“What are you a Champion of?”

That was the opening question to what would become a six-hour-long conversation with a now friend and mentor. What I came to realize was that, as much as my identity was about being a young woman in finance or an advocate for a local and global approach to human rights awareness, the defining theme over the past decade was that of courage. It was courage that empowered me to step into my first Miss America Teen orientation; courage to serve as a junior commissioner on human rights; courage to be resilient in the face of losing my family home to a wildfire; courage to live with an autoimmune disorder; courage to find my voice in a starkly male-dominated corporate landscape; and courage to represent the Golden State at the 101st Miss America.

The moment the Miss California crown touched my head, I was overcome with both euphoria and apprehension of being good enough to bear the legacy of 97 Miss California's past. The classic closing question to an interview– “Why should you be our next Miss California?” –weighed heavily in my mind. There was an unshakeable sense of having to prove my worthiness of bearing this honor and responsibility each and every day.

One year, 239 appearances, and countless priceless connections made, I realize that the crown was a progress report of my personal development over the past 22 years but, more importantly, an amplifier of innate potential. As a mentor told me “you wear the crown…the crown does not wear you.”

Here are 22 things I learned as Miss California 2022

The crown/sash do not define you…they merely amplify what is innate. Choose how you mold, develop, and shape those qualities into opportunities
There is no place for ego. Humility must be paired with a strong sense of self-reflection and resolve.
Being an admirable titleholder is not determined by your performance on the night of Miss California or Miss America. There are 364 days in which to prove to yourself why you are–not just could be–a good ambassador
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” - the serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr
Define your power word - root down into that which empowers you in every aspect of your life
Have a tangible business plan in regards of your desired impact, how to measure success, and a key list of resources
To be a hero to others…you must first become a hero for yourself
You are a reflection of every single person who has poured any degree of time, talent, and treasure into you
The weight of what you learn this year can only be determined by your reaction to your successes and your failures
Be an empath - attune your senses to the way people communicate, retain information, and what makes them tick. Emotional intelligence will serve you well in all aspects of your life
You are uniquely positioned to be inspired and to inspire. Your words, actions, and expressions hold formidable influence on those around you. Be mindful in the ways you wield that power
Cultivate handshakes into relationships, friendships and mentorships that will last beyond this one year
Assemble your Avengers - people who will be your advocates and devils advocates while expanding your capacity to learn and grow
Have an Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove - an unstoppable force but one that holds herself with grace under pressure
Don’t limit your exposure to challenges…challenge your limits
Create a time capsule of photos/notes. Time passes faster than you might expect. Don’t miss the little moment.
Opportunities abound for those who lay a foundation of preparedness, open mindedness, and diligence.
You can always do more, achieve a higher goal, or leave a larger legacy…remember to celebrate even the smallest win
Be unabashedly ambitious in your education and career with the mindset of a global citizen
At the end of any conversation, a reminder to look that person in the eye and say “Thank you. I appreciate you”
Your story is your most powerful arsenal. Become so comfortable with sharing it that public speaking no longer scares you but invigorates you
Give with an open heart, learn with an open mind, and strive to be the sunshine in other people’s life

To the Golden State, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be able to serve and represent you. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a student of thought leadership, of empowering humanity, unrelenting kindness, and a consistent pursuit of being my best self. More importantly, I thank you for being a part of this journey.

As my final act as Miss California, I ask that you remember this: Be Authentic in knowing your story and how it has shaped you; Be Audacious in your intentions and ambitions in work, life, friendships and ability to positively make a change; and Be a fearless Advocate for the community you choose to serve and to be a voice for those without one.

Only then, can you become your own…

Champion of Courage.

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