The Road to Miss Connecticut continues with the next contestant, Jillian Duffy, who is the current Miss Trumbull. Continue reading to learn more about Jillian and her journey to the crown!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am Jillian Duffy and I am Miss Trumbull 2017. My platform is Jillian’s Journey, Pediatric Cancer Research and Awareness.  For those who are not familiar with the Miss Connecticut and Miss America Organizations, each contestant is asked to select a cause or organization that is important to them. My platform is a personal cause born of my battle and victory over pediatric Leukemia.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I’ve been competing in pageants for 12 years now.  I began when I was 8 years old and was fortunate to have won a pre-teen title, teen titles and Miss titles within the Miss America Organization. Competing in pageants and being a titleholder has provided the opportunity to hone my public speaking skills, my interpersonal skills, has boosted my confidence and given me the platform to comfortably speak about my battle with cancer.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
When I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and have been treated and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center for the past 7 years.  Jillian’s Journey encompasses a multitude of components from the diagnosis, through treatment, into remission and celebrating every day in between.  My focus is on Pediatric Cancer not only because of my personal experience but also due to the fact that only 3-4% of all funds raised for cancer research goes to Pediatric cancers.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I lived and continue to live my platform and being able share my story through speaking engagements and working with various nonprofit organization helped me to heal and has molded me into the strong young women I am today.

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?
Determination. I have watched Alyssa compete since I was a teen and have always admired her determination to work towards something that was so important to her.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
I would say that number one message would be to have empathy towards others.  You never know what someone is going through in their personal life or what struggles they are facing.

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
I would like to continue to promote and market the organization and acquire additional sponsors. I would like build partnership between the Miss Connecticut organization and some of the organizations I currently work with such Make-A-Wish, American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Connecticut is a quaint state.  It’s small but has a lot to offer. There are mountains, seashores, museums, the oldest continuous running amusement park, great entertainment, 2 casinos, great restaurants and beautiful parks. You can start your day having breakfast at a Bed & Breakfast in Litchfield County, stop for Pizza in New Haven and finish your afternoon antique hunting in the quiet corner of Windham County.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
I would include a computer to represent work life, a teddy dear to signify “Mom” life and finally a daily planner because the women of today are taught they can have it ALL..a successful career and a growing family.

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 think the biggest benefit would be the confidence and public speaking skills I have gained both of which will continue to help me in my career aspirations. I have decided on a career in Marketing based on some of the wonderful experiences I have encountered being a part of this organization.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I have experienced a lot in my 20 years and I would have to say what makes me Bravura is my fortitude to continue fighting even when you’re too tired to stand.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Facebook – Miss Trumbull Scholarship Organization.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
I would tell them to reach outside of your comfort zone.  I danced to 15 years and danced competitively for 6 of those years.  After breaking my foot 3 times, my doctors told me I could no longer dance so I took up singing and have been singing for 3 years now.  Singing was out of my comfort zone but because of the self-confidence I have gained being part of this organization, I was able to step way outside of my comfort zone and do something I hadn’t done before.

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?
No words can truly express my gratitude for everyone who has helped me along the way.  People have pushed and challenged me to grow and provided the necessary support to allow me to succeed. I would simply say THANK YOU!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
No matter what life throws at you, approach every obstacle with a positive attitude and know that you can overcome anything.