As we get closer to Miss Connecticut women, we have bee sharing with you about the amazing young women who will be competing for the title of Miss Connecticut 2018. One such woman is Miss Southern Connecticut, Savannah Giammarco. Continue reading to learn more about Savannah and her journey to the crown.

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What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
Being Miss Connecticut 2018 would mean adding another link to a very long legacy of strong and noble women who have represented our state in a remarkable way. It would mean taking on the responsibility to advocate for issues in our community, be a role model for future generations of leaders, and represent the Miss America Organization and the miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization in the best light possible, thus defeating the stigma that surrounds pageantry and showing the true beauty, intellect, and grace of a woman.

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?
When competing I feel it is extremely important to stay true to yourself. In this crazy world of pageantry it is so easy to get caught up in the moment, listen to the advice of others, and lose yourself. During my preparations I make sure to stay true to who I am, and the goals that I have for myself, therefore working towards bettering myself and giving myself the best competitive opportunity.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Southern Connecticut?
My first memorable moment would be working with children in schools and being able to speak on my platform the times up movement. I feel that it is extremely important to start educating people at an early age to stop any signs of negative behavior. My second most memorable moment, was being able to listen to a talk by Gretchen Carlson in respect to sexual assault and sexual abuse in the workplace. Listening to her story, especially now that she is the leader of our organization, was a very surreal and inspiring moment for me, especially being that her personal story is so close to my heart and my platform. My third favorite moment is definitely being able to bond with the other titleholders throughout the year. People think that the sisterhood of pageantry is a cliché and something that pageant girls say to try and diminish the negative stigma surrounding pageantry. But, being able to truly find some of my best friends through pageantry is something I will be forever grateful for.

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?
I have been fortunate enough to advocate for my platform, the times up movement as a red carpet correspondent for films that have ranged from independent productions to projects by major motion picture studios such as Lionsgate. Besides wearing black on the red carpet and speaking on behalf of sexual assault and harassment survivors everywhere, I have held fundraisers, including my second annual comedy night benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. It is one of my favorite events because not only are people gathering to support an unbelievably crucial and sincere cause, but enjoying a night of good company, good food, and laughs.

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 extremely excited to see what Gretchen Carlson does with the Miss America Organization. She has already proved to be a woman of great strength and integrity and I think she will propel the Miss America Organization far past any scandal it has already overcome. Being that Ms. Carlson has had her own battle with sexual harassment I am eager and honored to be under the leadership of a woman who has defied the odds and overcome her oppressors.


What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step in to the Miss America Organization?
Do not be apprehensive or nervous about stepping into this amazing organization. There is no doubt in my mind that this organization promotes not only the growth of women but helps them to provide themselves with an education through scholarship to allow them to blossom and strive to be anything that they aspire to be.

How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I’ve always been of the school of thought that one cannot simply call them-self a role model. The title role model is given, it is earned, and this is why it is respected. We live in an age of narcissism and egotistical arrogance, where people can declare themselves anything they choose. I hope to be deemed a role model by those around me as I choose to go forth and serve not only my community, but the morals and values that have been instilled in me throughout my lifetime. To me, to be called a role model is the ultimate form of a complement.

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?
In my opinion, interpersonal communication has been lost in my generation. Granted, social media and the internet have made things like international business, networking, and connecting with friends and family easier than ever. However, I feel that my generation is more confident behind the screens of computers and cell phones than they are sitting in front of family, friends, or even a potential employer. I think that it is essential that we re-instill these skills back into our youth and not get lost in this era of technology.

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?
I hope that the new title holder really takes advantage of the new opportunities that the Miss America Organization is going to have under Gretchen Carlson. This is essentially a time of rebirth for the organization and I feel that it is more mold-able than ever. I hope that this title holder works alongside the rest of the Miss America class of 2018, Gretchen Carlson, and the new Miss America board to propel Miss America into the future and make her a woman that is respected by not only pageant enthusiasts, or even just Americans, but by people all over the world.


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut?
I think what makes me bravura is that I’m not someone who tries to be something more than what they are. I think that there is beauty in simplicity, being who you are and showing that to the world. We live in a time where so many people are molded by the thoughts and opinions of others, or perhaps images of what they aspire to become. Being in the modeling industry, it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the opinions of others and to fall into things such as body shaming. I think that having role models is an essential part of developing yourself, but I think what sets me aside is that even though I respect and look up to people, I still remember that I am unique and that I present that in every aspect of my life proudly and without fear of being judged. I feel that Miss Connecticut is not only an impactful woman, but a woman who has the ability to shape lives, and as Miss Connecticut and through my platform, the Time’s Up movement, I would encourage women to not fall into the opinions of others or to hide in fear or shame, but to be courageous and show the world how bravura they truly are.

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
The advice I would give to girls competing for my title this upcoming year would be to truly embrace who you are. I feel that it is so easy to lose yourself in the process, but by staying true to yourself you will enjoy this year so much more than if you are constantly trying to please others. Definitely listen to advice and soak up all the information that you can because this truly is a learning experience, but never let anyone tell you that who you are isn’t good enough because you are unique in your own way and that’s what will bring you to the crown.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
I am beyond grateful for the amount of support I have had throughout this entire process. Family, friends, sponsors: they have always been gracious, supportive and willing to help in any way that they could. This process truly takes a village of people and I am lucky to have the greatest and most loyal village of all. They have embraced me for who I am, believed in me, and pushed me to be the best version of myself that I could possibly be. I would like to especially thank my business manager and director Kaitlyn Tarpey and Ann Dzenutis for believing in me and being there every step of the way. I would like to give an even bigger thank you to my mother who always has my back through the good and bad times. She has been my rock, my sounding board, and everything in between. I would like to thank not only the Miss Stamford Organization but the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization for all the opportunities that they have provided me. Being involved in this system has truly made an impact on me as a person and I will remember these experiences well into the future. I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have so many amazing people in my corner.


Where can people follow you on social media?
You can follow me on the #RoadToMissCT2018 at @MissSouthernCT2018, on Instagram and Twitter, and Miss Southern Connecticut 2018 on Facebook!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
I am extremely excited to see where the Miss America organization goes under its new leadership and how the pageant will be defined going forward. Thank you to everyone out there for following my journey and supporting me on this #RoadToMissCT2018!