The next state title-holder to be featured as part of our series, The Road to Miss America 2018, is the current Miss Maryland, Kathleen Masek. Continue reading to learn more about Kathleen and her journey towards the crown!

Share with our readers a bit about your platform and why you chose to represent/advocate for this organization.
My platform “Supporting Military Families” supports our military families and children. Having created a peer program for public schools, Operation Integrate, it helps our military children get acquainted into a new school system. I also collect backpacks and school supplies for Brave Backpacks to be given to military children. This is so very personal to me because I grew up with a single mother in the Navy, three sisters, and the constant struggle of being the “new kid” 8 times between kindergarten and high school. Giving back in this sense is like second nature to me. I know what it feels like to endure such circumstances and I have a calling to help nurture our generations to come!

What has been one of your biggest takeaways since being part of the Miss America Organization?
Being undeniably me. We, humans, are so quick to judge one another for any reason at all. I’ve learned throughout my 22 years of life that I won’t always be everyone’s cup of tea. As long as I am working hard to better myself and the lives of others, nothing else matters. Spreading love and kindness is at the heart of the Miss America Organization and that is what I set forth to do.

Photo Courtesy: Younique Beauty Photography

What is one thing you are looking most forward to during Miss America week?
Spending time with my sisters and finding out who will be our Miss America 2018! I thoroughly enjoyed the time I had with my sisters at MAO Teen and Orientation but it wasn’t long enough and I can’t wait to create more memories!

What words of thanks would you like to share with those who have helped you along the way to becoming crowned for your State?
I’m actually speechless when this question comes to mind. It truly takes a village to prepare someone for a national competition. Family, close friends, my Miss Maryland board, Director, Sponsors, everyone who helped my surpass my CMN goal and raise over $5k in total. The list goes on but I am eternally grateful for everyone’s love and support who have guided me, pushed me, and loved me through this amazing journey we call life.

Please share with us your social media outlets so that people can follow you on your journey to Miss America.
Instagram: @MissAmericaMD
Twitter: @MissAmericaMD
Facebook: FB/MissAmericaMD
Snapchat: MissAmericaMD
Tumblr: MissAmericaMD.tumblr.com

Photo – Miss Maryland Kathleen Masek