So tell us a little about you
personally? Where did you come from and what influenced you in your
youth?
I am a proud Arizona native! I was
born in Phoenix, the state capitol and our incredibly populated metropolitan
area. I was raised in Phoenix, but I’ve lived all over the state. The scenery
here is so beautiful to me, so I really enjoy time hiking and running, and
exploring more of the state with family and friends!
When I think about what has
influenced me throughout my youth, I see it as a collective impact from my
endeavors. Call it a blessing, call it serendipitous luck, but I have been very
fortunate – despite the challenges I’ve faced – with various opportunities that
have allowed me to explore my aspirations. One of the best examples of this the
chance I had to become a first-generation college student. So many doors opened
throughout my time as a student at the University of Arizona (Beardown!).
Tell us about becoming Miss Maricopa
County? What was the process like and what influenced you to pursue that
goal?
Becoming Miss Maricopa County was a process that involved a
great deal of dedication. The first part of the process involved completing a
large amount of paperwork, which included getting several forms notarized and
completing a platform statement, which – for me – involved describing the
impact of childhood hunger, and why I am choosing to focus my service to the
community on that particular issue. After weeks of preparing, it was time for
the actual pageant day! The day includes a 10-minute panel interview, talent
performance on stage, lifestyle and fitness/swimsuit on stage, evening gown, and
an on-stage question chosen at random. After the judges have completed giving
scores for each contestant, scores are calculated and the new titleholder
winners are announced! Believe it or not, that was the short description of the
process!
I became interested in the Miss America Organization because
of the Four Points of the Crown, which are Scholarship, Service, Success, and
Style. The Miss America Organization strives to have title holders that are
young women, academic scholars, and community leaders. The organization fit
perfectly into the standards that I hold myself to.
So what is next for your after
becoming Miss Maricopa County?
As of right
now, I am continuing to serve my community in the effort to end child hunger,
while preparing for the Miss Arizona Scholarship Pageant. This will be held at
Mesa Arts Center, June 23rd – 25th, in Mesa, Arizona. The
winner of Miss Arizona will then go on to compete amongst 51 other accomplished
ladies in September 2016 for the title of Miss America, and up to $50,000 in
scholarship money. In addition, Miss America promotes her personal platform and
serves as a goodwill ambassador to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
throughout her year. It’s a full-time job, but absolutely worthwhile!
Childhood hunger seems to play a big
part in your social media message? How have you been influenced
personally?
Hunger has
absolutely impacted me, which has influenced my desire to study public and
community health. I was raised in a single-parent household, so there was only
one income for my family. At the time I didn’t realize that what we were
actually experiencing was food insecurity. Even in college, there were times
when I relied on the campus food pantry in order to make sure that I had enough
food, especially healthy options. Though hunger is a general term for an issue
that has roots that run deep, I am committed to ensuring that vulnerable
populations – such as children – do not have to experience it.
What are your favorite causes to
support?
There are
so many! Some of my favorite causes are child hunger and health, education,
poverty and homelessness. As I further progress into my Masters of Public
Health degree, I see that these are the areas that impact quality of life and
health levels. I honestly believe that if we, as a nation, can provide
stability in these areas, we can strengthen our economy and the people in it.
Now you are undergoing you second
SNAP Challenge. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience in the
first one you did?
My first
SNAP Challenge was extremely eye-opening for a few reasons. I should start by
explaining that I was a public health major at the University of Arizona at the
time of the challenge, and my passion for being an advocate and bringing about
positive, community-wide change was undeniable. When one of my professors
mentioned the challenge, I thought that I would have an easy enough time,
especially with it only being four days. To my surprise, I had a hard time! I
was working, going to classes, staying up late studying, and doing my best to
stay focused and energized throughout the day. Overall, the experience humbled
me. Service to others is my passion, and as I work towards achieving academic
and career goals, I don’t want to forget why I first set out to achieve those
goals.
So what are your tips and strategies
as you look into going into your second one? What is the most difficult
thing that you are expecting on your second time around?
I predict that my second time around with the SNAP Challenge will be a
little difficult. Since I am preparing for a pageant, I am also wanting to eat
foods that are healthy! My personal challenge will be to make sure that I am
eating enough throughout the day so that I have the energy to exercise as well
as complete my other daily tasks.
What foods do you miss the most when
you do your SNAP Challenge?
So many! Since I’m also staying
healthy and lean in preparation for Miss Arizona, I have been missing quite a
few food items lately (laughing)! One thing that I miss most is being able to
spend time with my mom, eating her homemade cooking! She’s an amazing cook, bar
none!
How long are you doing your SNAP
Challenge, and where are you going to buy your food?
My SNAP Challenge will be 7 days.
Slowly but surely I’ll work my way up to more days! As far as buying food, I’ll
need to purchase from a store that offers healthy and fresh options at a low
price. As many people know, this is the catch-22 that impacts the 45 million of
Americans that rely on SNAP. At this point, I believe that my local grocer as
well as farmer’s markets will allow me to stay within budget. Fingers crossed!
How has the community supported you
on you SNAP Challenge?
The community has been great, and
support has come in numerous forms! I have been tagged in recipes, seen how
others are approaching the challenge, and even met some great advocates, such
as yourself! I will be doing the SNAP Challenge again, and I look forward to
making connections with other participants, and having a nation-wide challenge!
How can we support your efforts, and
follow along with your campaign against childhood hunger?
The best way is to follow my social media
accounts, which I have listed below. Leave comments and say hello! As my
platform title says, it takes a village, so I would love to see and support the
community actions of other proponents for change.
Good luck with the Miss Arizona competition and upcoming SNAP Challenge Juanita, and thanks for taking the time to chat with us. And readers, don't forget to click on those links above. She has a great cause to help support!
