Ayriss Torres Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Ayriss Torres is passionate about closing wage gaps, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Idaho. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Ayriss Torres visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Idaho crown? 

My family and I went to dinner where they surprised me with a crown bracelet and the Steakhouse staff wrote me a big 'Congratulations' in sprinkles on my dessert! 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Idaho?

I'm looking forward to visiting the smaller communities in Idaho, specifically in the Southeast area where I'm from. I'm excited to travel around the state and provide financial/wealth management education to every Idahoan I can in the hopes of closing our state's racial, gender, and generational wealth gaps!

What part of the Miss America competition are you most nervous about? I'm not a very nervous person, definitely more excited! 

I'm thrilled to be competing at the 100th Anniversary competition with some very amazing women-including the 3 other women who are also active military members like myself! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Equity Project”? 

I currently work as a loan officer, and over the past year, I have noticed how little money and finance is talked about or taught in Idaho. Lessons like saving, lending, and investing are not taught in schools, making it harder for our hard working communities to grow out of poverty. Also, with a large Hispanic population in Idaho, they are very underserved and underrepresented in the wealth industry, making it even harder for them to gain the financial help they need when it comes to purchasing vehicles, homes, and breaking generational wealth gaps. I wanted to create an organization that didn't just talk about the Equity of one group of people, but one that could help further the equality of every struggling community; and wage gaps are one of the easiest things to address and change. 

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage? 

Showing my personality and having fun with my dancing! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

Probably Buzz Lightyear so I could go on secret missions in uncharted space! 

You currently serve as a Civil Affairs Specialist with the US Army. What is that experience like? 

My job is very similar to the Peace Corps but for the Army, and I absolutely love the job! I went on my first service mission in 2015 to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to help rebuild a school and soup kitchen after hurricane Odile, and I have dedicated my life to service since!

If you had an extra ticket to see a Boise Hawks baseball game, who would you take with you? Why? 

I would take my dad because he is a HUGE baseball fan- he currently lives in St. Louis, MO and loves going to watch the Cardinals!

Is there a feature or activity during a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 

I've always wanted to catch a pop fly! 

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I'd like to do that too! 

As always, I want to thank Ayriss for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Ayriss continues her time as Miss Idaho, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook account. You can also check out the Miss Idaho website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Ayriss, and good luck!