The Miss Program
Miss New York has been part of the Miss America since it’s inception in 1921, though at the time the representative was Miss New York City, Virginia Lee. Miss America has crowned more representatives from New York than any other state and we are proud to have broken barriers in addition to records. As Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev said in an interview after becoming the third Miss New York to win the national crown in a row, “New Yorker’s got grit!” We are a diverse, advanced, and progressive state. Our titleholders (local and state) are no different – Just ask some of our former Miss New York’s….
Sydney Park | Miss New York 2021
What was something unexpected that you gained from your experience as a local titleholder and/or state contestant, NOT the State Titleholder?
How lucky I am to have made some of my closest friends through the Miss New York Organization. Whether it was navigating law school, bonding over dating horror stories, or discussing living in New York City, the friends I made from being a local titleholder have been through it all with me. I am even a bridesmaid in one of their weddings!
What was a preconception that you had when you started your year that ended up differently than you thought it would?
I don’t think I realized the power that the Miss New York title has to impact and influence change. Through my Community Service Initiative, I was able to address inequity in sports on a statewide and national level, bringing attention to crucial issues affecting LGBTQ+ athletes. Not in a million years did I think I would ever see my face and hear my voice talking on Good Morning America, or tune into the radio and hear me discussing trans inclusion in sports. I was also so touched by how many people were (and continue to be) impacted by my talent piece, “Sit like a Lady.” It never ceases to amaze me the power that our words can have, and I will cherish my Miss America Preliminary Talent Award forever as a reminder that we have the capacity to inspire others to stand tall if only we are courageous enough to speak up.
What is the most important thing you took from your year and how has it applied to your ‘real life’?
The single most important thing I took from my year was courage. Sometimes you just have to take the jump, hold your breath, and hope for the best. I was fortunate to encounter so many unexpected and incredible adventures because I dared to be courageous. Further, I think this courage has taught me to fiercely believe that I deserve to be in the very rooms that I have worked to be in, and I refuse to let anyone convince me otherwise! As a lawyer, this courage has applied to my real life in very tangible ways. I am not afraid to advocate for my position or defend my stance. I know I can share my point of view confidently because I am capable. I don’t think we born courageous – I think we cultivate it, and my year as Miss New York helped me to cultivate that courage.
Taryn Delanie Smith | Miss New York 2022
What was something unexpected that you gained from your experience as a local titleholder and/or state contestant, NOT the State Titleholder?
Competing over and over throughout the years really built up what I like to think of as ‘ambition endurance.’ The stamina it takes to pursue a goal, any big goal really – is something that is learned and practiced over time. I’ve met many young people who have never had the opportunity to experience that, and therefore give up very quickly when a dream doesn’t seem to be working out on the first or second try. Competing in this program pushed me to network at a young age with folks who I believed could mentor me, it allowed me to experience disappointment in a safe way when perhaps a competition didn’t have the result I wanted and allowed me to exercise graciousness and humility when this happened. And finally, allowed me to experience the kind of immense personal growth that can only come from developing this ‘ambition endurance.’ This would bleed into my professional and academic life in profound ways throughout the years and has been instrumental in my success.
What was a preconception that you had when you started your year that ended up differently than you thought it would?
That winning the long sought after title would somehow mend any cracks in my self-esteem, and silence any voices of self-doubt in my head. I had to realize that the title is a job I earned, not to be used as a tool of validation. Rather it is a tool to serve others.
What is the most important thing you took from your year and how has it applied to your ‘real life’
I learned to SAY NO! Being a people pleaser will leave you tired, disappointed, and lead you to straying from your vision. When you are empowered to stick to your own vision, it does mean learning when and how to politely decline advice, or directives that betray who you are.