(Image: Kristina Sanchez)
If left up to the small or large screen, your favorite glossy or newspaper, or even big budget advertising campaigns, you wouldn’t know an Afro-Latina if she tapped you on the shoulder. But we are out there, and we’re letting our voice be heard. Ain’t I Latina?’s Everyday Chica series highlights millennial Latinas that are blazing a trail in their respective industries, leading by example for future generations of Latinas. This week, we’re featuring a pageant queen who embraces her roots wholeheartedly.
Ain’t I Latina? caught up with the 2013-2014 Miss North Carolina Latina winner Kristina A. Sanchez in the latest Everyday Chica feature. Sanchez spoke to us about her participation in pageants, the Jakiyah McKoy pageant controversy and the influence Celia Cruz has had on her life.
How did you get started in pageants? What attracted you to them?
My first pageant I ever experienced was in middle school. I was fascinated by the thought of being dressed up, make-up on, hair styled, and the gorgeous glitz filled dresses. I believe every little girl grows up wanting to be a princess and I was no exception. I experienced a few other pageant thereafter and gained experience, friends, and confidence in my journey to be crowned.
Congrats on being crowned Miss North Carolina Latina! What responsibilities come with your position as reigning queen?
Thank you for the congratulations! Being queen has not been an easy task but it has been very rewarding! I have had to juggle my reign as queen, my jobs on campus, involvement within the community, my academia, and above all, myself (physically and mentally). I have been fortunate to serve as an Ambassador for GO RED for Women from the American Heart Association. I’ve assisted the Mid-Atlantic Region with planning, promoting and marketing several events. My duty as queen has exposed me to numerous rewarding occasions such as The Three Kings Parade of Cary, NC or The SEEN Fashion Show of Charlotte, NC and many more. I not only serve my county, but I also serve the state as queen!
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