Reaching for a World Beyond Food Insecurity

By: Ana Quian

Numbers are important to me. They always have been. Like so many people, I am deeply interested in what it takes to achieve a goal. I like math and economics. I enjoy studying the law and I am good at establishing a persuasive statement. It is not only the people but the numbers that show us that we as Americans can wait no longer to address the issue of food insecurity in the United States.

Food is more than food.  Most of us know that. Food represents love and sustenance, but also security. 1 in 7 Americans today live without the security of knowing where their food will come from.  This reality not only disproportionality impacts Indigenous Americans and People of Color.  It is more serious among children with 1 in 5 children in our country being food insecure. The impacts of food insecurity also impede the lives of the individuals who sacrifice so much for our country. 1 in 9 working-age veterans are food insecure.

With these facts considered, it is easy to feel daunted by the reality of hunger in our nation, but there is so much we can do to bring change. Through consistency in advocacy, volunteerism, and charitable giving, we can support the organizations in our state and our nation who are already on the ground getting food to the people who need it most.  When organizations such as Feeding America, The Campaign Against Hunger, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine get more resources, they are able to scale up their operations and serve more people in need. 

I have frequently called New Yorkers to “reach” beyond food insecurity.  I say this because a future without hunger will not arrive on its own.  We have to make it a reality. Over my years of volunteerism with organizations including Food Bank for NYC and the Coalition for the Homeless, I have directed over 11,000 pounds of food to the New Yorkers who need it most. I did this by enmeshing my efforts into my life. Use what you have. I use my Communications  education and my voice to advocate for food justice.  I use my own two hands to serve others.  I use the funds I can spare to make a difference.  10 minutes of advocacy per day, 1 hour of volunteerism per week, one donation per month.  Whatever combination of those three resources you can bring— that is what is required.

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Ana Quian is the reigning Miss New York County. You can follow her on Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Starting Things Off

By Mia Daley

Hi everyone! I’m Mia Daley, your Miss Rhode Island, and I am so excited to be rejoining the Section 36 Forevers family! I had the honor of being Miss Rhode Island teen 2023 and now Miss, Rhode Island 2026!

When I first put on the Miss Rhode Island crown, I knew this year would be busy. What I didn’t realize was just how many incredible moments would fit into just a few months.

One week I’m visiting elementary schools, talking with students about mental health through my Community Service Initiative, Mind in Motion, and leading movement activities that help them recognize and regulate their emotions. The next, I’m standing on stage in rehearsals for Escape to Margaritaville, balancing eight-show weeks with appearances across Rhode Island. Somehow, in between, I’m squeezing in vocal lessons, sponsor appointments, content creation, and trying to keep up with college life.

One of my favorite experiences so far was traveling to Philadelphia for the America250 celebrations with titleholders from across the country. Whether we were preparing for the Living Liberty Bell formation, attending events together, or simply catching up, it reminded me how special this sisterhood really is. It was one of those trips where every day was completely different, but every moment felt memorable.

People often ask what being Miss Rhode Island is really like. The truth is, it’s a lot less glamorous than social media makes it seem. There are early mornings, long drives, garment bags in the backseat of my car, changing outfits and eating dinner whenever I can find five free minutes. But there are also little girls who run up for hugs, parents who share stories about how a school visit made an impact, and opportunities to use this title to start conversations that truly matter.

Outside of appearances, I’m a musical theater student at Salve Regina University, so performing has always been a huge part of who I am. Right now, I’m spending my summer performing in Escape to Margaritaville at the New Bedford Festival Theatre while also preparing for Miss America. It’s definitely a balancing act, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thank you for following along on this incredible journey. I can’t wait to share it with you, one story at a time! 

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Photo by Daniel Gagnon

Mia Daley is the current Miss Rhode Island. You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Surprise!

A few months back I was struck by the idea of creating a space to follow the local delegates on their journey to becoming Miss New York. Only I wanted to remain anonymous for as long as I could get away with it so there wouldn’t be any pressure to participate in takeovers or highlights! 

Well some of our New York queens started figuring out it was me - your friendly neighborhood grief girl. I was unable to attend state this year for a handful of reasons but the main one being i wanted to study abroad in Ireland which was the biggest dream come true of my academic career. If we’ve never met, allow me to reintroduce myself, I’m Lexy, I’m 25 years old from Western New York. I’m originally from Olean, but moved to Rochester when I was little. Pageants weren’t part of my life until 2020, and my first ever one was virtual! I loved every aspect, and through the years I found my voice. Seriously- I didn’t speak outside of my own home until I was like 20 lol. 

At 13 I was diagnosed with Autism after being given an earlier diagnosis of ADHD. As a teenager i developed anxiety after we lost my Uncle to an overdose. None of my peers had experienced loss of a human relative yet, and I felt so alone. It’s been 9 years since that day and I’ve lost 20+ others since. In those 9 years I created three different service initiatives based around him, our family’s little free library where each book is stamped with his memory is one. My international grief support group is two, and most notably is my Ricky’s Lunches With Love bags. Where brown paper bags are sent from every state to be used for outreach purposes. Sometimes it’s a sandwich, sometimes it’s a pair of socks, but each time it helps save a life in my county. 

Ricky isn’t the only one I honor through my Be The Light inititave, it’s also my Grammy Susan. Her grief was so intense she lost her life to it. Technically it was Lung Cancer but it was accelerated by losing Ricky. To honor Gram I work with Worth More Nation as their National Social Media Director. She spent a lot of her life overcoming trauma, and that’s the mission of WMN. It was a natural fit for me once WMN found me, Founder Sandy scooped up this sad college kid and helped her grow into a confident business owner. It’s been an honor serving behind the scenes, and I truly encourage you all to help support the org! 

Outside of pageantry, I’m a senior at Nazareth University and I spend a lot of time with my kitten Marshmallow Meowholland. She’s the light of my life and I’m convinced she’s my actual child. When I’m not with the kitten, I love traveling especially to my beloved Niagara Falls. I’m a grown up theatre kid and still try to catch a show when I can! I currently am exclusively self employed freelancing social media management and look forward to working full time in Marketing post grad! I love playing Minecraft with my little brother and introducing him to my favorite shows such as Doctor Who and Bones! 

With my advocacy work, Autism and Grief may sound like two different topics, but in my lived experience it’s because I’m autistic that I grieve the way I do. Autism isn’t my CSI, nor has it ever been, but it is part of me I cannot change. At the end if the day I’m here to share the story of my family, and use those experiences to help others feel less alone. I am proof that you can rise above your circumstances, and by turning your grief to action you can persevere. I hope you’ll forgive the secrecy around my identity, I wanted the focus to be on the class of 2026 and not on the girl behind the screen. 

I can’t wait to meet you all at Miss New York 2027, or our 2027 FLUNY local! Until then, we will keep celebrating our new queens, and what you all do post Miss NY. 

All my love, 

Lexy 

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Lexy Hearn is the current Administrator at New York's Sweetharts. You can follow her on their Instagram. She also works tirelessly for Worth More Nation at their Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Mistakes in Image and Communication That Can Cost You a Crown

By: Dareliz Giselle  

In the world of beauty pageants, preparation goes far beyond appearance. A contestant’s image, communication skills, and overall presence shape how judges, audiences, and organizations perceive her throughout the competition. Every interaction, gesture, and public statement contributes to the impression she leaves behind.

One of the most common mistakes contestants make is lacking consistency in their personal image. A strong pageant image reflects confidence, elegance, authenticity, and purpose. From wardrobe choices to social media presence, every detail should align with the contestant’s identity and values. An inconsistent image can create confusion and weaken a contestant’s credibility.

Another major factor is communication. The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently often distinguishes memorable contestants from the rest. Speaking without preparation, overusing rehearsed answers, or failing to connect emotionally with the audience can affect a contestant’s impact during interviews and on-stage questions. Judges are not only listening for correct answers; they are observing composure, emotional intelligence, clarity, and confidence under pressure.

Body language also plays a critical role. Posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and stage presence communicate far before words are spoken. Nervous movements, lack of confidence, or disconnected expressions can influence how a contestant is perceived, even during silent moments on stage. Strong body language creates a sense of leadership, confidence, and control.

Social media behavior has become equally important in modern pageantry. Contestants are public figures, and their online presence often becomes an extension of the competition itself. Content that lacks professionalism, emotional control, or authenticity can affect opportunities and public perception. A polished digital presence demonstrates maturity, discipline, and awareness of personal branding.

Another mistake that often goes unnoticed is failing to understand the purpose of the title being pursued. Beauty queens today represent more than glamour; they embody leadership, influence, communication, and social impact. Contestants who understand the organization’s mission and communicate with intention tend to leave a stronger impression throughout the competition.

Ultimately, pageants reward more than beauty. They reward preparation, discipline, confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire others through presence and communication. A crown is often earned through the details contestants choose to refine long before stepping onto the stage.

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Dareliz Giselle is an Integrated communications specialist. You can find her on her website. 

This is her Third guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. See her other articles Here.

Finding Strength in Our Voices: Why Voices of Freedom Matters

By Lora Wolle

In a world where opinions can divide people so quickly, it’s easy to forget how powerful communication truly is. That’s why my Community Service Initiative, Voices of Freedom, is centered around free speech, respectful conversation, and empowering young people to use their voices instead of violence.

Growing up, I realized that so many conflicts begin when people feel unheard. Whether it’s bullying in schools, arguments online, or fear of speaking up about important issues, silence can create isolation. At the same time, words have the ability to heal, inspire, and create change. I wanted to create something that reminds people—especially youth—that their voice has value.

Voices of Freedom is not about shouting the loudest or always being right. It’s about creating spaces where people can communicate openly, listen to one another, and feel confident expressing themselves. Healthy communication builds stronger communities, healthier relationships, and greater understanding between people with different perspectives.

One of the biggest goals of this initiative is encouraging youth leadership. Young people often feel dismissed or overlooked, but they are some of the most passionate, creative, and driven individuals in our communities. When we teach confidence, public speaking, empathy, and respectful dialogue, we help create future leaders who can solve problems through
understanding rather than anger.

This initiative is also deeply personal to me because I know how important it is to feel heard. Sometimes a single conversation can change someone’s life. A kind word, an open discussion, or simply listening without judgment can make a person feel seen for the first time. That is the power of communication.

As I continue growing Voices of Freedom, I hope to inspire others to speak with courage, listen with compassion, and remember that every voice matters. Change doesn’t always begin with grand gestures—sometimes it begins with one honest conversation.

When we empower people to communicate instead of tear each other down, we create something stronger than conflict: connection.

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Lora Wolle is the current Miss Oil Country (ND). You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Growth Beyond the Stage

By Megan Kerl

Through competing, I have learned that growth often begins in the most uncomfortable moments. When I first stepped into the Miss America world, I had no prior experience. I had no idea how to do my makeup, walk in heels, or speak confidently in front of a crowd. Everything felt unfamiliar and intimidating. Competing also marked the very first time I wore an evening gown, something that felt especially meaningful to me after missing out on prom because of COVID-19 during my graduation year in 2020. What once felt overwhelming slowly became empowering as I learned new skills and began to gain confidence in myself.

Beyond stage presence and physical preparation, competing has taught me discipline, resilience, and self-belief. Every practice and preparation has pushed me further outside my comfort zone. I learned that confidence is not something you are simply born with, it is something built through persistence, hard work, and the decision to keep showing up even when you doubt yourself. With each experience I have grown in my own sense of strength and self-awareness.  

One of the most meaningful lessons I have gained through competing is the true meaning of sisterhood. I have found some of the most supportive and encouraging friendships. The girls around me celebrated my successes, lifted me up during difficult moments, and reminded me that we were all growing together. Being surrounded by women who genuinely support and believe in one another has shown me just how powerful friendships can be. 

What I have learned through competing has extended far beyond the stage. As an interior designer, I now find myself applying many of these same skills in my professional life. Presenting design concepts to clients, communicating my vision clearly, and carrying myself with confidence in meetings all draw from what I learned through the Miss America Organization. It has taught me how to articulate ideas under pressure, trust my creative instincts, and show up with confidence in spaces where I am constantly being challenged to grow.

Looking back, competing has given me so much more than titles, gowns, or stage experience. It has given me confidence, lifelong memories, and a community that has helped shape who I am today. Most importantly, it has taught me that some of the greatest growth happens when you step into something new, even when you don’t feel fully ready. I’m excited to see what the next chapter has in store for me.

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Megan Kerl is the current Miss Bernalillo County (NM). You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her second guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. Find her other one here.