The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, "The Road to Miss Massachusetts," is Sherene Iskander, the current Miss Cranberry Country. Continue reading to learn more about Sherene and her journey towards the crown!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
My name is Sherene Iskander, and I am your 2017 Miss Cranberry Country. My platform is “The Gift of Giving”.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I started competing in pageants at age 18 (I’m now 24) and have competed on and off ever since. The personal growth I have experienced from pageants is incredible and has bettered me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I’ve gained confidence, public speaking skills, and passion. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without pageants. The experience has made me a better version of myself.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
My platform, “The Gift of Giving” is all about helping the community in whatever way possible. There are many ways to make a difference in this world, whether it’s in the form of volunteering, monetary donations, or just brightening someone’s day. The whole premise of my platform is to make a difference in your community, even if you’re only impacting one person. I picked my platform because I personally saw how critical and crucial a strong community is in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. I was serving as a volunteer at the Finish Line when I suddenly found myself amidst the chaos and confusion following the tragedy. In the moments after, I did all I could to help those who were unfamiliar with the area find their way back, or comfort those in panic wandering the streets looking for help. In the moment I didn’t even realize the impact I was making, but kindness goes a long way. In the weeks and months after, I discovered how important it is to lean on each other, and how a supportive community can make a drastic difference. That is what my platform is all about: helping your community in whatever way you can.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I believe that we rise by lifting others. It sounds a little selfish saying that my platform, which is all about helping others, helps me be a stronger person. But, by helping and bettering the community around me I become stronger because the support around me is stronger. There is a net to catch me if I fall. I think that’s the true definition of strength – in difficult times knowing you’ll be able to push through and endure. And that’s what a powerful community can do. I know that sometimes I might be lifting the community around me, but that it will spot me back when I need it and help me be strong and push through challenges.

What have you learned from your current Miss Massachusetts, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts?
Following Miss America, social media was not very nice to Alissa. People were posting horrible things that weren’t even true regarding her performance and she handled it flawlessly. She placed top 15 at Miss America! That is an incredible accomplishment and people were trying to ruin her moment, but she didn’t let them. I learned that no matter how incredible you are and how much success you have someone will always have something to say. But true grace and elegance comes from your reaction and how you handle yourself, and Alissa really demonstrated that with her responses.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
“Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievement”. When I was in high school, I wrote this quote on the mirror in my bathroom and saw it every single morning before leaving for the day. It became a part of me, and I still think about that every morning when I wake up. The achievements worth having in life take time and effort. You have to work hard for them every single day. The harder you work, the sweeter the victory is. If I had to pick one message to convey it would be to work hard and remember every single day to really go after what you want and not to be passive, but be active in pursuing your dreams.

If you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts, what is the one thing, which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
I believe that the partnership the Miss America Organization has with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is incredible. Last year I raised over $1,200 for CMNH and ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon as a charity runner. The experience was incredible, as I was able to meet miracle children and families from all across the U.S. and see the true impact that the money we raise has on these children and these families. As Miss Massachusetts, I would strive to create awareness about the benefits CMNH provides miracle children and miracle families and raise money for the amazing organization.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Massachusetts; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I think Massachusetts is an “all-in-one” state. You want time on the beach or the hiking trails? We have both. You want art? Sports? History? Culture? Great food? We really have it all. That sounds cocky, but hey, I love my state! If you want something, I bet you can find it in Massachusetts!

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

-Rock to represent the strong core of every woman who perseveres in life as a contributing member of society. The moms, the professionals, the caregivers, the educators; for the women whose loving, compassionate, helping hands show us the way.

-Paper for the masterpieces of art, music, literature, scholarly dissertations, formulas, poetry, messages of love, archives of the past and predictions for the future; for the women who translate our universal thoughts into shareable, tangible expressions.

-Scissors for the beautiful creations that make life special, from a freshly cut bouquet to a perfectly shaped craft; for the women who decorate and color our lives with joyful keepsakes.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion; 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?
I truly believe that every phase of competition is beneficial to the women competing and every single one has helped me grow. Interview and on-stage question have helped prepare me for any public speaking situation or networking opportunity I may encounter. I’m able to form opinions and speak in a confident and poised manner thanks to Interview. The Lifestyle & Fitness competition has encouraged me to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including running five half marathons and even a full marathon, and to be confident in myself. The Evening Gown competition has taught me how to hold my head up high and exude elegance and grace without saying a word. And the talent portion has taught me dedication and commitment to perfecting something and striving for excellence. People who don’t believe that every single phase of competition is beneficial to the women competing aren’t seeing the whole picture and how much work goes into competing and the story behind each contestant in each phase of competition. In addition, the friendships I have gained in the Miss America Organization are priceless. The women competing are no joke. They can speak eloquently, they are talented, and they are caring and giving. They are ideal role models and women I am proud to call my friends.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
My fearlessness. I think it is critical to go for what you want and not let fear stop you. I’ve always been fearless, for better or worse. I think fear stops a lot of people from achieving their goals.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Instagram: @shereneiskander, and Facebook.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Have fun and be yourself! The day I won Miss Cranberry Country I put no pressure on myself and just wanted to have fun. Instead of being nervous, I showed my personality in Interview, played my piano piece with passion, enjoyed the high energy of the Lifestyle & Fitness competition, and felt like I was on a red carpet in my gown. And it worked; I walked away with the crown. If you aren’t having fun and you aren’t being true to yourself, I think it’s difficult to succeed.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Massachusetts Class of 2017?
The words from the song “For Good” from Wicked really resonate with me… “people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn and we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them”. So, I think I owe thanks to every person I’ve encountered who has helped me become the woman and titleholder I am today. But I owe a special thanks to a few people. First of all, my mom is the greatest pageant mom there is. She lives in Oklahoma, so when I talk to her on the phone, she’ll randomly throw in a current event question to get me ready for Interview. Or she’ll text me saying she shipped me a dress that would be “just perfect” (and she’s always right). There’s no way I’d be competing for the title of Miss Massachusetts without her help. She might be far away, but she takes her job as “Pageant Mom” very seriously. I’d also like to thank Miss Lorna Brunelle, who over the last four years has impacted my speaking skills and confidence in ways she doesn’t even know. I’d also like to thank all of the local pageant directors in Massachusetts and the state board for providing such incredible opportunities for all the contestants and titleholders. And finally, I wouldn’t be in the Miss Massachusetts Class of 2017 if it wasn’t for my incredible sister queen, Miss South Coast, Lyndsey Littlefield, and her mom (and my local fill in pageant mom) Michelle, who convinced me to “just try one more time”. It really does take a village.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you, Bravura Magazine, for the opportunity to share a little about myself! To the readers, everything happens for a reason. The path you’re on might not be what you expected, but learn from it, move forward, and shine!