In the coming month, we will be looking to see who will be crowned as the 90th Miss Connecticut, and have the opportunity to go to Atlantic City and compete for the title of Miss America 2019. Next to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut 2018,” is the reigning Miss Southington 2018, Karla Aponte Roque. Continue reading to learn more about Karla and her journey to the crown!

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What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
Having the opportunity to be Miss Connecticut 2018 means that I made it. There have been a lot of obstacles in my life and being Miss Connecticut would allow me to share my truths in hopes to inspire others.

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Connecticut system? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss Connecticut?
Growing up, I never felt comfortable in my small frame and lack of strength. Having the confidence to be on stage during the fitness portion was challenging for me. After winning my local I decided I needed to change the way I looked at myself. Feeling strong and comfortable in my skin and body is my ultimate goal.

What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Southington 2018?
I have had so much fun being Miss Southington that picking my favorite three experiences is difficult. I would start with the night that I was crowned Miss Southington. I met so many wonderful young women and made friends that I am still close with today. Next would be Huskython, which was a night filled with so much dancing and an overwhelming feeling of solitude towards the families that CMNH helps. Lastly, Gala night was such a beautiful night that made this Miss Connecticut journey feel so real. I also had the opportunity to crown my two princesses, Katie and Mirella, who I love so much.


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?
My personal platform is Abuse None, instilling resilience into those who are silent. Young children, like myself, who have suffered from abuse and neglect carry scars that are not always seen. I have had the opportunity to use my communication skills and unite my local community in becoming involved and donating to CMNH which is such a rewarding cause. This culminated in me being one of the top 10 fundraisers in our Miss America Serves Day dance marathon state event.

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?
I hope that we continue to be the world’s largest provider of scholarship for women and never lose our role in women empowerment.  I believe having a forever Miss America as our new Chairwoman will help encourage young ladies everywhere to see that there is no limit to what is possible.

What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step into the Miss America Organization?
I would tell them that they should go for it as long as they are doing it for themselves. Being a part of the Miss America Organization gives you an opportunity for self growth and development. I have learned so much about myself throughout these last couple of months and would encourage everyone to take on a challenge like this.


How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I believe that being a role model is all about being confident and understanding what it means to be an exceptional leader. Being the oldest of three children I have always tried to be a positive role model because I knew they were looking at me. I still feel that way now but on a larger scale.

What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to over-come it?
The level of resilience that the younger generation has, has weakened over the years. It is hard growing up in a time where the internet is readily available and community interactions are scarce. The skills needed to excel in life can only be provided by adults, so children can develop social and emotional abilities. We as the older generation should try and educate ourselves and learn from each other making sure not to be too critical as mentors.

Regardless of whomever wins the title of Miss Connecticut 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 that no matter what happens and who ever wins, that our new Miss Connecticut will advocate for herself and strengthen all those around her. Bringing her sense of self awareness and positivity everywhere she goes.


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut?
I believe that I am a “bravura” candidate because of all the challenges I have overcome. Even when I was homeless and didn’t know where my next meal was going to come from, due to a tornado destroying my home, I never forgot who I was. Being kind and warm are the two traits I am most proud of and should be characteristics that the next Miss Connecticut should have. I am proud of who I am and am excited to have the chance to bring these skills to the Miss Connecticut stage.

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
Instead of thinking, “what kind of person is Miss Southington”, think “what kind of person am I”. Who ever wins the title of Miss Southington should make the most out of what she wants of the title. I knew from the moment I was thinking about competing I wanted my year to be about community involvement. Since winning my local title I have been all over the state attending every state event and making the most out of my journey.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
There aren’t enough words in the English language to put together just how grateful I am to those who are supporting me on this journey. All I hope for is that I am able to make them proud when I hit that stage and showcase to all what a loving support system looks like.


Where can people follow you on social media?
You can follow me on my Road to Miss CT on my Facebook page Miss Southington 2018- Karla Aponte Roque and on my Instagram @misssouthington2018_karla. Also don’t forget to follow my hashtags #MissSouthington and #TheKarlaTrain.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
I would like to thank all the readers of Bravura Magazine for their support of a wonderful publication that knows how to keep their fashion forward and socially active readers happy. I am so thankful for all of your support and engagement on my page, thank you for following me.