Last Spring, we had the opportunity to attend a few of the state pageants for the Miss America Organization, an one of them happened to be the Miss Massachusetts pageant. Not only did we get to see a new member of the MAO Class of 2017 get crowned, but we also came to know an amazing young woman by the name of Eliza Kanner -- who happened to be the newly crowned Miss Connecticut. Her personality caught our attention right away, and it was the start of a lovely friendship. We partnered with Eliza on several different projects, one of course, an exclusive photoshoot of her (check out the pictures if you haven’t yet!!); she also helped us with our CMNH fundraiser video during Miss America week, movie premieres, Grammy after-parties, and so much more! In the time that we have known her, she truly has personified what it means to be “bravura.” As bittersweet as it is to see Eliza give up her title next month, it will be even more exciting to watch her journey post-Miss America. I had the chance to catch up with Eliza for an interview, as she prepares for life beyond the crown.

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How does one balance the title of Miss Connecticut, and so much more at the same time?
Before competing for Miss Connecticut last year, I knew I wanted to graduate on time (May 2018). As a Journalism and & Communication double major, I looked at the job of Miss Connecticut as a communication-based job. After discussing the idea of doing an independent study with one of my professors if I were to win, he suggested I meet with my advisor to see if this would be feasible. I presented an outline of exactly what the job of Miss Connecticut entails and put in an application through the Communication Department detailing how the I would be applying the knowledge I learned in my classes to this job. I was crowned on June 24th, and the day after I emailed my advisor letting him know I would be needing those credits. The department granted me six internship credits for my work as Miss Connecticut, making me the first-ever Miss America title-holder to receive academic credit for my work with the organization. Surprisingly, being a senior and a full-time Miss Connecticut was much easier than I initially expected, and I owe many thanks to my incredibly supportive professors. They understood the job, and trusted that I would get my work done on time and be prepared for exams, even if I was not in class due to appearances. I am so fortunate to have served as a full-time Miss Connecticut, while graduating Cum Laude!


Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Connecticut system? How did you use what you learned at a local level in preparing for the national pageant? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss America?
Having grown up in the Miss Connecticut Organization, I was fortunate to watch so many incredible titleholders, both on the state, local, and national level, before me. I have always been fortunate to have the best “tribe” working to ensure that I felt the most prepared as soon as I hit the competition stage or walked into my interview. The biggest lesson I learned from competing at the local and then state level was to truly be yourself in interview. I think that many times women competing in pageants think that you have to be super serious in interview, but what I realized is that I wanted the judges to fall in love with the Liza that would be Miss Connecticut for a year. Do I think it is important to discuss current events, YES, but I also thought it was important to share with the judges that I love Greys Anatomy and like to dance it out when I am stressed (and then demonstrated what it means to “dance it out”), and share my love for HuskyTHON and special moments I have had with miracle families—because THAT is who Liza is. After winning Miss Connecticut, I was very fortunate to work with one of my judges Farrah Bernier, who helped me identify that my main goal while preparing for Miss America was to be my genuine self in everything I did. This way of preparation helped me not only at Miss America, but throughout my year as Miss Connecticut.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, while serving as Miss Connecticut for your state?
My priority this year has been to focus on the relationships between the Miss Connecticut Organization and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, our local CMN Hospital. My visits to the hospital each month have been the most incredible part of being Miss Connecticut. Some patients I only saw once, but others have been a patient as long as I have been Miss Connecticut. I have created such special bonds with these patients and their families, and they truly have left their mark on me.

Additionally, I dreamed about competing at Miss America since I was a little girl. The entire experience, from when I arrived and walked into my hotel with Miss New Jersey, to rehearsals and appearances and bonding with women from across the country, to my daily coffee date with Miss Rhode Island, to the first time walking into Boardwalk Hall and seeing the stage in all its glory (cue tears), and then to watching MY Miss America Cara Mund be crowned—everything still feels like a dream!


How have you striven to not only promote your personal platform, but also your national platform towards Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
My platform, For The Kids, celebrates the 300+ Miracle Network Dance Marathons across the country. This year I served as Co-Executive Director of HuskyTHON at the University of Connecticut. HuskyTHON is a year-long fundraiser that culminates into an 18-hour dance marathon, and all money raised goes to continue the quality of care at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This year we had a goal of raising one million dollars for the medical center. Dancing with 50 patients and their families and over 3,000 UConn students was a highlight from my year. Holding up $1,021,485.37 For The Kids is a moment I’ll never forget.

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 am hopeful that this organization is centered on women empowerment. With women in leading roles within this organization, I think it proves to the public what this organization stands for, and I believe that titleholders within the organization will have a voice that is louder and stronger than ever.


It seems that we’re heading into a path towards women empowerment with these changes; what advice do you have for young women who are looking to step in to the Miss America Organization?
The organization is a powerful tool to get your messaging to the masses. Figure out what you are passionate about, and utilize the crown to make the change you wish to see in the world.

Pageants, in general, are so highly criticized by so many people across the world. What do you have to say to those who speak negatively about pageants?
Having grown up in the organization, I am an example of the good that pageants have to offer. When I was four-years old, I would get onstage and would be too scared to say my own name. Through mentorship and opportunities to build self-confidence, I have grown into the young woman I am today.


How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I like to think I lead with love. A goal for me this year was to make every person I meet feel special. Some of the people I have interacted with might have met several Miss Connecticut’s before me, but for others, I am probably the first, and quite possibly the last, Miss Connecticut they will ever meet. I wanted to ensure that with each interaction I left the individual feeling loved.

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?
I think lack of self-worth is a huge issue that younger generations in America face today. It stems for numerous other issues, social media, bullying, etc, and then has a ripple effect for other issues. Having role models like Miss America titleholders in all communities is so important. But with that said, it is important for titleholders to be relatable to those in her community, so kids and young adults see her as someone they can aspire to be.


Now that your reign as Miss Connecticut, is coming to an end, what are your future plans?
“The rest is still unwritten.” My future plans as of now are to enjoy the last few weeks of my reign by immersing myself in every opportunity, and then I will solidify plans for the next chapter.

Regardless of whoever becomes the new Miss Connecticut, what is one goal you have for her, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
Set a list of goals you want to accomplish, and do not stop until every single one of those goals are crossed off. People have asked me, “Are you ready to give up the crown,” and although I will never truly be ready, I can confidently say I did EVERYTHING I wanted to accomplish as Miss Connecticut. I hope that remains true for the next Miss Connecticut.


What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
ENJOY THE JOURNEY. I have been emphasizing this with the Miss Connecticut & Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen contestants. It is so easy to get so caught up in the craziness of preparation and the fears of competition that you forget to take a moment to reflect on how far you have come, and the journey that is still in front of you. This organization is not just a one-week competition, and it is not “winner takes all” program. Every single contestant has something to take out of the experience, and it is important to reflect on that while getting ready to compete, as well as after the competition.


What words of thanks for you have for your director, Nakiya Troth?
Nakiya is the driving force of this organization. She is an example of a strong, confident woman, and she puts so much into this organization because she understands all that young women get out of it. I have loved my year working with Nakiya, because she will truly bend-over backwards to ensure that her girls feel loved, and feel like this is the best year of their life.

Who else would you like to thank for supporting you throughout this journey?
I have so many sponsors and individuals to thank, but I would like to dedicate this specific thank you to my family. My mom and dad are the two most incredible humans I know, and my dreams would not have become a reality if it weren’t for them. They took my dreams as their own and did everything under the sun to help me while I competed and make sure that this year was everything I dreamed of. Thanks mom and dad for being the most special Mom and Dad Connecticut. And to my sister Stacey and brother Noah, you both are my biggest cheerleaders. I’ll never forget the looks of pure joy and happiness on your faces the night I was crowned Miss Connecticut, and I am so fortunate to have siblings who encouraged me every step of the way. I love you!!!


Where can people follow you on social media post-reign?
Follow me for life after the crown at @elizakanner!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I truly hope I made everyone proud. And to Bravura Magazine, thank you for your continuous support of the Miss America Organization. You make each and every titleholder feel like a queen, and I am so fortunate I was able to work with you this year. XO