The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut,” is Serena Charbonneau. Continue reading to learn more about Serena and her journey to the crown!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am Miss Greater Waterbury 2017 Serena Charbonneau and my platform is “The Butterfly Effect-Promoting a Healthy Mind and Body”.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I have competed in pageants for three years. I have held one title as a teen and this is my first time as a Miss contestant. I have gained self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and public speaking abilities, among many other areas of self-growth.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
My personal experiences in life have consisted of my journey dealing with bullying due to my physical appearance. Through healthy eating and exercise, I feel more lively and confident. I want to be able to relate to younger children who went through the same issues I had with my self-image, and I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of many.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Working with my platform, I am reminded of the childhood struggles I faced and was able to overcome. Having been able to persevere and overcome my own insecurities empowers me and reminds myself just how strong I am.

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?
Our Miss Connecticut Alyssa Taglia truly embodies the qualities of Miss America. She is selfless, kind, and always works to make others happy, without or without her crown. No matter how busy her schedule is or what occurs in her personal life, she never lets any negative thoughts show while at an appearance, which reveals just how selfless and giving she is to the community. I hope to be just as dedicated to service as she is, because she truly makes a positive impact in the lives of whoever she meets.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
The crown does not automatically make you a role model. As a titleholder, it is important to remember that you must wear the crown rather than letting the crown wear you. After being crowned, you should dedicate yourself to being deserving of the title you have been given, and only then will you have earned it. With the title come automatic responsibilities that can only be fulfilled by how much you give back to your community. One of the four points of the crown, and in my opinion, the most important, is service. Without it, we would not fit the vision of a role model.

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 strive to visit an elementary school in each town in Connecticut, so I am able to spread awareness of my platform all over the state. Next, I would strive to promote the applications of school grants to their lunch programs so that there could be healthy and fresh food options and physical wellness programs/supplies in each school. National programs such as “Action for Healthy Kids” provide school challenges and applications that work to do just that.

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 beautiful state including coastal cities, rural areas, and small towns. There are wonderful sights to be seen, including beaches, forests, lakes, and more. If visiting, highlights include the Mystic Aquarium, Peabody Museum of Natural History, and several outdoor sights that cannot be missed. We also pride ourselves on our wonderful colleges, such as Yale University, UConn, University of New Haven, Wesleyan University, and more. In general, life in Connecticut can be viewed as pleasant and thriving with our wonderful environment and great community.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
I would place a college degree, a tie, and sneakers in a time capsule. A college degree would represent our increase in the number of women with higher educations. A tie would represent how today’s women take on many responsibilities, which overcome and disprove the stereotypical role of a man’s job. Sneakers represent how hard working and busy women are, especially those who must work and raise a family on 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?
Many people view pageants as based upon by beauty, and that they do not require much physical or intellectual effort. However, being a part of this organization has shown me how to work hard to meet my goals, because the many responsibilities I have requires constant attention and effort in order to be successful. I would share with others the actual logistics and effort that is behind the glamorous final outcome of a local or state pageant.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”
I am “Bravura” because I stay true to myself throughout this entire pageant experience.  I truly love, appreciate, and feel humbled by this entire experience as Miss Greater Waterbury and I’m always grateful.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
My official Instagram page is “missgreaterwaterbury2K17” and my Facebook page is “Miss Greater Waterbury 2017 Serena Charbonneau”.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
I would advise newcomers not to become overwhelmed by what they believe the typical requirements of a “pageant girl” would be. I believe titleholders are most successful when they are true to themselves and let their unique personalities show through. Take pride in the fact that you are your own person, and don’t hinder your spirit by trying to fit a certain mold.

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?
Thank you so much to my family and friends who have provided me with a support system, allowing me the confidence and ability to have been successful in the Miss Connecticut Organization and every other aspect of my life. I strongly believe that support from others is what will give you the courage and power to achieve your greatest dreams.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
One of my favorite quotes that inspire me is, “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it”.