As we gear up for the Miss Iowa 2018 pageant, we continue our series, “The Road to Miss Iowa 2018.” The next contestant to be featured is Miss Pearl City 2018, Jessica Baker. Continue reading to learn more about Jessica and her journey to the crown!

Tweet

What does being Miss Iowa 2018 mean to you?
Holding the title of Miss Iowa would mean that I get to share my passion of building young business leaders and educate the state about Children’s Miracle Network.  It means being a role model for everyone you meet or may not meet. This title means so much more than just a crown and sash, it means putting smiles on people’s faces and always encouraging citizens of Iowa to follow their dreams and never give up on their goals.

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Iowa system? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss Iowa?
I have prepared for the Miss Iowa competition by changing my lifestyle for the better.  I have built the habit of healthy eating and making sure I get to the gym daily. This has been such a learning experience and I feel so much better each day now that I have dedicated myself to a healthy lifestyle.  I have continued to practice my talent of dance which gives me time to practice a art that I have adored for so long. Lastly I have lived my platform by living my dream and opening my own business called Ambition Baton and Dance! This has been my biggest challenge while preparing for Miss Iowa because as a business owner I have to make sure my business is successful and running smoothly while concentrating on my preparations for Miss Iowa.

What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Pearl City?

1. My partnership with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa: Every Wednesday I have the opportunity to speak and educate about what happens in “our community” and the business world to 50 2nd graders.  They are so ecstatic to learn and have the best sense of humor! I always come home with the greatest stories and it brings so much joy to my week.
2. Western Illinois Dance Marathon: In 2013 I started Western Illinois Dance Marathon and have continued to be involved over the years as Alumni President. This year I was able to come back, speak about the importance of CMN, alumni relations and perform! We raised over $133,000!
3. Iowa City West High Business Speaker: I was able to go back to my first business class at my high school and speak about how I started my own business. I spoke about what challenges I faced and how I overcame each one!

How have you striven to not only promote your personal platform, but also help raise money for the MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
I have been involved with Dance Marathon for many years, therefore the National platform of CMN has always held a special place in my heart.  Dance Marathon is yearlong fundraiser for CMN and this year I survived as the Western Illinois Dance Marathon Alumni President. I encourage WIU alumni to continue to give to the cause and come back and support our program.  This year we raised over $133,000 for Dance Marathon and since I co-founded the program we have raised over $400,000 for CMN!

With the recent news which has been brought up in regards to the former Miss America Org. board, what do you hope the future of the MAO holds with their new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson?
My biggest hope for the Miss America Program is that it continues to encourage young women and girls to compete in the program and better themselves.  This program has always been about building self-confidence, courage, and empowering women. I have no doubts that it will continue to move in that direction.  I also hope that the Miss America Program continues to be a positive light in the media.


What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step into the Miss America Organization?
DO IT! I have never been a part of another organization that has given me so much confidence in myself and taught me so much.  This program really helps you become the best version of you you could possibly be. It is so easy to compare ourselves to others or try and be something we aren’t, but in the end the Miss America Organization just wants to get to know who YOU are. So be confident and happy with yourself first because once you’ve done that, you’ve already won.

How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I define myself as someone who is a positive, hard working and encouraging as a role model.  As a coach and titleholder I always make sure that my students and others see me in a positive light. I have always thought there is so much to be said about someone who has a constant smile on their face and enjoying life and I try to strive to be that person.


What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to overcome it?
I think the biggest issue our young generation faces is the lack of face to face communication.  Technology is so prevalent in our lives and they have grown up knowing nothing else that I think they grow up missing a lot of what I loved about my childhood. Many children come home from school and the first thing they want to do is play video games and sit in front of a TV or computer screen.  I think as adults limiting the amount of technology use on the day to day basis will help the younger generations remember there is much more to life than technology!

Regardless of whoever wins the title of Miss Iowa 2018, what is one goal you have for the new title-holder, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
I hope she lives the legacy that Iowa girls are strong, empowered and able to take on anything that gets thrown her way.  The job of a State title holder is hard work but I know that any of our contestants could handle this job and do it with such grace, confidence and a smile on her face!


What have you learned from your current state title-holder, Chelsea Dubczak, which you will take with you, if you were to win the title of Miss Iowa?
Chelsea has been nothing but herself during her entire year as Miss Iowa.  After being crowned she embraced who she was and built her legacy as Miss Iowa around that.  I think that is something every title holder should strive for. She also has a strong dedication to her platform and lives it every day.  My hopes would be to follow in her footsteps of being a strong, independent and dedicated title holder.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss  Iowa?
Something that makes me a “bravura” candidate for Miss Iowa is my love for teaching, encouraging and supporting others.  I have made it my career in life to help children succeed through baton twirling and dance. I also find myself constantly encouraging others to chase their dreams outside of the classroom as well.


What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
As cliché as it sounds my advice for the Miss Iowa contestants during our week of competition is to enjoy it and have as much fun as you can.  In all the excitement of competing and events throughout the week it is sometimes hard to remember to stop and smell the roses. This is an opportunity a life-time.  Don’t get so caught up in winning, that you miss the chance to laugh, make memorizes and lifelong friends.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
A million thanks would never be enough! I started the journey to Miss Iowa 7 years ago and my support system has never left my side.  The support, love and encouragement I have received has been something I will cherish forever. I truly would not be the person I am today without each and every one of them.


Where can people follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss Pearl City Jessica Baker.
Instagram: Jessica Baker – JJBaker4.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
To all of you who have been involved in the MAO system, whether it has been for many years or maybe you’re just starting, don’t ever ever give up.  This will be my 7th time on the Miss Iowa Stage and every year I come away winning. I have gained so much from the MAO. I have learned so much about myself, about self-confidence, perseverance and how to always give back to your community.  Always believe in yourself, it can take you a long long way.