Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026: Inspiring Others Through Purpose and Representation

By Marsellina Purnawan

Winning the title of Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is more than a personal achievement; it represents an opportunity to inspire, uplift, and empower others. For me, this journey symbolizes perseverance, confidence, and the courage to embrace who we truly are. Pageantry is often misunderstood as being focused only on physical appearance. In reality, modern pageantry is about leadership, advocacy, community involvement, and using one’s voice to make a meaningful difference. It provides a unique platform to connect with others and encourage positive change while representing values such as confidence, resilience, and service.

My journey toward becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is rooted in the belief that representation truly matters. Many women, especially those who are petite, may feel overlooked or may believe that they do not fit the traditional mold of beauty or leadership often portrayed in society. However, leadership and influence are not defined by height, appearance, or stereotypes. Through this title, I hope to demonstrate that strength, intelligence, compassion, and determination come in all shapes and sizes. By embracing my individuality and celebrating my unique qualities, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own identities with pride and confidence.

This title also allows me to amplify causes that are deeply meaningful to me. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and promoting confidence and self-worth among people of all ages and backgrounds. In today’s world, many individuals struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. By speaking openly about these challenges, I hope to create conversations that reduce stigma and encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being. Whether I am attending community events, speaking with young people, or sharing my experiences with others, my goal is to remind individuals that their voices matter and that their dreams are achievable.

Another important aspect of this journey is resilience. Preparing for a pageant requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to grow both personally and professionally. There are moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but these experiences help build strength and character. Every step of the process, from preparation and training to public speaking and community engagement, provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and become more confident. By sharing both the successes and the struggles of my journey, I hope to demonstrate that growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is not simply about wearing a crown; it is about wearing responsibility. Holding this title means representing my community with integrity, compassion, and authenticity. It means using my platform to encourage others, support meaningful causes, and serve as a positive role model. If my journey inspires even one person to believe in themselves more deeply, pursue their goals more boldly, or recognize their own worth, then this experience will have served a greater purpose.

Ultimately, my goal is to remind others that true beauty lies in confidence, kindness, and authenticity. Each person has unique strengths and talents that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Through this platform, I hope to encourage people to step forward, embrace who they are, and realize that they do not need to change themselves to make an impact. With courage, determination, and self-belief, anyone can shine and create positive change in their community and beyond.

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Marsellina Purnawan is the current Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026. You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Access Granted: Handing the Educational Keys to the Next Generation

By Shalom Omo-Osagie 

If there is one thing I have learned through my journey in higher education, it’s this: access is not just about getting into college, it’s about believing you belong there in the first place. 

My work in higher education has always been rooted in advocacy. Not just in a broad, abstract way, but in the everyday moments, mentoring students through applications, answering questions they feel like they “should already know,” and reminding them that their dreams are valid. For many students, especially those from underserved communities, navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming and isolating. I see that, and I feel a responsibility to help bridge that gap. 

That’s why my Community Service Initiative centers on college access. It is not just a platform, it is a reflection of my lived experiences, my values, and the students I have had the privilege of working with. I have seen firsthand how access to information, resources, and support can completely change a student’s trajectory. And I have also seen what happens when those things are missing. 

In my role as an Academic Advisor at USC and holding the title of Miss Los Angeles County, I have made it a priority to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether that is through one-on-one guidance, workshops, or digital content, my goal is always the same: to demystify the college process and make it feel attainable. 

That mission is coming to life in a special way on April 25th. 

I’m hosting a panel focused on college access in partnership with the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, bringing together professionals from different industries to share their journeys and how education played a role in shaping their paths. This event is about more than just information—it’s about exposure. It is about showing high school students what is possible and helping them connect the dots between where they are now and where they want to be. 

What I’m most excited about is the opportunity for students to hear real stories. Not polished, perfect narratives, but honest reflections, challenges, pivots, and moments of growth. Because the truth is, there’s no one “right” way to succeed, and students deserve to see that. 

This work matters to me because I know what it feels like to have big dreams and the power of someone taking the time to pour into you, to answer your questions, and to remind you that you are capable. That’s what I hope to be for others. 

Higher education has the power to open doors, but only if students have the tools and support to walk through them. My goal is to make sure more students not only reach those doors but feel confident stepping into the spaces beyond them. 

Because access is not just about opportunity…It’s about empowerment. And that’s the work I’m committed to every single day.

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Photos by Nicole Souza

Shalom Omo-Osagie  is the current Miss Los Angeles County (CA). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding My Voice: Turning Pain Into Purpose

By Hailey Caine

One in three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. It is a statistic we hear often, but we rarely imagine ourselves living it. I was one of those women. 

I was driven, involved, and excited about my future. At 18, I had just been accepted to college, ready to step into a new chapter of independence and possibility. But what I thought was love slowly became something else, something controlling, isolating, and confusing. 

Abuse does not always begin the way people expect. It does not start with obvious harm. It starts quietly with control, with isolation, and with silence. Over time, I lost pieces of myself. I walked on eggshells, second guessed my words, and slowly became someone I did not recognize. Even then, I questioned whether what I was experiencing was “bad enough” to call abuse. That is the reality for so many. 

I competed in my first pageant when I was just 15, and over the past decade, I worked tirelessly, earning countless awards and first and second runner-up placements along the way. Now, at 25, I have won my first title, Miss Clovis 2026. But even as I celebrated accomplishments on stage, I was navigating a relationship that was slowly taking pieces of me away. I was one of those women who felt herself disappearing in the midst of abuse. Experiencing domestic violence can make a woman doubt herself, question her worth, and feel like she is losing who she is. It can make pursuing your dreams feel impossible when someone is constantly putting you down. 

Winning Miss Clovis became more than an achievement. It became a purpose. It became a way to show other women who have experienced abuse that they can reclaim their power, pursue their goals, and be seen. Through my Community Service Initiative, Hailey’s Voice, I raise awareness, provide resources, and create space for survivors to reclaim their power. I have shared my story in classrooms, at community events, and through a TEDx talk, using every opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower others. 

This journey taught me that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about showing up, standing tall, and speaking out. The challenges I faced in my relationship gave me the empathy, courage, and determination to advocate for others who may feel trapped or unheard. This June, I will have the honor of competing for Miss California, continuing to use my platform to support survivors and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

 
I share my story not because it is easy, but because it matters. If even one person feels less alone or finds the courage to seek help, then it is worth it. Survivors are more than a statistic. They are powerful, resilient, and worthy of being heard.

We all have a role to play. Pay attention. Ask the hard questions. Create spaces where people feel safe to speak. 

As I continue my journey as a titleholder and advocate, I am committed to turning pain into purpose and using my voice to uplift others. Together, we can break the silence, raise awareness, and create lasting change. 

Because love should never hurt.

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Hailey Caine is the current Miss Clovis (CA). You can follow her on Instagram, and her CSI Hailey's Voice. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Your Title Account vs. Your Personal Account: How to Make Both Work

By: Dareliz Giselle 

Building a personal brand as a beauty queen is its part of the role. The crown brings visibility, expectations, and a platform. But one of the biggest challenges isn’t just showing up online, it’s knowing how to balance who you are with the title you represent. 

Social media creates a unique tension for titleholders. On one hand, there’s your “title account”: polished, aligned with the organization, and representative of a broader image. On the other, there’s your personal account, where your voice, personality, and real life moments live. 

The mistake many make is treating these as completely separate identities. The truth is: your strongest presence comes from learning how to connect both. 

Your title gives you authority, credibility, and reach. It places you in front of an audience that expects inspiration, leadership, and consistency. Your personal voice builds connection. It creates closeness, engagement, and a sense of familiarity beyond the crown. 

Another common challenge is knowing how much to share and how often. The pressure to stay visible can lead to overposting or, on the opposite end, holding back out of uncertainty. But presence is not about constant posting; it’s about intentional communication. 

Instead of asking, “What should I post next?” shift the question to: “What do I want to be remembered for during, and after, my reign?” 

Your content should reflect both your responsibility as a titleholder and your individuality as a person. That means showing up with purpose, maintaining alignment with your platform, and allowing space for authenticity. First of all: 

Define boundaries, not personas. Decide what belongs to your title (appearances, advocacy, partnerships) and what belongs to you (opinions, lifestyle, personality). This avoids confusion without forcing you to “split” who you are. 

Anchor everything to your platform. Whether it’s on your title account or personal account, your content should always connect back, directly or indirectly, to what you stand for during your reign. 

Use tone, not content, to differentiate. The difference between accounts shouldn’t be what you share, but how you say it. Your title account can be more polished; your personal account more conversational. 

Create a content rhythm. For example: 2–3 intentional posts per week on your title account, and lighter, more spontaneous content on your personal account (stories, behind the scenes).

Show the “in-between” moments. Your audience connects most with what happens around the crown, preparation, emotions, transitions, not just the official moments. 

Think long-term, not just reign-focused. Ask yourself: “Will this content still represent me well after my title is gone?” That’s how you build a lasting personal brand. 

Align visuals and voice across both accounts. Even if the tone shifts slightly, your aesthetic, values, and messaging should feel cohesive so people instantly recognize you. 

Engage as a person, not just a titleholder. Reply to comments, join conversations, and show presence beyond posting. That’s where real connection happens. 

Consistency doesn’t mean losing yourself to the role. It means ensuring that whether someone finds you through your title or your personal profile, they experience the same values, the same voice, and the same sense of identity. 

Because at the end of the day, your reign is temporary, but your personal brand is not. When you learn to align both, social media stops feeling like pressure. 

It becomes part of your legacy.

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

This is her second guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

A Rural Princess

By Cydnie Clark

My name is Cydnie Clark, and I’m currently Miss Adirondack. I’ve been competing within the Miss America Opportunity for the past seven years, and every year has looked a little different… but growing up and competing in a rural area like mine has shaped my experience in ways I don’t think many people realize.

I’m from Lowville, New York, tucked into the Adirondack region. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name, your parents’ names, and probably what you drove to school. It’s beautiful, tight-knit, and deeply supportive… but it also comes with its own unique challenges, especially in an organization like ours.

In a community where many local businesses are doing everything they can just to stay afloat, sponsorship isn’t always easy to come by. There were years where I had to get creative, stretch every dollar, and rely on people simply believing in me rather than having the means to support me financially. And don’t even get me started on appearances in the winter… traveling across the Adirondacks from December through February is basically a test of faith, patience, and a good set of snow tires.

But there’s also something really special about being a titleholder in a place like this.

I’ve had little girls stop me in public and genuinely gasp, telling their parents, “She’s a princess!”—because they’ve never seen someone in a crown in real life before. Moments like that remind me that in rural communities, representation feels different. It’s more personal. It’s more tangible. You’re not just a titleholder… you’re someone they might actually know, or become.

There’s also a quiet resilience that comes from this environment. You learn how to build something out of very little. You learn how to connect with people in a genuine way. And you learn quickly that perception doesn’t always match reality. I’ve had people assume I was just another “pageant girl,” only to be surprised by the depth, ambition, and perspective I’ve developed through this experience.

Being a titleholder here has allowed me to bridge gaps that exist in rural communities, especially through my community service initiative, Aging with Happiness. In an area with a growing aging population and limited access to resources, I’ve been able to use both in-person outreach and digital platforms to connect generations, advocate for aging in place, and bring attention to issues that are often overlooked in smaller regions.

Competing from a place like Lowville hasn’t made the journey easier, but it’s made it meaningful in a way I wouldn’t trade. 

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Cydnie Clark is the current Miss Adirondack (NY). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

From Cents to Confidence: Why Financial Literacy Is More Than a Piggy Bank

By Jaade Gillespie

One of the most common things I hear from my students is, “I’m just not good with money.”

And every time I hear that, I pause. Because most of the time, it has nothing to do with ability. It has everything to do with confidence.

I understand that feeling more than people might expect.

I didn’t grow up without conversations about money, but I didn’t always feel confident making financial decisions on my own. I knew it was important. I knew it mattered. But when it came to actually applying it in my own life, I often found myself second guessing.

I remember moments as simple as sitting there before making a purchase or decision, going back and forth in my head, wondering if I was doing the “smart” thing. Not because I didn’t care, but because I cared so much about getting it right that I wasn’t always sure I trusted myself to.

It was not a lack of exposure. It was a lack of confidence.

And once I recognized that, everything started to shift.

As I began learning more and actually applying it, things became clearer. Not overnight, but gradually. What once felt overwhelming started to feel manageable. What once felt intimidating started to feel empowering.

And more importantly, I started to trust myself.

Through my work with students, I’ve realized just how common that feeling is. So many young people think they are behind.

They hesitate to ask questions. They assume everyone else understands something that they don’t.

But when you create the space for honest conversations, you start to see the truth.

They are not behind. They just have not been given the confidence yet.

That realization is what led me to create LIFT, which stands for Learn, Invest, Finance, Thrive.

What started as a passion has grown into something I am deeply proud of. Through workshops, conversations, and simple, approachable tools, I have had the opportunity to work with over 300 students.

And as that work has grown, so has the impact—from launching my inaugural LIFT Scholarship to advocating for stronger financial literacy education across school districts in my state.

But in every room, I still see the same shift begin to happen.

It starts small.

A student asks a question they were too nervous to ask before.

Someone begins to think differently about saving.

Someone realizes they are capable of understanding more than they could have ever thought.

And then, slowly, that confidence builds.

That is the part people do not always talk about when it comes to financial literacy. Yes, it is about budgeting, saving, and making smart decisions. But it is also about something deeper.

It is about feeling in control of your future.

It is about trusting yourself to make decisions.

It is about removing the fear that so many people carry when it comes to money.

That is what changed for me. And that is what I want for every student I reach.

Because financial literacy is not just about managing money. It is about building confidence.

And when you build confidence, everything else begins to follow.

That is what LIFT is all about.

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Jaade Gillespie is the current Miss Blackstone Valley (MA). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.