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Our next contestant is Miss Bergan County, Jessica Milane! And before she even got to answering our questions, she was so excited to share with us (that), “It’s so important to all of us to spread the word about the (Miss New Jersey) program throughout the community; we have 30 women competing this year, (and) I would love to see that number continue to grow! Having the support of locally ran publication like Bravura means the world to all of us!”

Please tell us why you chose to compete for your local county’s title?
I got involved with the Miss New Jersey program two years ago after reading about the state pageant taking place in Ocean City. I immediately fell in love with the talent portion, though it took me a little longer to get comfortable with the judges’ interview! When I started getting the hang of things, I knew that I wanted to go to Miss New Jersey representing my home: Bergen County. I live in a very small town (New Milford, only two square miles!) and have always felt a strong bond with the people in my area. I was 1st Runner Up to Miss Bergen County last year, and won the title this August! I now get to compete at Miss New Jersey representing my home, as well as participating in events and fundraisers throughout the year that directly affect my local community.

What do you plan to accomplish if you were to win the title of Miss NJ 2016?
I have a number of ambitious plans that I would like to execute as Miss New Jersey 2016! I would like to work closely with school districts to address their LGBT inclusiveness and meet with student groups to discuss life beyond school as an LGBT woman. The Miss New Jersey Education Foundation has a lot to offer young women, so I would seek to expand the program’s reach by promoting it throughout schools. There are many service groups that I would like to partner with in order to give back to the community, as well as continuing my partnership with Children’s Specialized Hospitals of New Jersey, where I donate hand-knit baby hats for the NICU-ward.

Share with our readers a bit more about you platform and why you picked this particular one.
My platform, LGBTeen Advocacy, focuses on making schools a positive and productive learning environment for all students, regardless of real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation. When I came out as bisexual, I was incredibly fortunate to have the full support of my family and friends. There are many students who have no support at all, and that can make going to school school difficult and often dangerous. No matter what one’s personal view of the LGBT community are, it is imperative that students are afforded the opportunity to get an education without being bullied or harassed.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your own words, tell us what makes you ‘bravura.’
I try to exhibit bravura in every aspect of my life! I want to excel in all things, from working with my platform and embarking on new community service projects, to furthering my artistic endeavors in both performance and creative writing. I continue to overcome obstacles and set new goals for myself to work towards.

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To purchase tickets for the upcoming Miss New Jersey pageant, please visit THIS LINK.