“The Road to Miss New York” is not an easy one; and this year there are 31 beautifully-talented women who are vying for the title of Miss New York 2017. Over the next few weeks we will share a bit more about these contestants. The next contestant to be featured as part of this series is Cassie Paradise, the current Miss Finger Lakes 2017. Continue reading to learn more about Cassie and her journey towards the crown.

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am Cassie Paradise, Miss Finger Lakes 2017 and my platform is “Princess Amelia” – Raising Awareness for SUDC. My platform is in honor of my two year old cousin Amelia who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on August 14, 2016.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I started competing in pageants at the age of 17. Entering my first pageant ever as a 17 year old with people who have either competed before, or have come from the Outstanding Teen program was a little intimidating. I soon realized though, that none of that mattered, it was just important that I be myself, and let the organization change me for the better.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
On August 14, 2016 my beautiful, loving, vibrant and healthy two year old cousin Amelia passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from SUDC. SUDC occurs in children over 12 months of age and is the “answer” when a child suddenly and unexpectedly passes away and no other answers can be found after thorough investigations. Currently they have not found a cause or reason as to why otherwise healthy children can pass away with no cause of death. My mission through working with the SUDC Foundation is to raise funds for the much needed medical research, to one day find a cause so we can prevent this for generations to come. I have also partnered with another incredible organization in Amelia’s honor to promote awareness, education and the kind hearted-spirt she embodied. I am honored to have the memory of Amelia with me always, especially when I’m on stage. In my heart she will always be my star princess.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Having personally experienced the heartache of losing a loved one that was so young and close to me I feel has helped me to become a more compassionate and empathetic person when speaking with students, community members, and those affected by loss in any way. I feel that it has also helped to prepare me for my future career as a pediatric registered nurse.

What have you learned from your current Miss New York, Camille, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss New York?
To me the most important thing I have learned from Camille is to never forget those who have your back. The people who go out of their way make sure you have a jacket when it’s cold, or a snack when you’re hungry during a long day, and to those who send you that extra good luck text just to make you smile. Even though you say you don’t need it. Never forget to thank those people behind the scenes that make sure you’re well taken care of at all times. They’re the real superhero’s behind the crown. Always go that extra mile to make sure every person involved in your journey knows how much they are appreciated. The “little things” always count. Camille has told me to always love yourself and know that I am enough. Not everyone is going to like you. Just because you “think of yourself as a delicious slice of apple pie, and the judges don’t pick your slice of apple pie that day, they happen to pick a slice pumpkin pie doesn’t mean your any less of a delicious piece of apple pie.” – Camille Sims, Miss New York 2016

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
Never give up. Though it’s easier said then done, always reach for the stars. There’s going to be obstacles, and people trying to bring you down but always keep your eye on the prize and never, ever give up. Prior to winning my first title (Miss Southern Tier 2015) I competed, and placed second runner up six consecutive times. Had I given up, I would not be where I am today.

If you were to win the title of Miss New York, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Aside from spreading awareness, education and raising funds for my platform, I hope to be able to spread the mission of the Miss New York Organization. I hope to connect my connection with “A Moment of Magic Foundation” in honor of Amelia’s kind hearted spirit, and bring it into Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. To make the day of a child/any person even just a little bit brighter is the driving force behind my crown. “I’ve always felt I’ve been a person that’s more interested in doing something, rather than being something.” If I’m given the honor of being Miss New York 2017, I will strive to make it the best 365 days of my life.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited New York; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I would tell my roommate who’s never been to New York, that our state is filled with such diversity. Not only do we have the urban city life in New York City, but you can drive to Upstate New York and visit Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY or visit the beautiful Wineries in the Finger Lakes. We have it all, the hustle and bustle of city life and the quiet serene life of Upstate New York. There is something for everyone!
If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
First I would place a diamond in a time capsule to represent the women of today because diamonds represent the strength that women have. They say diamonds crack but they never break. Diamonds are formed what put under pressure, once they’re formed they come out strong, shiny and beautiful. Next I would put a pant suit, to represent the modern day working woman. I’ve always worn pants in my pageant interviews, it’s something that makes me feel powerful and unstoppable. Lastly I would place a picture of my family to represent the importance of family, and how the women of today can do it all. From working a 9-5 job all while maintaining their families and at home jobs.

 

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
The biggest stigma against pageants is the fact that people think the girls who compete are “catty” and “out to get one another.” I have had a much different experience. The incredible young women I have had the pleasure to meet have been some of the most influential women in my life and have became life long sisters. I love to meet new people, and for me the real competition is when I am solely on stage. Backstage and beyond I’m always there to lend a hand. Only one young lady will walk away with the job of a lifetime so why not make your time with them worthwhile!

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I feel like I am a very likable and friendly person. I make sure that every person I meet feels special and appreciated. Whether it’s a child I’m meeting with at a children’s hospital or the patients that walk into my office everyday, I make sure to treat every person with love, respect, and honor. “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”

Where can fans follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Go for it. If it’s something that interests you, take the leap. Competing has really helped me to come out of my “shy shell” and helped shape me into a strong and independent young woman. Find a support system, lean on them and hey… you never know until you try!
What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss New York Class of 2017?
I want to thank every single person who has ever followed me on this sometimes crazy journey. From my family, my friends, fans, pageant sisters, directors, board members, volunteers, and most importantly my mom. She has been my driving force and my reason for everything I do. I would not be who I am or where I am without her unconditional love and support. Thank you to EVERYONE from the bottom of my heart.
What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Follow your dreams and reach for the stars! Never let anyone tell you, you can’t because you most certainly CAN! You are enough!