs Arizona International 2017. I'm originally from British Columbia Canada but I am proud to call Arizona home. I have lived in this state for 4 years and have grown to love the beautiful landscape of the southwest.   I've been married for 20 years and have 4 beautiful children and an angel baby. Having had 4 preemies and a loss I've known since 1998 I would support and advocate for the March of Dimes. It is my platform and my main focus not only throughout my life but my year as Mrs Arizona Intl as well. The International pageant system truly supports women in their desire to serve god, the philanthropic spirit they possess, and passion to help others.   My career as an Aesthetician for the last 16 years has brought many women into my life. They've been beautiful inside and out. They say if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life. I'm grateful I can say this is true!   In my spare time (which isn't muc...