More Than Community Service: A Way of Life.

By Karla Páez

I recall accompanying my father to the hospital and watching him treat and care for patients and coworkers. I would see everyone fill with joy when they saw him; and they would tell me how much they appreciated him and were grateful for how he treated them. Then, while I was still in elementary school, I recall visiting, occasionally, my friend’s grandmother’s nursing home, where we would help around with tasks and watch how they cared for the elderly. During this period, I also recall my elementary school’s excursion to a specialized school for neurodiverse children. I dare say, these experiences and my Christian education sparked my calling to help others. Which could have influenced why I was known as the “class’s angel”.

Once in middle school, I had a friend that struggled with major depressive and suicidal episodes, and I would be there for her and insisted in her value and importance as a human being. (Thankfully, she has worked a lot on her mental health and is still with us to this day). Then, during high school, the school had mandatory community service hours (that I gladly exceeded). However, for me it was the perfect excuse to participate in community service activities. I recall the time we handed out food for the homeless, marched for cancer awareness, prepared gifts for children in

Haiti, and many other things that I truly wanted to do. Which also could have influenced why I was nominated to with the Saint Francis Award at the school graduation. All those years, I had an intuitive feeling that I was meant to do this type of initiative and work for the rest of my life. 

Then I went to the college, where I did a bachelor’s degree of arts in psychology. During this time, it was a bit difficult to participate in a lot of ‘extracurricular’ activities. However, helping others one way or another had already become part of my lifestyle. As part of one of my courses, I made a research proposal to benefit the elderly population in nursing homes with music related programs. Then I took an introductory Music Therapy course, in which we also visited a nursing home and a hospital. These events confirmed, once again, that I wanted to dedicate my life to this type of work. 

However, once I graduated, I was not sure what I wanted to do, until I saw an advertisement about a program of Master of Science in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. As soon as I saw it, I was like “Yes. This is it.”. During the program, I had a professor that was recruiting volunteer assistants for equine therapy sessions. Once again, I was like “I have to do this”, and I’m glad I did. Participating in those sessions and watching the progress of the children we worked with was truly an amazing experience. It also helped me confirm that I also wanted to specialize in School Psychology. Don’t get me wrong though, I still have a special place in my heart for the elderly. Which is why I focused my master’s dissertation on the elderly with autism population. 

With this new awakened passion, I started doing my second Master of Science. This time in School Psychology with Specialty in Neuropsychology. During this time, I continued volunteering at the equine therapy sessions. Sadly, the academic load became too much, and I had to stop. On the other hand, I began my first practicum where I worked with children in the Special Education System. This was a life changing and ‘slap in the face’ experience. Seeing firsthand the problems of the system, the mistreatment of the professionals, the poor quality of the services given to the children and their families… It woke up another calling within me. I must become a voice for the children, the families and the professionals that deal with this every day. At the same time this was happening, I was also participating in a competition, where I was introduced to the world of gardening and harvesting. This sparked another calling: the use of gardening as a therapeutic approach. 

Then, during my second practicum, I had to work with depression and anxiety crisis in adolescents in the school environment. It impacted me how, in some of the cases, I was the first person to ever tell them that they were appreciated, how much they mattered and that they were not alone. Seeing them get better and work on their self-esteems helped me confirm, once again, that I was in the right path. And now, I have graduated, but can’t practice as a psychologist yet, because I must acquire the state license. However, until that happens, I am developing what is right now my Community Service Initiative for the Miss Puerto Rico competition, which is called Cosechando el Ser (in English, Harvesting the Self). 

And I say “what is right now my Community Service Initiative” because it is a project I want to develop for the rest of my life. I am planning on turning it into a non-profit organization in the next months. Cosechando el Ser will start as a practice and promotion for the use of gardening as a therapeutic approach and sustainable practice. It will also become a bank of resources for vulnerable communities. And last, but not least (this is only the beginning), bring support to pregnant women and people dealing with grief. Just as I keep improving, growing and progressing, I have truly learned that “you are what you sow”. How you talk to yourself, how you treat others, what you consume, how you act, and your environment will influence your growth and harvest. Likewise, just as the seasons change, so do we. And no matter the storms or weather we might face, we can always be resilient and continue growing. 

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Karla Páez is the current Miss Juncos (PR). You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

The J.O.Y. Project

By Olivia Jarrell

Confidence isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we build. It starts by being honest with ourselves: knowing our strengths, our values, and even our fears. When you understand who you are, you stop trying to fit into molds that don’t suit you. That self-awareness becomes a quiet, steady foundation. Real confidence doesn’t need to be loud; it just needs to be real.

One of the biggest obstacles to confidence is the inner critic, the voice that questions your worth or abilities. That voice might always be there, but it doesn’t have to lead. Confidence grows when you take action in spite of fear. Each time you speak up, take a risk, or try something new, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Even when things don’t go perfectly, the fact that you showed up counts more than you think.

Building confidence also means surrounding yourself with the right people, those who support, challenge, and remind you of what you bring to the table. Prepare when you can, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself credit along the way. Confidence isn’t about perfection or pretending; it’s about showing up as yourself and trusting that’s enough.

The J.O.Y. Project: 

The mission of The J.O.Y. Project is to empower individuals by equipping them with a skill set of self confidence, perseverance and authenticity to navigate life’s academic and personal challenges. 

Through community-building, mentorship, and personal development tools, the project encourages young adults to embrace the journey of growth and rediscover the joy that comes from living true to who they are.

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Olivia Jarrell is the current Miss Greater Columbus (OH). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Why Diversity in Pageantry Matters and How E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Is Changing the Game

By Natalie Scott Gonzalez

Let’s get real for a second!

When you picture a “pageant girl,” what do you see?
For a long time, pageantry had a very specific image and if you didn’t fit that mold, you probably felt like you didn’t belong. But guess what? The world is changing. And so is pageantry. And I'm happy to say that the Miss America system is part of that change!

Today, pageants are becoming more inclusive, more representative, and more open to celebrating every kind of beauty every skin tone, every hair texture, every story. That’s why diversity in pageantry isn’t just important it’s essential. 

As Miss Vega Alta’s Teen, I walk proudly in my culture and my darker skin tone as a proud Puerto Rican teen with Caribbean roots and a voice that doesn’t shrink in the face of stereotypes. And when I step on that stage, I carry more than just a sash and a smile. I carry my community. My heritage. My truth.

That’s also why I created E.M.B.R.A.C.E. my Community Service Initiative that stands for:
Emotional, Mental, Behavioral Resources All Communities Enjoy.

At its core, E.M.B.R.A.C.E. is all about representation and access, making sure that ALL communities, especially the ones often left behind, have the support and resources they need for mental wellness.Because mental health doesn’t discriminate and neither should help.

So whether you’re Afro-Latina, Asian-American, proudly Indigenous, mixed-race, or anything in between you BELONG here. Your story belongs here. Your voice matters. And your mental health matters too.

Let’s continue to build a pageant world where every girl can say: “She looks like me… so I can shine too.”

With every E.M.B.R.A.C.E. resource I share, every teen I reach, and every step I take in this crown, I’m not just representing a title. I’m representing a new generation thats here for change! 

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Natalie Scott Gonzalez is the current Miss Vega Alta’s Teen (PR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

A Piece of My Heart

By Natalie Scott Gonzalez

Hey everyone!

I’m Natalie Scott Gonzalez, your Miss Vega Alta’s Teen, and I’m so excited to share a piece of my heart with you as I prepare to compete for the title of Miss Puerto Rico Teen. This journey has been nothing short of magical, but more than the crowns and sashes, it’s about purpose. That purpose is called E.M.B.R.A.C.E.

E.M.B.R.A.C.E. stands for Emotional, Mental, Behavioral Resources All Communities Enjoy, a name, a mission, and a promise I carry close to my heart. It was born from my personal experiences with mental health, while dealing with my scoliosis and the emotional toll that came with it. I remember feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of how to ask for help. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a voice for those who feel voiceless. E.M.B.R.A.C.E. is about breaking the stigma, spreading awareness, and most importantly, connecting people to real help, whether you're in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

Being Miss Vega Alta’s Teen isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility. It’s about representing my town, my people, and my purpose with pride and authenticity. Being Miss Puerto Rico Teen, I want to take E.M.B.R.A.C.E. to every school possible to reach teens that may need to hear my story.

Whether you’re a teen feeling overwhelmed, a parent trying to understand, or someone silently struggling, know this: you are seen, you are loved, and there is help. Continue fighting!

So here’s to dreaming big, speaking up, and EMBRACING each other EVERYDAY!

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Natalie Scott Gonzalez is the current Miss Vega Alta’s Teen (PR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Allyssa Defillipo’s Platform with Purpose: E.A.T. to Live

In the world of pageantry, beauty, talent, and intellect converge—but for Allyssa Defillipo, the crown is not just a symbol of poise or prestige. It is a powerful platform to spark real change. As a dedicated competitor in the Miss America Organization and the newly crowned Miss Southern Jewel 2025, Allyssa embodies resilience, purpose, and passion. Her Community Service Initiative, E.A.T. to Live—which stands for Educate, Access, Transform—is more than a platform; it’s a mission rooted in personal experience and a deep desire to rewrite the health narrative and make health more accessible.

Allyssa’s initiative promotes nutrition education, increases access to healthy foods, and seeks to shift societal perspectives on what it truly means to be healthy. As a certified nutrition coach, personal trainer, bodybuilder, and GNC manager, Allyssa combines academic knowledge with real-world experience. She doesn’t just speak about health—she lives it. Her work focuses on helping people understand the vital link between nutrition, physical well-being, and mental health, especially for children and families who may not have consistent access to nutritious food.

Through E.A.T. to Live, the publishing of her eBook The You Project, raising over 6,000lbs of food for the food bank, presenting in schools and volunteering at various community events she is advocating daily for systemic changes to make healthy food more available.

The Roots of Resilience

Allyssa’s commitment to health and advocacy did not arise from comfort, it was born from necessity. Growing up in poverty, she and her family relied on food bank boxes and school lunches. These early struggles laid the foundation for her understanding of how socioeconomic status can deeply impact one’s relationship with food and health. These formative years instilled in her a powerful sense of empathy and a drive to ensure that all children grow up with the tools and knowledge they need to live a healthier life.

The journey to where she is now has not been without hardship. In the past year, Allyssa has endured the loss of three family members. Yet even in grief, she chose to press forward using her pain as fuel to deepen her purpose and keep striving toward her goals.

Achieving Milestones

Pageantry has been a transformative journey for Allyssa. She began her rise in the Miss America Organization as Miss City of Sunshine 2022, then went on to become Miss Majestic Lakes 2023, Miss Klamath County 2024, and now, Miss Southern Jewel 2025. With each title, her message and mission have grown in reach and impact.

Her ultimate dream? To be crowned Miss Oregon and represent her state on the Miss America stage. But for Allyssa, the crown isn't the end goal, it’s a means to continue advocating for community health, expand volunteer work, and impact countless lives. Through school visits, nonprofit events, and fitness workshops, she is already a force of positive change throughout Oregon.

Fueling Dreams Through Education

The Miss America Opportunity has not only given Allyssa a platform, it has given her a future. Thanks to scholarships earned through competition, she is currently attending Arizona State University Online debt-free, pursuing a degree in Applied Nutrition and Health. Education is at the heart of her mission, and the chance to earn a degree without financial burden has only further empowered her to give back more.

The classroom isn’t the only place she teaches. As a content creator, Allyssa shares daily wellness tips, motivational content, and nutrition advice through social media, engaging a wider audience with her energetic, informed approach. She meets people where they are—whether that’s online or at a local gym—and encourages them to take steps toward healthier living.

Giving Back, One Meal at a Time

Even with a full schedule of appearances, training, and study, Allyssa never forgets where she came from, prioritizing raising funds for the Klamath Lake Counties Food Bank, ensuring that meals are available for families in need. It’s a full-circle moment—someone who once relied on these services is now working to sustain and improve them for others.

In addition to her local efforts, Allyssa is currently raising funds for the Go Red for Women x Miss America campaign, benefiting the American Heart Association. Her goal is to raise $350, which will support heart health research, education, and scholarships for young women like herself who dream of making a difference. Heart health, much like nutrition, is an often-overlooked issue in underserved populations—yet Allyssa is bringing these issues to the forefront.

A Crown with a Cause

Allyssa Defillipo is much more than a titleholder—she is a health advocate, a role model, and a testament to the power of purpose. Her story is one of transformation: from a girl who once stood in line at a food bank to a woman now standing onstage, microphone in hand, speaking for those who are struggling to find their way.

She is driven not by recognition but by the real impact she knows she can have—meal by meal, classroom by classroom, conversation by conversation. And whether she earns the Miss Oregon crown or not, she has already proven herself to be a queen in the eyes of many.

As she continues her journey, Oregon—and the nation—can expect to hear more from Allyssa Defillipo. Because when passion meets purpose, there’s no limit to the change that can be made.

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Allyssa Defillipo is the current Miss Southern Jewel (OR). You can follow her on Instagram at allyssa.defillipo or miss_allyssad or scan this QR code to find ways to contribute or improve your health today!

Find all the blogs from Allyssa here: Allyssa Defillipo Guest Blogs.

 

Be AWARE: Empowering the Next Generation Through Mental Wellness

By Leslie Kaiser

Hi friends! My name is Leslie Kaiser, and I’m honored to serve as Miss Lake Anna’s Teen 2025, a local titleholder within the Miss Virginia Organization. I’m a high school senior and recently committed to Regent University, where I’ll be studying Christian Ministry this fall! My heart for serving others is deeply connected to my Community Service Initiative (CSI): Be AWARE, which stands for Advocacy, Wellness, Awareness, Resources, and Education—a platform dedicated to assisting and empowering youth with their mental wellness. 

My Story: From Struggle to Strength 

When I was just 11 years old, I transitioned from private school to public school—a massive shift for someone who had only ever known a small classroom setting. That change came with unexpected challenges, including relentless bullying from classmates. My self-esteem plummeted, and I soon found myself battling severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts. 

For six years, mental illness had a tight grip on my life. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that everything changed. That year, I gave my life to Jesus and found true healing. From that point forward, I felt a calling to serve the next generation, to be a light for others so they wouldn’t have to endure the same darkness I once faced. 

The Birth of Be AWARE 

Be AWARE was born during a nine-hour drive back from visiting family in Tennessee. Around hour seven, I had what I call a “lightbulb moment.” I realized that my “why” was clear: I wanted to help youth overcome mental illness and equip them with the tools I wish I had.

Be AWARE is all about meeting young people where they are and providing real support. I believe that “weak mental health is unequivocally detrimental and debilitating to our youth and the next generation,” and that’s why I’m passionate about raising awareness. Mental wellness is just as important as physical health—they go hand in hand. You can’t thrive physically without being well mentally. 

Making an Impact 

My goal through Be AWARE is to reach as many youth as possible—to speak in schools, share my story, and be a source of hope. I’ve dedicated my crown to serving others and making sure young people know they’re not alone. If I could overcome six years of mental illness and stand strong in my purpose today, they can too. 

When I started this initiative, I set a goal of reaching 500 students. Today, I’m humbled to share that Be AWARE has impacted over 1,000 young people through school visits, social media outreach, and speaking engagements. While numbers are encouraging, my true focus is on lives changed. I often ask myself, “How many hearts can I touch through this platform?” and I pray the answer continues to grow. 

Follow the Journey 

As I prepare to compete for Miss Virginia’s Teen this June, my focus remains on spreading light and love through Be AWARE. If you’d like to follow along, I’d love to have your support! 

Together, let’s build a generation that’s stronger, healthier, and more aware.

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Leslie Kaiser is the current Miss Lake Anna’s Teen (VA). You can follow her on her title's Instagram as well as her CSI's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.