The next contestant to be featured as part of our series is, Natascia Simone, Miss New Haven County. Continue reading to learn more about Natascia and her journey to the crown.

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.

Hi Bravura readers! I am Natascia Simone, Miss New Haven County 2017 and my platform is Food Allergy Advocacy: Protecting and Empowering Children. I have a severe tree-nut allergy and have worked with Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) since I was sixteen years old being a voice for food allergy awareness!

 

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?

I have been competing within the Miss America Scholarship Organization for three years and primarily became involved because of my platform and talent. I have grown in confidence and self-worth through the organization. Before I started competing, I had little appreciation for what I had to offer the world. I never considered myself unique in any way. Once I won my first title and competed for the job of Miss Connecticut, for the first time in my life I felt like I could do anything I put my mind to. Of course, I caught the “pageant bug” and I am so excited and ready to be returning to the Miss Connecticut stage this June.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?

Like I stated in a previous question, my platform Food Allergy Advocacy: Protecting and Empowering Children is something that I did not choose, rather it chose me. At seven years old I was diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy to tree-nuts and my life changed. I could no longer live a normal childhood as every event such as birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. were something I feared. Not many people understood my allergy and I was often times ostracized from my peers. I was also afraid to speak up for myself. With my platform I am able to be a voice for children. I have walked in their shoes and I teach them the tools they need to be empowered and know how to protect themselves from their life-threatening disorder. I give them the strength to conquer their fear and live a life of confidence at a very young age.

 

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?

I have worked closely with Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) since I was sixteen years old and speak at their National Food Allergy Conference in Las Vegas, NV as well as volunteer at their Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang) annually. Working with this organization has allowed me to connect with others my age and give me the strength to live a fearless life. Meeting people with the same life-threatening disorder is empowering as the friendships and bonds created are priceless. Eleanor, the CEO has become my “food allergy mom” in a sense and I am forever grateful for our friendship and her contribution to such an important cause. FAACT gives me the strength to stay positive for myself as well as the children that I interact with and guide.

What have you learned from your current Miss Connecticut, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut?

The current Miss Connecticut, Alyssa Taglia is a very strong-minded individual. I have watched her grow in this organization until her time came to be crowned Miss Connecticut 2016. She was determined and knew that if she worked hard enough, she could do it. That is something that I admire tremendously about her. When she was crowned, she was so deserving of the title and job. Her drive for success shined on that stage. Becoming Miss Connecticut is a full time job and she was ready for it. Knowing that I could be taking her position in June to represent this beautiful state gives me that exact stamina and motivation. I would love to carry on the legacy that dedication and consistency is the key to success and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cant, because you absolutely can!

 

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?

As a titleholder it is important to stand strong in your values and beliefs, but also remember you are a voice for many. Being a positive influence for children and teenagers is something that is a key objective of the job. An important message that I would love to leave with my followers is that you can be anything you want in this life, so mind as well be the best version of yourself!

 

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?

If I were to win the title of Miss Connecticut 2017, I would strive to increase the importance of food allergy awareness. There are 15 million Americans who suffer with this life-threatening disorder and 200 deaths a year in the US. There is not enough light on this issue and I would do my best to bring greater legislative attention to it in the state of CT and nationwide.

 

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?

I would tell my roommate that Connecticut is just perfect! We have four beautiful seasons (my favorite being Fall) and it is such a quiet and scenic state. My town specifically is very small and everyone knows each other! It’s like a giant family! Many towns in Connecticut are similar and people are so supportive of their towns and the accomplishments of the people in them. Connecticut is in a fantastic location and a short driving distance from Boston and NYC, which is perfect, especially around Christmas time. Connecticut also has a gorgeous shoreline. I am very proud to be from Connecticut!

 

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?

If I could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today I would place a free weight, a encyclopedia and a glass jar. The first item represents the freedom and strength women have today. I am so happy that women are able to stand up for what they believe in and be proud of it. An encyclopedia represents the knowledge women have in society. More women than ever before in history are receiving degrees and being placed in high-ranked career positions. Lastly, the glass jar represents the glass ceiling that is shattered and ready to break! Women have taken such leaps in history throughout the past 50 years and we aren’t stopping. We are just as strong, intelligent and powerful as men and we continue to prove that everyday!

 

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing option; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?

The biggest benefits I have received by being a part Miss America Organization would be self worth. I am so proud of the woman I have become and continue to grow into and I owe that to the organization. It truly helped me believe in myself and in all that I could accomplish, both physically and mentally; through fitness goals, academic goals, career goals and personal growth. I would share my journey with others and use that as a real life example of what the positive effects of pageantry can have on a woman in society today.

 

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?

What makes me “bravura” is my constant strives to be one step ahead. I graduated college a year early because with the emotional support of the Miss America Organization, I believed that I could and I did. I believe in timing. When I set a goal for myself I set short-term goals that I take daily, to one day achieve my long-term goal, when it is the right time. It is difficult to be consistent when instant gratification doesn’t occur, but I believe that with enough effort and perfect timing, anything is possible.

 

Where can fans follow you on social media?

Fans can follow my on:
Facebook Page: Natascia Simone – Miss New Haven County.
Instagram Page: natascia_simone.

I am always looking for new ways to inspire and connect with people!

 

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?

Do it! It has change my life for the better and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. People may judge you at first, but follow your heart and take that leap of faith in trying something new and incredibly beneficial to your personal and professional growth!

 

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017?

I almost don’t have words. The emotion that I feel when I think of all who have helped bring me to where I am today in the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017 is overwhelming. The emotional support that I have received from my family, friends and team is endless. In their eyes I am already Miss America and it makes me feel so blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people. My princesses, Ava, Adiana and Saylor are especially important to me as they look up to me as a role model and it constantly makes me strive to be the best possible version of myself. I am honored to be competing alongside the most beautiful, intelligent and talented women in the state and I know whomever wins in June is going to do a phenomenal job.

 

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?

I would like to encourage every Bravura Magazine reader to give pageantry a second glance and recognize the women underneath the crown and sash. The crowns are just for added sparkle; it’s the woman within that shines.