World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen AnnaMarie Peña World Latina New Mexico Miss 2021.
Full name: AnnaMarie Peña
Title/Year: World Latina New Mexico Miss 2021
Pageant System: World Latina
Age: 24
Education Level: Graduate
Zodiac sign: Aeries
Hobbies: Spending time with my family and cats, visiting new cities, and volunteering in my community.
Platform: Educational Equity and Domestic Violence Awareness
Years competed: Four
Countries visited: United States of America
Likes: Blue Bell Ice Cream, Texas Rangers, History, and Trying New Food!
Dislikes: Inequality in all aspects.
Status: Single
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I currently live in Hobbs, New Mexico with my two cats Rey and Remi. I have an amazing family that includes my loving parents, sister and brother-in-law, my niece and nephew, and their puppy Shadow! I am also an eighth-grade social studies teacher. I love all things history, and I am passionate about teaching others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about your education.
I graduated with honors from Hobbs High School in Hobbs, New Mexico, in 2015. I immediately enrolled at the University of the Southwest (Hobbs, New Mexico). I completed a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Double Major: History and Psychology. Minor: Social Sciences, in 2017. Once I decided to become a teacher, I enrolled in the Leading Educators (through) Alternative Pathways (LEAP) program in August 2019. I completed the program in May of 2020. I reenrolled at the University of the Southwest and completed a Master of Business Administration emphasizing marketing in October of 2020. I am currently pursuing my Masters of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and will graduate in December of 2022.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women empowerment mean to you?
Often society pits women against each other based on looks, accomplishments, or economic status. Having a solid sense of security and self-worth ensures that we see each other as allies, not enemies. It allows us to push each other to be the best version of ourselves each day and know it is meant to empower, not deter our true abilities.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I began my pageant career in December of 2017 and won the title of Miss New Mexico International 2018. I competed in July 2018 at Miss International 2018 in Charleston, West Virginia. In January of 2019, I competed as Miss Lea County USA at Miss New Mexico USA. In June 2019, I competed at Miss New Mexico Latina, placed first-runner up, and received the People's Choice Award. I took a long break from pageantry and came back in July of 2020 to compete for the title of Miss New Mexico for America 2020. I was awarded Miss Evening Gown NM, Miss Swimwear NM, Miss Interview NM, and finally, Miss New Mexico for America 2020. I won the opportunity to represent New Mexico at Miss for America Strong 2020 at the Westgate in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March of 2021. Finally, I competed at World Latina New Mexico Miss 2021 in August 2021. I was awarded Community Service, Educational Achievements, Miss Congeniality, and World Latina New Mexico Miss 2021. I am currently preparing for the World Latina National Pageant in August 2022 in Seattle, Washington!
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
Pageantry was something I was always interested in as a child but never took seriously as an option for myself. In October 2017, I finally had to strength to leave an abusive relationship and found my self-worth and esteem in pieces. I happened to stumble across an advertisement for a pageant online. I thought to myself, "This is an opportunity to help others escape domestic violence and help heal myself." The journey began that day, and I was blessed to win my first title of Miss New Mexico International 2018.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
The system allows me to advocate for topics that most overlook. Speaking about domestic violence and educational equity are topics people try to avoid. The World Latina system sees my passions and welcomes them. I am supported, loved, and included in every step, which is why I chose to compete again for the system.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
The World Latina system focuses on leadership, beauty, and mentorship. We are encouraged to complete community service, advocate for a cause and provide mentorship to individuals in our states. The organization focuses on being well-rounded individuals that advocate for change in their communities.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
We will be judged on personal interview, activewear, evening gown, and final vote. The final vote is meant to select the candidate with the best overall qualities to represent the title.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
Everything fell into perspective when I walked into the same dressing room to compete again for the title. It reminded me of my journey to get there. Instead of seeing everything wrong with me, I chose to see everything that was right. As well as the strength it took to come to the pageant and everything I was representing. The directors genuinely create a welcoming, loving family at each pageant. This environment pushed me to be the best possible version of myself when I wanted to give up during pageant week.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause you volunteer for.
Being a fourth-year teacher has provided me with a perspective on the dangers of education inequity and how to help change the system that creates these issues. In 2021, I was selected by the New Mexico Public Education Department to help rewrite the Social Studies Standards for 5-8th grade. These new standards will be implemented in school districts across the state of New Mexico in 2023 and will be used for the next ten years! I was also chosen by the same department to be a member of the first Social Studies Instructional Scope team. This team will create a document that will guide the implementation of the new social studies standards statewide! Educational equity also includes individuals in adult education. Four nights a week, I teach language arts to individuals working towards obtaining their GED. Their stories of coming to a new country, looking to better their situation and family, and their passion for education inspire me each day.
When I am not advocating for educational equity, I speak on domestic violence awareness. I believe education about the topic will help prevent more individuals from falling into a cycle of abuse. I provide information to elementary and middle school youth on what genuine respect looks like and how a healthy relationship should work. The overall goal is to build a solid understanding of respect. That way, if they were to encounter a potentially abusive relationship, they would know how to successfully walk away. I also collect items to donate to shelters that house individuals escaping domestic violence situations. I am currently in the process of designing my first coloring book about respect! It is based on my two cats, Rey and Remi, teaching students what respect means and how they can show it to others.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have made appearances at local events throughout the state of New Mexico. I was fortunate to speak to students at the middle school I work at about overcoming educational barriers. As well as completing community service each month.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
My proudest achievement is seeing my students blossom and grow as individuals in my classroom. I aim to create an inclusive, welcoming, educational environment each day. Seeing each of them feel welcomed and comfortable to truly grow is one achievement I will always deem as my most significant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from other beautiful girls?
My ambition. In my life, I live by the philosophy of "Give 110% every day."
I push myself each day to be the best possible version of myself, not only to help me but to help others as well. Sometimes it may be more complicated than others, but I know that if I try my best, I will only reach success and live without regret because I know I did my part.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
I was honestly shocked that I had won. I initially thought I was named first-runner up. It was not until someone congratulated me that I realized I had won. When the crown was placed on my head, it felt like every struggle, obstacle, and story I shared all became worth it in the end.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Using the opportunity and platform you have been blessed with to help others. A crown and sash last only a year, but your legacy lasts a lifetime.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants help your life?
Pageants helped me grow into the woman I am today. I am more confident, secure in who I am, and know that I am helping others every step of the way.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants help your self-esteem and body image?
I became more aware of what I was putting in my body and what I was putting it through. Before, I was not sure of myself and compared myself to others. As well as putting myself in situations that damaged my self-esteem. Now, I know my value and self-worth. Taking care of myself allows me to have a longer life and change the world.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
I feel fortunate. I believe representation matters, especially for our youth. No matter your age, background, or race, you can make a difference, and I lead by example.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your onstage strategy to win the judges over?
I show my passion and confidence. I have had more instances of mishaps on stage than I can count, but I own these mishaps. I have a positive attitude and let my personality shine each time I walk out.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
I placed a heavy emphasis on my mental health. I also focused on my interview, passions, and public speaking. I wanted to ensure I was mentally ready for the competition and whatever outcome happened.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Have fun! Seeing your confidence and having fun will show you are comfortable in your own skin. My walk is not the best, but I know I always have fun on stage.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Find the dress that makes you feel truly beautiful. The one where you wear the dress, not the dress that wears you. No matter what color it may be.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Show your passion without saying you are passionate about something. Let the judges see who you truly are as a person and that you are more than just the crown and sash.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Picking a dress that was very "pageant," even when I knew I did not feel confident in it on stage.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
Comparing themselves to others. The judges are only judging you and what you bring to the table. They are not judging you against each other. The judges are human beings; their decision does not remove your self-worth or value.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
I do not have any, but I am looking to join in the modeling world more this year!
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2022 as a Queen?
Finish my coloring book about respect and deliver it to classrooms across the state. Speak to other classrooms across the state, and provide opportunities for others to learn more about educational equity and domestic violence awareness.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A legacy of understanding and compassion. We rarely encounter an individual who truly tries to understand our perspective or life. I want to be that person for everyone I meet.
National Director: Patricia Montoya Your Local Director: Noemi Chavez Flores Pageant website: http://www.missusbeautylatinapageant.com/ Name of the Photographer and other credits: Hawk & Hero Productions - Bernie Maese and Minis Photography. Hair and Make up: AnnaMarie Peña. Thank you to my sponsors: A huge thank you to my loving parents, siblings, niece and nephew, and numerous friends/supporters. Without your continued support, love, and prayers, this journey would not be possible!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview! Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief of World Class Beauty Queens Magazine.
AnnaMarie Peña World Latina New Mexico Miss 2021, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Hawk & Hero Productions - Bernie Maese and Minis Photography. Hair and Make up: AnnaMarie Peña
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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