We are excited to continue our “Road to Miss Connecticut 2018” series, with the next contestant to be featured, the reigning Miss Charter Oak 2018, Stephanie Brady. Stephanie is ready to take the Miss Connecticut stage by storm in a few weeks; continue reading to learn more about Stephanie and her journey to the crown!

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What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
Being chosen as Miss Connecticut can be described in so many words, but the first that comes to mind is “honor”. Just like any honor comes a certain responsibility. Miss Connecticut 2018 has the honor to represent the entire state at Miss America, a once in a lifetime experience. She will have the opportunity to act as an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and an icon of sorts for the children receiving care. She has the responsibility to travel the state for an entire year to serve at events of all different types. Finally, she will be recognized as the face of the organization and as a role model for all of the local titleholders.

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 believe that my preparation for Miss Connecticut began years ago. From my family, I learned the importance of staying informed about the world around me and using this information to establish opinions. Equally important, I was encouraged to clearly articulate these opinions, while still being respectful and open-minded to the ideas of others. Through competitive figure skating, I learned the importance of living a healthy life style and goal setting as well as self-confidence. Finally, I was always taught the importance of being appreciative and giving back to your community. I am so thankful to each and every person that has helped to shape and prepare me for this experience.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Charter Oak 2018?
I have had so many great experiences as Miss Charter Oak 2018, but a few experiences really stand out in my mind. In December, the entire Miss Nutmeg Scholarship Organization attended a Christmas fundraiser hosted by the Valley Angels, an organization who helps local families in need. Everyone was so welcoming and it was a great way to kick off the holiday season! I also loved attending the Health Family FunFest! Coming from a Pharmacy background, it was great to interact with all of the vendors and healthcare providers. We tasted local food, participated in physical fitness challenges and learned all kinds of fun facts. Most recently, I attended the Miss Connecticut Dance Marathon in honor of Miss America Serves Day. As an organization, we were able to raise thousands of dollars to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and had fun dancing the night away. It is always so inspiring to hear families and children speak about their experiences at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and acts as fire to help inspire fundraising and advocacy efforts.

How have you worked to not only promote your personal platform, but also help raise money for the MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
As Miss Charter Oak, I have had the opportunity to continue with a volunteer initiative I began last year that incorporates both my platform, Generations Connect, as well as my love for pharmacy. On a handful of occasions, I have visited my local senior center to discuss various health topics, specifically relating to medication management. Topics have varied widely and have included “Managing Cholesterol Through the Holidays” and “Staying Fit and Active As You Age” just to name a few. As a soon to be pharmacy school graduate, it is great to share the knowledge I have learned over the last six years with a population that I love working with.

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 hope to see an increased emphasis on the fact that the organization is made up of strong women who truly support one another. Unfortunately, I think that many people still look at pageants as being “fake” or “shallow”. In my experience, I have met women with incredible talents, smarts and the biggest hearts who truly build one another up. I would like more people to understand this is a great organization for any young woman interested in finding personal growth, friendships and support.


What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step in to the Miss America Organization?
Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help and have fun with it! The true winner at the end of a pageant is not necessarily the woman with a crown on her head, but the ones who grew from and embraced the experience.

How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
Some qualities that I admire in those who I consider role-models are strong leadership skills, an approachable personality and a lack of concern for being different. Leaders can come in all shapes and forms, but I like to think that a strong leader can encourage and inspire others to get a job done. I also feel that true role-models are willing to teach others to grow. It is difficult to learn from someone or emulate them if they are stand-offish and cold. Finally, I think the most important quality of a role-model is the ability to be different. Being comfortable in your own skill naturally makes others take notice and appreciate you for who you truly are, quirks and all.

What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to over-come it?
One of the greatest challenges facing today’s youth is the increased publicity into each other’s lives. Social media is a great tool for communication and marketing, but the increase in popularity also leads to the natural inclination of comparing yourself to others. Seeing a peer, friend or co-worker’s life through only Instagram posts that have been edited and taken specifically for posting can oftentimes give a skewed view of their true life. It is easy to become wrapped up and feel that what you have is inadequate or not as good. Constantly comparing yourself to others can easily lead to a lack of satisfaction in your own life. I think the most important way to overcome this is by simply reminding ourselves that everyone posts photos showing them in the best light possible. Remember to be appreciative for what you have been given and if you feel yourself slipping into that rut, there’s nothing wrong with taking a social media holiday!


Regardless of whomever 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?
My greatest goal for the new titleholder is to promote how much this program celebrates diversity amongst women. I can’t think of another setting in which young women are encouraged to share their thoughts in both a private interview and on stage. All different forms of talent are displayed and each titleholder has the opportunity to choose a gown that uniquely expresses her style. The Miss America Organization not only accepts women of varying backgrounds, beliefs and experiences, but actually celebrates these differences!

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Charter Oak 2018?
Someone who is truly “exceptional” exhibits the following characteristics, but has enough humility to realize that they always have room for growth and improvement:

Engaged
Xenial
Confident
Encouraging
Poised
Truthful
Inspiring
Optimistic
Non-judgmental
Adaptable
Loving

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
The next few weeks will absolutely fly by so try to soak in every moment. Prepare well, but once Miss Connecticut week is upon us, relax and enjoy the experience. As Florida Georgia Line says it best, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll be…”. Get to know your sisters as much as you can before and during the week because there is a very good chance that the other titleholders will end up being some of your best friends. Most importantly, be yourself!

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
I’m eternally grateful for everyone who has supported me! It truly takes a village to help prepare a titleholder for the state stage! I have felt nothing but endless love and support from my family, friends, local executive team and community!

Where can people follow you on social media?
You can follow me on either of the following:
Facebook, and Instagram.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey! I am honored to have the opportunity to head back to the Miss Connecticut stage as Miss Charter Oak 2018! Please follow me on my journey to Miss Connecticut and during the remainder of my year of service!