Section 36 has another visitor! Elizabeth Pierre is an advocate for empowering young voices, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Cambridge. I was glad she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!
So, let's see what happens when Elizabeth Pierre visits Section 36!
How did you celebrate winning the Miss Cambridge crown?
I celebrated by having the best rest of my life. I hadn't had a full night sleep the few days leading up to the competition, so it felt amazing to lay in my bed and cuddle my new sparkly hat. The following weekend my mom cooked all my favorite foods and my family came over to surprise me with a beautiful cake and the sweetest card. It was totally unexpected and I felt super loved!
What part of the (eventually) upcoming Miss Massachusetts competition are you most nervous about?
On stage question! You never know what to expect, so you really have to get yourself in the zone beforehand. There are so many things that could distract you, like the lights, microphone and audience. It is the first time the crowded theater gets to hear you speak about a pressing issue in society, which causes a ton of pressure. But just like any other phase of competition, you have to shake off those nerves, go with the flow and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Cambridge?
I would love to co-host a youth leadership conference with Mayor Siddiqui, the mayor of Cambridge. She and I share many similarities ranging from how we grew up, to our passion for youth empowerment. By attending the conference, youth will develop a better understanding of the social issues that are present in their community. Through different workshops, activities, and speakers they will expand their talents and learn skills needed to improve the world around them. With her connection to the Cambridge Youth Council and my connection to The Center for Teen Empowerment, I know we can create an experience that encourages Cambridge youth to be the leaders we know they are.
How did you select your social impact initiative, “We Hear You: Empowering Youth Voices”?
The Center for Teen Empowerment is a nonprofit organization created to support youth-led social change. The TE Model serves as an opportunity for youth to be heard when their voices are often marginalized. My social impact initiative "We Hear You: Empowering Youth Voices" is all about expanding this model to different communities and allowing youth everywhere to envision themselves as leaders. Throughout my years of being a youth worker, I have learned so much about how society functions from their personal experiences and stories. I firmly believe that they should not be discounted because of their age and that as a community, we should remind them of the power they hold.
As a talented dancer, what do you like most about performing on stage?
When I walk on stage, I am usually a nervous wreck thinking about everything that can go wrong when the spotlight hits me. However, once the music starts playing, the nerves quickly disappear. When I dance, I get to tell a story and become one with both the movement and the music. What I love most is that you can't be anything but yourself when you're dancing. Sure, you can play a character, but the emotion stems from memories only you have experienced. You have to let your guard down and invite your audience on the journey, and the applause you hear at the end, is how you know that being vulnerable was worth it.
You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What is your favorite place you’ve visited?
Spain! I studied abroad in Madrid for four months with one of my closest friends. We got to stay with the most amazing host mother named Montse who cared for us as if we were her own. While there, I got to to visit all the regions, each so different from the last, but just as beautiful. I found myself overwhelmed with emotion often because I could not believe that I got to experience a country so rich with culture. I had the opportunity to be part of the International Women's March, see the tomb of Queen Isabel de Castilla, live out my childhood dream of being a Cheetah Girl in Barcelona and SO MUCH MORE! The experiences I had in Spain are unlike any other, and for that, the country will always have a special place in my heart.
Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?
Big Papi, David Ortiz! During his 14 seasons with the Red Sox, he was always true to himself. He was so proud of his Dominican culture and never once tried to suppress that to fit in. He is a true testament that being yourself will get you far and because of that he has inspired so many young people in the Caribbean to reach for their goals. Not to mention, he holds the Red Sox record for the number of Home Runs in a season - FIFTY-FOUR! Go Sox!
If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game at Fenway, who would you bring with you? Why?
My mom because she has sacrificed so much to get me to where I am. My family immigrated to The United States from Haiti and since then, my parents have done nothing but work so hard to make sure my siblings and I have a great life. Since graduating college, I have been doing all I can to help her slow down and take time for herself. Part of that, includes experiencing important parts of Boston culture that she has missed out on. This past fall we took her apple picking for the first time, we're currently planning a future trip to New York City for her and although she doesn't follow baseball, I know she would have a blast at Fenway.
Is there a feature or activity at a Red Sox game that you’d especially like to experience?
I would love to throw the Ceremonial First Pitch. There have been so many notable, respectable, and inspiring people who have gotten the chance to step on the pitcher's mound and throw to home plate. I hope to one day leave a legacy so strong that I get to have that same experience. I don't have the best arm though, so in the meantime, I'll be practicing my pitch!
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That would be an awesome experience!
As always, I want to thank Elizabeth for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures.
As Elizabeth continues her time as Miss Cambridge, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Page. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.
I also want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Massachusetts title. It wouldn’t be the first time someone visited Section 36 as Miss Cambridge and went on to be crowned Miss Massachusetts!
Thanks again Elizabeth, and good luck!
