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...