You will compete at the 2018 Miss New York USA Pageant, how will you prepare the contest ?
I've been working out at the gym, practicing my walks and interview questions, doing some yoga and eating healthy! (Non-related pageant preparation: playing with my hedgehog and hiking on the weekends!)
What unique characteristics would you say you bring to the competition?
I always speak my mind and I'm not afraid to put myself out there. I'm a self-starter and able to find my motivation from within.
Photographer: Bryce Buell
What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
It was recommended to me because I model and dance. It will push me outside of my comfort zone, expand my professional network, exposure me to other industries and just a new experience overall.
Tell me something about yourself and your work. What do you actually do, and have done in the past?
Currently, I'm in a gap year of my MBA with a specialization in Management/Marketing. I am assisting to run a startup IT company. As well as pursuing modeling and dancing as these are my true passions in life.
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 ?
It was pleasant surprise! I never would've thought that I would be participating in Miss New York USA. (But never say never!) Of course, I would love to represent New York and be Miss New York USA.
Social media seem to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not?
Social media now is a powerful tool that can be a strong influencer; you can expand your network, make others aware of current events and keeps people connected. As someone that is ever expanding their social media connections it is best to be knowledgeable about the use of social media and its consequences (positive and negative).
What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?
Unapologetically be yourself. If you like a certain type of music, listen to it! If you like a specific style, rock it! At the end of the day, there is only one you.
Thanks to the beautiful Melanie for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss New York USA pageant.