“The Road to Miss Connecticut” continues with the next Sylvana Gonzalez, Miss New Britain 2017. Continue reading to learn more about Sylvana and her journey to the crown.

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
My name is Sylvana Gonzalez and I am Miss New Britain 2017.  My platform, “Rising Stars” Fighting Education Inequality with Equity provides children affected by income inequality with opportunities to help strengthen their professional development to better assist their futures.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
This is my very first year competing in pageants and it has been the most rewarding endeavor I have ever invested my time in. I got involved with the Miss America Organization after researching scholarships for full time college students, being that the Miss America Organization is the largest provider of woman’s scholarships in the nation it seemed to be the best fit for my search.

Shortly after coming across MAO was when I realized the job description of Miss America was everything I had ever aspired to be in life. The platform requirement suit my personal ambitions since I am currently majoring to pursue my platform after graduation. I know no better position that would fulfill my needs to empower, inspire and serve than that of the title of Miss Connecticut/America through the Miss America Organization.
My job as a local title holder has provided more opportunities for professional development, community service and life enriching experiences than anything I have ever participated in. The very same week being crowned I was out serving as Miss New Britain raising money for our partnered Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on National Pancake Day at IHOP, an experience I would not have had if I did not take a chance on myself through the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization. I am only more thrilled to see what is to come for the next following weeks on my road to Miss Connecticut.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
My platform “Rising Stars” Fighting Education Inequality with Equity targets providing opportunities to the underrepresented education systems all across America. It is an increasing rate throughout the nation that children who come from low income families are subjected to lower test scores and small windows of opportunity for their futures due to income inequality.

Although I cannot change the income imbalance to families I can provide opportunities to help enrich our younger generation’s growth as professionals. Opportunities such as resume building, corporate interview workshops, community service projects and so forth.

I chose this as my platform issue because I myself come from an urban city school district and know the challenges our future generations will face as they grow into adulthood. To my advantage I had family and teachers who fostered my growth as a young woman, but as I got older I was well aware of how underrepresented urban city school districts were, and how rare my personal success was given what I had to work with. I will make sure this is prevented for as many children as possible so their dreams are tangible.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I have worked with inner city school students all across Connecticut through Connecticut’s Pre Engineering Program since 2010. It was through my mentoring that I realized how much potential our inner city children possessed if someone just invested time into their growth. Over the years it has only strengthened my passion to assist children not only in my hometown but all across the nation as Miss America to help their transition to adulthood be a successful one. I have faced many roadblocks in my journey to making “Rising Stars” a reality and I can only be thankful for the adversity for it has helped me push harder to bring my platform to the Nation.

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?
First and foremost anyone who has not had the honor of meeting our reigning Miss Connecticut, there is no better description to capture the true beauty of her character than she is resilient, selfless, dedicated, and empowering. Alyssa Rae Taglia embodies the spirit of the Miss America Organization to a T, working alongside Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s and her platform “Smiles for seniors”. You can feel her compassion not only to the organization but to her people the moment you meet her, and as a leader I feel like that this authentic empathy, and diligence for giving back to others is the most important trait. Through my short time knowing Alyssa I have learned everything comes second to being Miss Connecticut. As a representation of your state, you are a role model in front of your people as you are behind closed doors and I have never met someone more genuine to sincere service and empowerment than she. If I were honored to be her successor I could only thank her for her dedication to MCSO by continuing her legacy and embracing my own to bettering the state of Connecticut and America.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
A woman who is empowered, empowers, and as a local titleholder I use my respected title to publicize the significance of self-love and encouragement to others. Woman are placed under so many expectations in this day in age and I find it harder in our youth to embrace themselves and feel comfortable with their individuality without feeling subjective to stereotypes, bullying,  or unreasonable expectations for beauty that are causing insecurities in women of all ages. It is so vital that our growing woman know how to love themselves as well as how to empower one another. Empowerment is KEY to strong women everywhere.

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Alongside representing our partnered Children’s Miracle network hospitals, empowering women, and promoting my platform I would encompass more women into the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization. I think the Miss America Organization is a profound staple for young women’s development, service, and encouragement. I have found no better experience to foster development in young woman than that of the charities we take part in as titleholders through MAO. We service others intently, learn to value ourselves, empower each other as well as our viewers and develop a resume that can open doors for us far after our time serving MAO has come to a close.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Well if you are in search of a state that experiences winter, spring, summer and fall in one week come by Connecticut haha! On a more serious note through my fond memories Bristol CT is the home origin of ESPN and the oldest family amusement park in the United States Lake Compounce. If you want to spread your towel out at the beach we have plenty at most an hour driving distance as well as Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport where the movie “Mystic Pizza” Was filmed.

For all around family adventures we have Brownstone amusement park, trampoline parks, rock climbing, go karting, golfing and much more to enjoy with the family for indoor or outdoor get-aways. For children’s adventures I would visit Kid City and indoor wonderland of hand painted sceneries that take them across the globe to spark imagination as well as the Connecticut science center and the Pequot Museum for Native American History and research.

For adults, we have two casinos, day cruises on the Connecticut River, and the Bushnell Theatre for shows similar to those played on Broadway like Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. Overall there is nothing you cannot find to do in Connecticut, no matter the time of year.

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 any three items in a time capsule to represent the woman of today I would include items to resemble strength, intelligence, perseverance and grace. Our woman of today are all of these things and much more, we continue to grow to be the best versions of ourselves and I find now more than ever women are free to accomplish anything we set our minds to. I would proudly include the following,

 

First a PhD, as woman we have strived great lengths to the right of our education and careers that are male dominant. Anyone who receives this honor represents all of our potential as woman, and the right we now possess.

 

Two pins one “Vote for Hillary” and “Vote Trump” from the 2016 presidential election. I want to add this to document this time in life where a woman was honored with the right to run as a leader of our free nation. In itself no matter the outcome of the election the bravery to set an example for other women to follow is an act of empowerment.

 

And lastly, letters from our woman in leadership today. Woman such as our reigning Miss America, all state titleholders, Olympic representatives, woman of education, medical professions, business, arts, humanities. I find the wide range of careers we have flourished in is a very heartening stride to great things in our near future. It would be lovely for the woman of our tomorrow to read what inspired us today to continue our legacy and embrace their own.

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?
Experiencing the true grace of the Miss America Organization as a titleholder I know the purpose behind our mission and live it in everyday life to inspire others around me. Some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America organization has been working to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and being a public figure.

As a child I sold bracelets a dollar a piece for children undergoing treatments at St. Jude’s Medical Center. For health, safety and privacy reasons I was unable to visit those I donated to as a local citizen but since my work with the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization has begun I have been blessed with that opportunity. To me the mere fact I now have another outlet to give back to CMNH as a local titleholder is an immense benefit. Through MAO state titleholders can meet the Children cared by CMNH all over the nation. The opportunity to be a hero to a child braver than I is so incredibly life changing, they inspire me every day.

Becoming a public figure happens the moment you are crowned, suddenly every child looks up to you like you are some sort of superhuman. It is the closest feeling to a celebrity you will ever have and it is remarkable.

 

For anyone not familiar with the Miss America Organization although it is very glamorous and it looks like we have a blast (true to say the least) it is a full time job. You grow to be well spoken everywhere you go, consistent in your work, reliable, dedicated and selfless with all the service you put forth during your reign. Behind closed doors we are dedicated to our people, towns, organization and loved ones. We are human, trying to make the world a better place and although pageants do not have the best reputation from and an outsider’s perspective I can assure you it is life changing for the better.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I think what makes me exceptional is my transition to the Miss America Organization with no prior experience and gaining my respected title. Like most children in our nation I went through hardships very relatable to many such as income inequality, family divorce and minority segregation. Through all circumstances I have stayed true to myself. I am the only me there ever will be and what I can bring to the world as an individual is beautiful.  Encouraging this mindset in our youth is so important to our future leader’s development, especially when facing similar hardships is when a role model is most needed.

Where can fans follow you on social media?

Facebook and Instagram @sylvanamaria_; Please stay tuned for my #MotivationalMonday posts for woman empowerment!
What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Before coming into any pageant system I advise to do your research thoroughly to make sure what you are about to invest yourself into is what fits your personality best. Although I cannot speak on behalf of other organizations the Miss America Organization upholds the four points of our crown in everyday life, these points are; style, service, scholarship, and success.
Becoming a titleholder makes you an instant public figure through the Miss America Organization. This means selflessly giving back to others, reaching goals to do so and maintaining an admirable image you would want to look up to if you were a little girl again.
You should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the valuable experience you will have through the Miss America Organization. Trust timing, trust your own growth and keep in mind beauty is inside as it is out. Handling disappointment, change, obstacles and criticism gracefully is essential to being a titleholder. You are the leading example of a poised woman to young girls everywhere, be your best at all times to inspire them.
Despite what many may think of pageants the MAO is all about empowering women and service to our country. Think of it as a voluntary job that pays you in life rewarding experiences exclusively to those who are honored with the sash and crown.

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?
To my business manager Diane: None of this would be possible if it was not for you, you have been a tremendous support and push me to be the best version of myself as a mentor and friend. I am so honored to be working with you in my journey.

To my Mom: You make me your Miss America every day, and always put me first. I can never repay you for all the love and support you have given me as well as daddy to become the woman I am today. I love you unconditionally for all that you continue to do to be by side through this experience.

To my family: Your belief in me from day 1 has been much appreciated, I love you all I cannot wait to see what the rest of my journey has in store for me!

To my significant other: Thank you for giving me the courage to pursue this and encouraging me to be my best for June, I can’t imagine what life would have been like without the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization.

To Miss Connecticut: You are the epitome of grace and a true leader, thank you tremendously for setting the bar so high for all of us to find the best in ourselves to bring to the MCSO. My first encounter with you at my Rookie pageant made my transition to pageants a smooth run and I can never thank you enough for making me feel a sense of belonging to the organization. It was your warm smile and encouragement that made me feel comfortable in my own skin to perform.

To our Sponsors: Thank you so much to our Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization sponsors for taking time to work with each of the contestants on our road to Miss Connecticut, your services are so dearly appreciated. Special thank you to the tremendously talented Catherine Feihn Photography for working with me on my Miss Connecticut contestant headshot and platform shoot. Another thank you to Dianna Hampton of Beautigasm for making me feel like my inner JLo, styling my hair and makeup for the shoot. You two are absolutely lovely, I adored working with you and look forward to doing more business in the future.

In addition, thank you to Lauyre from Dazzle Boutique for taking time to help me find my Miss CT evening gown. Whether it was tips for colors that complimented my skin tone or fit for dress that flattered me the best your undivided attention is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
I want to thank you all so much for reading our stories and including us in your feature. Without the viewers we would not be a success in this article. I hope you take away with you can be your own Miss America in your everyday life without a crown or sash. Get involved, empower each other, stay humble and always find ways to better someone else’s life. Be Bravura!