As we continue our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut 2018,” the next contestant to be featured is Miss Stamford 2018, Jaymie Bianca. Jaymie is excited to share with our readers more about her time within the MAO and why she would be the best choice as the 90th Miss Connecticut! Continue reading to learn more about Jaymie and her journey to the crown!

Tweet

What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
To me, being Miss Connecticut means having the opportunity to impact lives through my personal platform- “Providing Sports and Recreational Opportunities for People With Disabilities” as well as engendering the role of an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The title of Miss Connecticut presents the perfect opportunity for me to advocate for the causes I believe in, and become a beacon of empowerment for individuals of all ages. My hope as Miss Connecticut is to travel the state and be able to relate and advocate for people from all walks of life, because, to me, Miss Connecticut represents not only the broader population of the state, but has the ability to advocate and relate to each individual Connecticut resident.

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Connecticut system? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss Connecticut?
I always kept one ideal in mind when preparing for Miss Connecticut, and that was the fact that even though I am a local titleholder, I must already be doing the job of Miss Connecticut. This mindset manifested itself in my preparation in a multitude of ways. Whether it was pail-shaking every weekend for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, volunteering at Special Olympics and Unified Sports events across the state, or visiting state and local sponsors, embodying the role of Miss Connecticut was my ultimate priority when preparing for the state pageant. One challenge I faced this year was being a first year college student, and having Miss Stamford be my first “Miss” title in the organization. It was difficult at times to navigate these two facets of my life, however, I have grown immensely this past year, learning independence and confidence along the way.

What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Stamford?
My reign has presented me with fabulous memories that I will truly cherish. Firstly, I would say that teaching a baton twirling class to students with disabilities at a local high school was an abundance of fun. While I have been doing this program for years, I loved being able to teach a class as Miss Stamford! Secondly, I judged the Invention Convention at a Stamford elementary school. I loved learning about the children’s inventions and witnessing firsthand the power of bright young minds. Lastly, while I was crowned in November 2017, the Miss Stamford Scholarship Corporation hosted another pageant on January 14th, which happens to be my birthday. That day, my lovely teen titleholder, Irelynn, made a cake and had the whole audience sing “Happy Birthday!” The amount of love I felt that day was contagious, and during that moment, I felt truly grateful for my Miss Connecticut family.


How have you striven to not only promote your personal platform, but also help raise money for the MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
Since my brother and I were both patients at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, we are both extremely grateful for their services and to be living healthy lives today. Therefore, together, my brother and I pail shake almost every weekend at local stores throughout Stamford and the state. This allows us to tell customers our stories, and why CMN is such a wonderful cause. Additionally, for my personal platform, I have volunteered for the Baseball and Basketball Challenger Leagues, Special Olympics, Unified Sports, and Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center. I’ve raised funds to purchase new uniforms for the Special Olympics team in my home city, and three years ago, I started teaching baton twirling classes to individuals with disabilities across the state. Volunteering and having the opportunity to establish a unique program for those with special needs has been an absolute blessing, and I am so grateful for the copious amount of opportunities I have had to promote my personal platform. My brother is on the Autism Spectrum, and was nonverbal until he began participating in the various aforementioned programs; therefore, my platform is truly a reflection of my belief and faith that people with disabilities can surmount any adversity.

With the recent news which has been brought up in regards to the former Miss America Org. board, what do you hope the future of the MAO holds with their new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson?
I have always seen the Miss America Organization as the paradigm for female empowerment and service and scholarship opportunities. Therefore, while the recent news concerning Miss America left me heart-broken, I have faith that Gretchen Carlson, a former Miss America herself, will truly see the vision of where this organization is now and where it can be in the next few years. I see the organization becoming stronger, and ensuring that the uniqueness and voice of each woman is validated and appreciated.


What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step into the Miss America Organization?
Becoming a part of the Miss America Organization is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My advice for young women looking to join is that this organization allows you to be yourself wholly and unapologetically. You do not have to be subservient to a confining mold. The women who participate in this organization come in all shapes and sizes, and are strong and confident in their beliefs and values. It is not exclusive, rather, it is a sisterhood that will welcome you with open arms and embrace your idiosyncrasies. The organization additionally allows you to ignite your passions and further your education, and will be extremely beneficial for your future.

How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
For me, I am a role model in the sense that I am authentic with my words and actions. Teaching others that being yourself, even implicitly, is one of the foundations I maintain in my life. Denying the uniqueness of each individual only results in a loss of confidence which can be extremely damaging in the formative years of someone’s life. That is why, by allowing my true self to be present in my interactions with others serves to show that we are all different, yet it is our diverse backgrounds that make us special. We can learn from each other, and I aim to be a role model for others by teaching this ideal.


What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to overcome it?
With social media cultivating more prominence in recent years, our youth is losing confidence in themselves and their abilities. However, as Theodore Roosevelt once said- “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Therefore, to combat comparison, it is important that whether in person or on social media, we edify others rather them tear them down. I have seen initiatives that promote this ideal, whether it is a Day of Kindness or a social media page dedicated to giving positive compliments about others, initiatives like these are step in the right direction when aiming to alleviate comparison.

Regardless of whoever wins the title of Miss Connecticut 2018, what is one goal you have for the new title-holder, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
One goal I would love to see our new Miss Connecticut accomplish is securing new sponsors for the organization. Sponsors are paramount when preparing for Miss Connecticut or Miss America, and since our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner, has done a fabulous job with securing new sponsors, I would love to see our next Miss Connecticut replicate the outstanding marketing Eliza has accomplished, to therefore continue to build the organization’s relations and help the new class of ladies for the following year.


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut?
I am extremely dedicated and driven. When I set my mind to something, I ensure that I have all the tools necessary to accomplish the task. Whether it is raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, or mentoring two young ladies with Down Syndrome, I always aim to dedicate myself through volunteer work and advocacy for the causes I believe in. Possessing the ability to advocate for change and having the drive to succeed is what I believe makes me a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut!

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
The guidance and appreciation I have received from the Miss Stamford Scholarship Organization has been wonderful. For young ladies wishing to compete for Miss Stamford, I would say enjoy getting to know the fabulous Stamford team and sponsors. Regardless if you are selected as the next Miss Stamford or not, it is still an amazing experience being a part of a local pageant, and familiarizing yourself with the Stamford crew who will always support you.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Without the help of family, friends, and sponsors, I would not be the young woman I am today. I am extremely blessed to have your support and love, because it has only made me stronger. Even when my belief in myself faltered, you still believed that I could soar, and  for that, I am thankful.


Where can people follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss Stamford 2018 Jaymie Bianca.
Instagram: miss.stamford2018.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Thank you for reading and for supporting me on this journey! Ever since I went to my first Miss Connecticut pageant and watched Miss Connecticut be crowned, I said to myself- “That will be me someday!” Since then, I have worked every day to embrace the role of Miss Connecticut in modern society, and I hope that you will continue to follow my journey to the crown!