What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
My mom competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and I have always wanted to be like her so I decided to give it a try.
Tell me something about yourself and your work. What do you actually do, and have done in the past?
I am currently a student at Lafayette College Studying Philosophy, Anthropology/Sociology and minoring in Classical Studies. I am currently in the process of a applying to law schools and plan on attending one next year! My goal is to end up as a lead council for a charitable organization focused on giving opportunities to underprivileged youth.
I was a former member of the Division 1 Varsity Women's Lacrosse Team, as well as the Women’s Italian National Lacrosse Team (I even had the opportunity to on a training trip to Rome to train for the World Cup! ), unfortunately, I received a severe concussion my freshman year of college which forced me to medically retire. Though the concussion happened 3 years ago, I still suffer from its affects. It has become a type of new normal for me and is something that I don’t let hold me back. With everything I do, I find alternative ways to accomplish and achieve the same things as I would have been able to had I not received my injury.
Many misses have said that their dream since a child was to participate in a pageant as prestigious as Miss World (or Miss Universe). It this your case? And if so, why?
No it was not always a dream of mine. When I initially started competing, I did so with the thought that I would be doing one pageant for fun and that would be it but that was clearly not the case. The whole weekend was a transformative experience, I left feeling more empowered than ever. Getting on stage in a swimsuit and heels and putting myself in such a vulnerable position helped me to conquer my fears and really forced me to own myself for who I was and be confident.
We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference?
I wish to make the difference by being a presence in the community while getting actively involved to help make my state be a place where there are opportunity and tools for ALL youth to follow their dreams and become successful.
Who is your ideal beauty queen and how has she helped you to evolve as a beauty queen ?
Gal Gadot is my ideal beauty queen, not only did she represent Israeli in Miss Universe in 2004 , but she proceeded to join the army, get a law degree, start a family and break into the acting business all with poise and grace. Her ability to live her life as a title holder even after giving up on her crown is something I truly look up to. She is an amazing role model and shows young women that it takes more than just a pretty face to be successful, it takes a strong powerful and intelligent woman, and that is what I would strive to be like and hope to instill if I was to be a title holder both during and after my reign.
Thanks to the beautiful Angelina for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant.