New Beginnings…
As I sit here writing my first blog, I want to address how blessed I feel to be crowned the 2024 Miss River Valley. Getting here took a lot of work and goal setting to reach a goal I wanted to obtain. Starting this journey was not the easiest thing to do for me. Knowing people who have competed within the Miss America Organization also helped me step outside my comfort zone to compete. I come from a world where competing didn’t entail evening gown, fitness wear, or talent. So, when I say this was all new, it was a new door I was trying to open for myself.
One of my first steps was to establish a community service initiative I was passionate about. Knowing that being a Peruvian-American woman was important to me, I wanted to discuss diversity. Not just what diversity is but how it has affected me and others through conversations. I also acknowledged that it was vital for me to see others for who they are and for them to see me. So, I created an acronym S.E.E., which stands for Support, Elevate, and Empower. S.E.E. was a way for me to advocate for others who should feel being seen but also feel supported, elevated, and empowered about their diversity and the topic of diversity. That being said, I created the C.S.I.: Let’s S.E.E.: Revisioning the Conversation about Diversity. Acknowledging that everyone has a seat and voice at the table to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Everyone has a story, and I want to learn and hear what others have to say while being seen and comfortable.
Once I had my C.S.I. established, everything else fell into place. Being a dancer for all my life helped me get back in tune with my dancing abilities and the connection I enjoy when I am on stage. Practicing how to present myself on stage for evening gown, fitness, and interviews also allowed me to channel the best version of myself and advocate for things I love and am passionate about. Loving fashion, healthy living, and advocating went hand in hand with helping me through competing within the Miss America Organization and someday competing on the Miss Minnesota stage in June. If it were not for all my friends, family, and people I surround myself with, I would not have been able to achieve goals that seemed unattainable at first!
If I can take the leap of faith, you can too!
