Ashley Lawrence | Staff Writer
The ugly-crying photo, the dreams of world peace, the elaborate crowns placed on the beauty queen’s head— these may be a few of the things that come to mind when someone mentions “pageants.” But unless you know someone who competes in these competitions, you may not know what pageants truly consist of: empowered women empowering women.
It may seem far-fetched for such competition to empower the contestants, but pageants can be a platform to honor women for their achievements and goals. Host of the Miss Universe 2017 competition Steve Harvey even opened the pageant by stating, “Here are 86 of the world’s most empowering women. What do I mean by empowering? One of these women is a microbiologist, another an engineer and another one is a former firefighter.”
As a former National American Miss California Teen and the current Miss Century City USA, I have my own reasons for believing in the power of the pageantry, and so does Shannon Fox.
Fox is the current Miss California U.S. Universal and also hosts her own YouTube show, “Foxy TV.” Fox has participated in pageantry for the last 10 years, and before winning her current title, she earned the title of Miss Pasadena. Fox states that her humble beginning as Miss Pasadena was empowering on its own.
“Being able to represent a major city and community, and working at various charity events to send out a positivemessage has been empowering,” Fox said. “By the time I competed for my state title, I felt proud and confident in the work I had done up until then with not only preparing, but with being active with my title in my community.”
Maximizing her resources, Fox uses her media platform and title to spread her message of positivity. “The message in pageants has always been positive for me,” Fox said. “That is, promoting confidence, women empowerment, community service, working to make a difference in our communities and being a voice for those who may not have a voice.”
The reigning Miss California United States, Ashleigh Pates, also uses her title to make a change not only in her community, but statewide. Pates uses her platform by going to numerous walks, sporting events, charity fundraisers and pageants.
Ashley Lawrence becomes emotional while being crowned Miss Teen California in 2012. Photo courtesy of Ashley Lawrence.
“Pageants are empowering because you are surrounded by such beautiful, intelligent and uplifting women who have a passion in life to inspire others, and it makes you want to do the same,” Pates said.
Pageants also help women embrace themselves for who they are.
“The year I tried to ‘fit the mold’ was the only year I did not feel confident and in turn, did not even place,” said Alayah Benavidez, Miss Texas United States. “That year a lightbulb went off and I was like…WWwait, that’s not me. I need to show the judges who Alayah is.”
At that very moment, Benavidez began her journey to not only receive the title of Miss United States, but a platform to speak out for others.
“The title Miss United States is empowering in itself,” Benavidez said. “Knowing that out of all the intelligent, beautiful and driven women who competed from across our country, I was chosen to represent the United States. I mean, wow. Wearing that sash and crown is empowering. Suddenly I have a metaphorical megaphone and people are interested in what I stand [for] and want to know more about the causes I support.”
For Benavidez, this journey has meant not only building her own confidence, but instilling that confidence in other women.
“I think my ‘road to the crown’ story is what helped me empower other women,” Benavidez said. “I love sharing my story with young girls who feel insecure or lack confidence. I was that girl. Hearing that I can relate and how I was able to find my own confidence by learning to embrace and love my differences has really resonated with women. Learning to love yourself is the most empowering thing you can do, and as Miss United States, I love to share that message.”