The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018,” is Arlena Occhipinti. Continue reading to learn more about Arlena and her journey to the crown! Also look to see what she thinks about the current MAOTeen NY, Asia Hickman!

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For those who may not be familiar with you, tell our readers a bit about yourself and your background within the pageant world.
My name is Arlena Occhipinti and I am your current Miss Central New York’s Outstanding Teen. For those who may not know me I was born with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on my left wrist. Throughout my childhood I struggled with my self-confidence, I took other people’s comments very personally just like any child would. At age nine my parents began to no-tice how unsocial I was and how my wrist was effecting my self-image. My mother decided to enroll me in a pageant system that was all about women empowerment and self-confidence, the Miss America Organization. I started in the princess program and absolutely fell in love, how could you not? From the amazing role models to the impacting community service you make memories to last a lifetime and I’m honored to continue throughout the program.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
The most important point of the Miss America crown in my opinion is service. Being in this organization has given me many opportunities to work with wonderful causes which has impacted my perspective of life tremendously.

During Asia’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
During her reign she has shown a mass amount of compassion. Which she has shown through her outstanding accomplishments and services. If I were to win the title I would use my year to show the same compassion throughout New York.

What have you learned from our current Miss New York’s ,Gabrielle Walter l, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
By following her journey as Miss New York Gabrielle has taught me that with hard work dreams can come true which is advice I plan to use throughout my life. Her platform gets kids motivated and supports their dreams which in my opinion makes her an amazing role model.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is Love Your Selfie #NoFilterNeccessary which promotes self-confidence. Growing up bullying was a huge issue for me the comments, stares and the kids saying they didn’t want to be friends with me because I was “different”. With my platform, I teach young girls that being “different” is okay.” An original is worth more than a copy” is something I always tell the girls who come to me for advice with their bullying issues. Choosing my platform not only has helped me saved lives but make memories. The girls I’ve helped will always have a place in my heart and I’m glad to say that me being “different” is making a huge difference.


If you were to win the title of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
If I were to win the title of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen I would promote my platform every way possible. I think my generation especially, knows the importance of my platform be-cause it’s relatable 1 in 3 U.S students have been reportedly bullied. Not only does bullying lead to self-image issues but it can also lead to depression, anorexia, drug use etc. Explaining the consequences of their actions and explaining that bullying may even be unintentional will really help them not only understand the problem but take action and try to prevent it.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent?
My talent is Irish dance, being restricted from sports gave me a lot of free time to dance. Sense dance was really one of the only hobbies I was allowed to have I took as many styles I could from jazz, tap, ballet etc. Irish dance just happened to be one I truly enjoyed because of how different it was.

Having been in pageants and after winning a local title, what advice do you have for those who want to start competing in the MAO system?
My advice is be yourself, this organization has taught me that it is okay to be you. By competing in the Miss America Organization I have met the most amazing women and have had many opportunities to make an impact on others.

Because of the way media and certain television networks have portrayed the lifestyle of pageantry, there is a preconceived notion of what a pageant girl is like. How do you think that being a part of the Miss America Organization you are able to break that barrier?
By our service, whether we’re raising money for CMN, promoting our platforms or just helping out our community we show them that the Miss America Organization is more than girls wearing a sash and crown we show that the organization is making the world a better place.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I hope they will promote their platform and get more people aware of their cause but also to spread the positive impact the organization has done for them.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
Everyone has something that makes them exceptional and mine would have to be what I’ve overcome at nine years old I couldn’t ever imagine talking to anyone about what I was dealing with. Hospital visits, surgeries you name it I experienced it, being able to share my experiences can not only show girls that they can overcome their battles but it shows that they’re capable to do whatever they put their minds to.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
My Instagram @misscentralnewyorkot2018, and my Facebook page: Miss Central New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to spread not only knowledge about my platform but the Miss America Organization I’m glad people finally see the impact it makes on titleholders and their communities.