The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut,” is the current Miss Fairfield County, Eliza Kanner.

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am so honored to be representing southern Connecticut as Miss Fairfield County 2017. I strive to spread Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals national message to be “For The Kids,” and celebrate over 350 dance marathons that are hosted on colleges and universities nationwide that raise money and awareness for their local CMN Hospital.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I got my start in pageantry when I was four years old through the Miss Connecticut Organization, and was mentored by many of the Forever Miss Connecticut’s. Ashley McClain, my Business Manager, was one of my Misses and I followed her on her journey to the Miss Connecticut stage. She helped shape me into the young woman, and titleholder, that I am today. It is so rewarding to participate in the Miss America Organization as it enables young women to have a positive impact on little girls who will one day compete themselves. Nothing is greater than hearing from one of our Miss Connecticut Princesses that they want “to grow up to be just like the big girls one day.”

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
As a patient at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in its inaugural year, the doctors and state of the art facility gave me the ability to live a childhood free of sickness. When I arrived at the University of Connecticut, I learned about HuskyTHON, which is a year-long fundraiser that culminates into an 18-hour dance marathon, aimed to raise funds and awareness for Connecticut Children’s. I immersed myself in the dance marathon culture, and it became my “why” at UConn. Since Miss Connecticut serves as the Ambassador for Connecticut Children’s, when picking my platform, it only seemed fitting to continue to strengthen the working relationship between HuskyTHON, Connecticut Children’s and the Miss Connecticut Organization. I am so excited to be the Co-Executive Director for HuskyTHON 2018, as we are on the road to raising $1,000,000 For The Kids. Whether or not I earn the job of Miss Connecticut in June, I know I will be contributing to making miracles happen for the patients and families at Connecticut Children’s.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I have met superheroes working so closely with HuskyTHON, and while strengthening the partnership between Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the Miss Connecticut Organization. Those heroes are the little humans that have faced life-threatening health conditions, have gotten parts of their childhoods taken away from them, and yet at the end of the day, they just want to be kids. After our dance marathon this year, where I was wearing multiple hats as Miss Fairfield County, as well as the Vice President of Communications, a parent of a cancer survivor, and a nurse herself at Connecticut Children’s, wrote to us and mentioned, “Eliza, your familiar smile warms our hearts each time we see you.” Raising funds and awareness for Connecticut Children’s has indeed made an impact on the lives of the families that benefit from the hospital’s services, but the special relationships and connections I have formed with these families have made an even bigger impact on my life. These superheroes inspire my daily work.

What have you learned from your current Miss Connecticut, Alyssa Taglia, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut?
Alyssa Taglia has always been a role model to me. Since I met Alyssa, she was a young woman who I thought was as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and knew what an asset she would be to the Miss Connecticut Organization as our state titleholder–and that, she is. My favorite trait about Alyssa in particular is that she is able to walk into any room and make everyone fall in love with her vibrant, warm personality. Regardless if she is at an appearance with families from Connecticut Children’s, or working for her platform, “Smiles for Seniors,” she does an incredible job interacting with people of all ages. If I was given the opportunity to carry on Alyssa’s legacy as Miss Connecticut 2017, I hope I, too, have the capability to positively affect the lives of all people, from all walks of life, that I may encounter during my reign.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
Everyone has hopes and dreams, but dreams do not work unless you do. Do exactly what you want to do with your entire heart, and do not lose sight of your dreams until they are reality.

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
In 2008, Forever Miss Connecticut Ashley Glen reached out to Scott Organek, the Director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, to establish the relationship between the Miss Connecticut Organization and Connecticut Children’s. As Miss Connecticut 2017, I will continue to make an even stronger relationship between the two organizations. I am so proud to support Miss America’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, but it is so important for titleholders to know exactly what their money is being used for at their local CMN Hospital, is order to feel more connected to the cause. The highest fundraiser is acknowledged at the state pageant with the Miracle Maker Award, but miracles can happen throughout the year, with contributions that are not monetary. To the kids that have received, or may currently be receiving, treatment from Connecticut Children’s, the crowns we wear as titleholders make us look like the princesses they read in books or see in movies—they truly think the world of us. We must use this to inspire them, encourage them with the notion that regardless of the adversity that they have faced, that their dreams are possible, and remind them they are princesses (and princes), too.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
The best way to describe Connecticut is like the Yankee Candle scent: “Autumn Gathering.” It is definitely unusual to describe your state like a jar of wax, but my favorite attributes of Connecticut are the fall season, and the uniqueness that everyone knows each other in our small communities. I love experiencing the four seasons, and autumn is the most magical season in our state. The roads are lined with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, and towns across the state offer fun fall activities for the whole family. Being from a small state, we have an advantage as titleholders, as we are able to visit all four corners of the state within one day. Also, regardless where in the state you are, you will be able to make a connection with someone. That is something that makes the experience of being a state titleholder unique in Connecticut compared to larger states.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
The women of today are breaking barriers and fighting stereotypes of what our role is in society. There are so many incredible figures that represent the women of today, and use their pedestal to voice the concerns of women worldwide. The first item I would put in the time capsule would be a poster from this year’s Women’s March. The march was a worldwide protest, in which over 1,000,000 feminists came together in cities worldwide to advocate for women’s fundamental right. This was the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, which I think is pretty amazing. Last year during my Miss Connecticut interview, my first question was: “Are you a feminist,” and I specifically use the word “feminists” to describe the participants of the Women’s March because a feminist is a person, regardless of gender, who wants equal rights for ALL people. Yes, I am a feminist, and every person on earth should consider themselves to be a feminist as well. The next item I would include is a copy of Beyoncé’s album “Lemonade.” I am a HUGE Beyoncé fan, and her latest album released last year shines a light on issues including race and gender inequality, and talks about women empowerment in a meaningful manner, which is not typically seen in mainstream media. #Beyhive. Lastly, I would include a broken piece of glass. I think it is incredible that women are breaking the glass ceiling. The wide range of careers and college majors in our Miss Connecticut Class of 2017 alone is amazing, and we are just 20 of the millions of women today who are breaking into careers regardless of what society tells us. It is also important to remember, however, that not all women in countries worldwide have the opportunity to fight for their rights like we do in the U.S. It is important to remind everyone of the reality that although we have come so far, we still have so far to go. That is why organizations like Miss America are so important. As the largest scholarship provider for young women in America, the organization is granting women the opportunity to continue to receive higher education, and network with successful women from across the country. I am so honored to be a part of an organization that promotes women, and hope that one day, maybe I will be included in someone’s time capsule for the work I have done representing and supporting the women of today, and the women of tomorrow.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion. 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?
I have learned so much about myself through my participation in this organization, and have found the most rewarding experience the crown has provided is the ability to serve others. You truly do not realize the power you have to affect the lives of others until those special moments come along where you say, “This is why I do what I do.” I have so many of those moments when I am with the patients and families from Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and a young girl tries on my crown and says she feels like a princess. I have so many of those moments when I am with our Miss Connecticut Princesses, and one of them tells me for her birthday instead of toys for herself, she asked for toys to donate to Connecticut Children’s. But then there are some moments you can’t even predict. On Miss America Serves Day, Alyssa invited us to promote her platform, “Smiles for Seniors.” We visited a nursing home in Bristol, Connecticut, where we interacted with the residents. To be completely honest, I forgot I volunteered to sing, but part of being a titleholder is thinking on your feet and never turning down an opportunity, and after speaking with one of the residents who is a Marine veteran, I thought it was appropriate to sing “God Bless America,” to thank him and the other veterans for their service. About 30 seconds into the song, the man started crying, so I left the mic stand and went to sing directly to him, while holding back tears myself. That moment meant everything to as a titleholder, and as a daughter and a granddaughter of veterans. As a titleholder, you never know what appearance you might go on that day that will leave such a lasting impact on your life.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?I am dedicated to everything that I do, and I know that if I want to make a lasting impact on the world, I must start in my own backyard. I am a petite young women with huge dreams, and I know I have the dedication, and passion, to fulfill my dreams and aspirations.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Eliza Lynne Kanner – Miss Fairfield County 2017 on Facebook
@elizakanner on Instagram and Twitter

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Before competing, it is imperative to figure out your reason for competing. Everyone’s reason is different – and that is OK! Identifying why you want to be “Miss Local” or “Miss State” is the first step you need to take to get there. From there, my three P’s: Planning, Prioritizing, and Producing. Plan out everything that must be done from today to the day you are competing, prioritize what needs to be done to prepare you mentally, physically, and emotionally, and lastly, on pageant day, bring the best version of you to produce the best results.

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?
My Business Managers Ashley and Danielle- Thank you for your constant love and support. You are more than just business managers, but two of my closest friends.

Nakiya, Kristen, Jared, and the rest of the Miss Connecticut Board of Directors and Volunteers- You are, simply put, incredible. You have completely taken this organization to new heights, and make me want to be a better titleholder each and every day. I am so excited to watch you continue to grow this organization, and continue to provide such an amazing resource to young women in Connecticut.

Scott Organek and everyone from Connecticut Children’s Medical Center- Thank you for inspiring my work each and every day. Anything, For The Kids.

Alyssa Taglia, Miss Connecticut 2016- The epitome of beautiful inside and out. I have always thought the world of you, and the next young woman who is crowned Miss Connecticut has incredibly big shoes to fill. You will be successful wherever life takes you next, and know I will always be there to cheer you on along the way.

Jeff- The BEST pageant boyfriend around. From driving me across the state for appearances, to picking out what lipstick shade looks best with my outfit, I could not do this without your love and support.

Gabby- My roommate and live-in pageant coach, you are Miss America to me.

To everyone on #TeamLiza- Your support near and far make all the work so worth it. I hope I make you proud.

Mom, Dad, Stacey and Noah- Thank you for always believing in me, and reminding me: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I love you.

And lastly, to the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017- Although only one of us will be crowned in June, the impact we are making in our communities does not stop there. The Miss America Organization continues to thrive because it is a community of women supporting women. I cannot wait to see who will be representing our class at Miss America.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey to the Miss Connecticut stage. On behalf of the entire Miss Connecticut Class of 2017, we hope we are making everyone in our state proud of our work, and we leave a lasting legacy within the Miss America Organization. I encourage you to support the young woman who is crowned in June during her year as Miss Connecticut 2017, and while on the road to Atlantic City!