Britney Lane Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Britney Lane is passionate about advocating for sexual assault victims, a big Red Sox fan, and the current Miss New Hampshire USA. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Britney Lane visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate the Miss New Hampshire USA crown?

I actually hopped on a plane and headed to Florida for a vacation the day after I was crowned! After all the months of preparation, I knew I needed a break to recharge no matter if I won or lost.

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss NH USA?

So many people have come up to me since I won and remembered me from a pageant I had done 5 or 6 years ago. They explain that they followed my journey over the last few years and loved to see my growth. After hearing so many no’s, it was so amazing to hear from people who believed in me for such a long time.

What part of the upcoming Miss USA pageant are you most nervous about?

I have never been on such a large national stage before! I definitely feel the nerves when I think about walking where so many other amazing women have walked before. I think it’s more of excited nerves though. I am so excited to represent New Hampshire and show everyone how our state can bring it!

You currently work as a child and family therapist. What drew you to that field?

I have been in therapy since I was a teenager. I live with anxiety and depression, and I saw how therapy empowered me to reclaim who want to be. I wanted to give that back to others who are living with mental illness. The kiddos I work with are resilient and so positive, it makes me feel like I am making a real impact. I also get to play games and hang with some awesome kiddos.

What can you tell me about your journey advocating for sexual assault victims?

Following my own sexual assault, I found justice in the form of advocating. I saw the injustices I faced following my experience and wanted to change the policies to give more rights to survivors. I had the opportunity to testify in front of state senate and help pass The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights into law. Through my advocacy, I learned that sharing my story has made other survivors feel comfortable sharing their own. Being open about my experience as a survivor has empowered me to regain my voice.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I really love yoga and pilates/ barre. I was a competitive dancer for 16 years so barre and pilates brings me back to my dancing roots. I hold a lot of tension in my body throughout the day, so yoga has helped ground me and remind me to release the tension. I am a morning workout person, so I like to get up at 5 or 6am to start my day with a workout.

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

Oh, Belle easy! I love to read and learn new things from each book I finish like she does. Belle sees the beauty in the things that may look scary or different on the outside. I work to bring that into my personal mindset every day.

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

I feel like many people in my life would fight over this extra ticket. I went to college in Boston less than a mile from Fenway Park. During my four years, I went to probably about 30 Red Sox games. Fenway is truly my favorite place in the world. If I had to choose just one person, I would take my dad. He introduced me to baseball and inspired my love of the Red Sox. I still remember our first game at Fenway when I was a kid. It was in August and probably about 95 degrees. My mom and sister kept going to the bathroom to get out of the heat. My dad and I stayed in the sun watching the whole game.

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

Photo: Harris Davey

One of my favorite parts about going to Fenway was seeing who would throw out the first pitch. It was usually a politician, a celebrity, or a retired player. One game it was Miss Massachusetts USA. I remember thinking “when I win a crown like that one day, I’m going to do that.” I’m still working on trying to get out on the pitcher’s mound or be part of a pre-game ceremony. If anyone out there has some connections let me know!

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Can anyone out there help her out?

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

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss USA! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Britney during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Britney, and good luck!

Kirsten Fernow Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kirsten Fernow is passionate about sustainability, a realtor, event planner, and the current Miss Las Vegas USA. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kirsten Fernow visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Las Vegas USA crown? 

I went to go eat with some friends at a new, local business called SPLASH! I was super hungry after forgetting to eat lunch before the pageant. Oops! 

As a former titleholder in other organizations, what made you decide to compete for a Miss USA crown? 

I love what the new President Crystle Stewart has done to revamp the organization. I love to see how the women have more opportunities to speak! Also, I am half Filipino, and I have always thought it would be amazing to compete for Miss Universe, and this is the first step ! 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Las Vegas USA?

How excited others get about this title! My family was freaking
out! 

You’re the owner of K Access. What can you tell me about that venture?  

I have been in the events & entertainment industry for most of life. So naturally, lots of people come to me for help with connections & booking things ect. I started this business to give people ACCESS to all things Vegas! I focus mostly on events and real estate, but we can get people access to a lot more.  

You’ve been able to do some modeling. What do you enjoy about being in front of a camera? 

When I am modeling, I am only thinking about THAT particular moment. My mind gets to take a little break, which is actually super relaxing for me. 

What is your personal fitness routine? 

I try to follow the 5am club outline, 20 mins of physical activity, 20 min. of journaling, 20 min. of learning something new). So I will try to do a min. of 20 min of exercise a day and more when we are closer to a pageant. I enjoy doing yoga, lifting weights, zumba/ dancing and roller skating! 

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

(I used to work at Walt Disney World) I would love to be Moana for a week. When I look at her, I see bits and pieces of myself, which is super cool! And her home and friends are amazing, I'd love to live in Paradise! 

If you had an extra ticket to see a LA Dodgers game, who would you take with you? Why? 

My friend Yvette. We grew up in LA together and played softball together for most of our childhood. Then we moved to San Francisco together for college. Whenever we went to a Giants game, it just felt so wrong! We were born and bred to be Dodger fans! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? I would either like to throw a first pitch at a Dodger game, but softball/ underhand style or experience what it feels like to hit a home run over the fence! 

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Hitting a home run would be a pretty cool feeling!

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

I also want to wish Kirsten luck when she competes for Miss Nevada USA! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Kirsten during her journey as Miss Las Vegas USA. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on.

Thanks again Kirsten, and good luck!

Savannah Giammarco Visits Section 36!

Photo: Clifton Prescod

Section 36 has another visitor! Savannah Giammarco is passionate about achieving wellness, a business owner, and world traveler. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Savannah Giammarco visits Section 36!

You recently finished 3rd runner up to Miss Connecticut USA. What was that experience like?

It was truly amazing! Being a former Miss CT Teen USA, the USA system truly has a very special place in my heart. It was a fantastic weekend and I truly felt I brought the best version of myself to the stage and left it all out there! Though I didn’t walk away with the crown, I took away so much from the journey to the competition and that weekend. I am a firm believer in the universe and things always work out the way they’re supposed to even if we don’t know why in the moment. 

You’ve also competed within the Miss America Organization. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself from your pageant experience?

Photo: The Code Creatives

MAO really helped develop me not only as a competitor, but also has a person. It really expanded my intellectual curiosity and challenged me to keep becoming better day after day. Through my experience, and being first runner up three years in a row, it taught me that hard work and perseverance are underrated.  As a first generation Italian-American, my family has always instilled in my the importance of a strong work ethic and further to never give up when you’re set out to accomplish something. I feel that MAO really brought that out and me and allowed me to really strengthen that aspect of myself. 

Your competition platform was “Find Your Strong”, an organization you founded. What can you tell me about it?

Growing up I was severely bullied for my weight. I received death threats from people I knew had guns in their household and endured both physical and emotional trauma from that experience. Not having the resources available to me to know how to live a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle, I ended up developing atypical anorexia nervosa. Now, having overcome all of that and having learned what it means to be “well” I created Find Your Strong (@find_yourstrong and find-yourstrong.com)  to be a cost free resources for anyone struggling to achieve physical, mental or emotional wellness. On the website, there are recipes, blogs, and even resources to allow people easy access to organizations and programs that can provide the help they might need.  I also have had the incredible opportunity to go into schools and start teaching the foundation of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle at a young age! 

You also recently started your own business “Savvy Social Media Management”. What was it like getting that off the ground?

Photo: Clifton Prescod

Its been a learning experience FOR SURE! Before opening my own business I was working my dream job at iHeartMedia CT. Unfortunately due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was laid off. After months of job searching in a barren market, I decided it was time to take fate into my own hands and open my own company! So, combining my BA in Journalism, my MS in Public Relations, and my previous work experience, I decided social media management would be my next adventure! Now I have the amazing opportunity to work on content creation and brand development for a wide array of companies. Like I said, there was definitely a learning curve as far as registering an LLC, quarterly tax laws and requirements, etc. - but I feel so grateful that it’s been a successful adventure so far! 

You’ve been able to do some modeling. What do you enjoy about being in front of the camera?

I have been someone whose always been into fashion! What I love most about modeling is the seeing the overall look come together and being able to express that look on camera! Modeling really is about expression and conveying the message or “vibe” of a specific line, brand, designer, clientele, etc. I really love to be able to express so many different things and even get to try looks I might never wear on a day to day basis. Having been in New York Fashion Week, a showroom model for NYC fashion houses, and meeting photographers and designers around the world, there’s nothing I’d rather do! I have some really exciting projects coming up and I am hopeful more will follow! 

You’ve also been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

YES! I love traveling! I’ve been to more than 20 different countries and 4 different continents. Out of all the places I’ve been I have to say Gibraltar might have been one of my favorites! Of course I love the major cities like London, Paris and Barcelona, but Gibraltar is so different. It’s a very small English territory off the coast of Spain and they are famous for a massive rock structure called the “Rock of Gibraltar.” When you go up the rock there are wild monkeys EVERYWHERE and they are NOT shy! It was such an amazing experience to see the culture and history of the country while also having this crazy experience of monkeys literally jumping on our taxi. As an avid traveler  and a huge animal lover, I think that is my top so far! However, my dream is to go on safari someday, so I anticipate that when that trip happens it might top Gibraltar! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Yankees, who would you take with you? Why?

Ooooo this a good one! I think I’d take my boyfriend Erwan!He’s French and hasn’t ever experienced a baseball game!  Baseball really isn’t a big thing there and I think it would be a very memorable “American” experience for him and a great memory for the both of us!

Is there a feature or activity at a Red Sox game that you’d especially like to experience?

I actually went to a Red Sox game a few summers ago! It was SOOOO hot! So I think I’d like to experience a game where it’s not in the high 90’s, haha! But I did enjoy myself despite the heat! Being in Fenway in real life is such a cool experience and I hope all the Red Sox fans out there get a chance to experience it at least once! 

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A cooler game is definitely a better experience!

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

As she mentioned, I encourage you to check out the Find Your Strong website and Instagram account. You should also be sure to visit Savvy Social Media Management on Instagram to see what it's all about. You should also be sure to follow her personal Instagram account to make sure you don't miss anything she has going on!

 
Thanks again Savannah, and good luck with all of your activities!

Alexis Chinn Visits Section 36

Section 36 has another visitor! Alexis Chinn is a traveler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss NH USA! I'm so glad she was willing

Photo: Creative Sparks Imagery

to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. She is now the second Miss USA state titleholder to visit with us, and I couldn't be more excited. I'm sure you'll love reading what she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Alexis Chinn visits Section 36!

What made you decide to compete for the Miss NH USA title?

I have been wanting to compete in the USA system for about 6 years now. I never did because I couldn’t justify asking my parents for that kind of money. Dresses, spray tans, shoes, jewelry, it all adds up so fast.  This year, I finally felt financially comfortable to put that kind of investment towards myself. 

How did you celebrate winning the crown?

Most of those who came to support me were those from my work family! Once I was crowned, they ran out and blew up these massive balloons! They each wrote me a note, hung them up everywhere, and basically threw me a surprise party at a nearby restaurant!

After growing up in the Seattle area, what brought you to NH?

School brought me out to New Hampshire! I originally went to St. John’s University in Queens, New York then transferred to Southern New Hampshire University to continue my studies in Biology. 

What part of the upcoming Miss USA competition are you most nervous about?

The part of the Miss USA completion I’m most worried about is swimsuit. It’s perfecting the walk and making it look effortless. It’s something I will most likely be practicing daily. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss NH USA?

During my reign of Miss New Hampshire I just want to make people smile. Whether it be at a Best Buddies event, or at a Christmas parade. Knowing that I made someone’s day, and that they’ll have that memory, is more than enough for me. 

You’ve been traveling to many different states. Other than NH and WA, which has been your favorite to visit?

Other than Washington and New Hampshire, my favorite state to visit is California! I do plan on visiting every state, but as of right now that’s my number one. Besides the traffic, the laid back feeling, the beaches, and the sunshine just put me in the best mood. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

For my fitness routine, I have to ultimately change it up every month or so. I get bored doing the same workouts in the same gym. I grew up playing and running track so I try to incorporate that as much as possible. It took some getting use to factoring snow into my morning runs. 

If the Mariners are playing the Red Sox, which team are you cheering for?

I actually attended to Red Sox v. Mariners series last year! I surprised my boyfriend with tickets for his birthday! I did wear my Griffey jersey however. I grew up watching home games at Safeco Field! I was very torn during that game, I jumped up and cheered after a Sox home run and everyone seemed confused! They are both my teams, thankfully at least one of them makes the post season regularly!

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway Park that you’d especially like to experience?

I want to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game so bad! I don’t care what game or how many people are attending, that is something I haven’t stopped thinking about since being crowned. 

What were you doing when the Red Sox won the 2018 World Series?

Game 5 of the World Series was actually the same night as our finals for Miss New Hampshire! I was running around the hotel in my gown with crown falling off, asking if the game had started! Once I was finished up, I was with my friends and family cheering on the Red Sox at a nearby restaurant! The Red Sox won, and I found out I was heading to Miss USA, it was an absolutely amazing day. 

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That must have been a pretty special night! A crowning followed by a championship!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Alexis for doing this interview, and allowing me to use the amazing pictures to accompany it. They're really perfect! I also want to wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Miss USA crown. It would be amazing to have a former visitor take home that crown.

As Alexis continues her time as Miss NH USA, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss NH USA Facebook page and Instagram account. It’ll be well worth your time! 

Thanks again Alexis, and good luck!

Nicole Pallozzi Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Nicole Pallozzi is a frequent traveler, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Rhode Island USA.

I’m excited that she was willing to take the time to visit with us, and become the first Section 36 visitor wearing a Miss USA organization crown. I’m sure you’ll love reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Nicole Pallozzi visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Rhode Island USA crown?

I celebrated my big win by having a pizza party with all of my close friends and family that attended the pageant! I am very thankful to have such an encouraging and patient support system that have been there for me in the audience for the past five years.

Is there a specific goal you'd like to accomplish during your time as Miss Rhode Island USA?

Throughout my reign as Miss Rhode Island USA 2019, I hope to continue volunteering with Best Buddies and the Special Olympics. I started volunteering with Best Buddies in High School where I would visit Meeting Street School in Providence, RI with fellow classmates. Here we would do arts and crafts and play games with children of all ages and abilities. I also volunteer for the annual Best Buddies Telethon. My Uncle Mickey inspired me to get involved with this organization because he was born with cerebral palsy and even though he cannot walk or talk, he has never let his disability define him as an individual. He inspires me everyday to live life to the fullest and to never take anything for granted. He recently motivated me to get involved with the Special Olympics where I was able to watch him cross the finish line in his electric wheel chair race and win first place!

What part of the upcoming Miss USA competition are you most nervous about?

I am honestly so excited for this opportunity to compete at

Miss USA that I am not currently nervous at all! During this past Miss Rhode Island USA pageant, I was the most relaxed and confident that I have ever been on stage. I truly took in every moment of the competition and gave it my all. I do not want my nerves to get the best of me so I am planning on going into the national competition as relaxed as possible. I have dedicated five years of my life for my Miss USA moment, so I am going to go out there and have the time of my life!

What is your personal fitness routine?

I have been working with my two amazing trainers, Scott and Courtney, for almost two years now. In preparation for Miss Rhode Island USA, I trained with them 2-3 times a week and followed a balanced nutrition plan. Throughout my journey with them, I have in total lost thirty pounds and my body fat has gone from 24% to 12%! I have learned that loving yourself if the greatest revolution. I have learned to truly trust the process and to admire the beauty of others without questioning my own. They have taught me what my body is fully capable of and have molded me into the best version of myself. I’m very excited to see how we’re going to transform my body for Miss USA!

On a trip to Las Vegas, you were able to jump off the side of a building! What was that experience like?

This past May, I went to Las Vegas with my family after graduating from The University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. While in Vegas, we walked all the way to the Stratosphere, which is the tallest building on the Las Vegas Strip at 856 feet. When I learned that I could actually jump off of the building, I made the spontaneous decision to give it a go while my family watched from the bottom. I would consider myself an adrenaline junkie and have always loved testing my limits. Jumping off of the Stratosphere was both thrilling and breathtaking! I would 100% do it again. 

You've been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What has been your favorite place to visit? Why?

During my junior year at URI, I studied abroad for a semester

in Florence, Italy where I traveled to 6 countries and 21 European cities! Throughout my time abroad, I fully immersed myself into the Italian culture by studying the language, taking cooking classes, visiting local museum’s, and I even rode a Vespa throughout Tuscany! I also had the opportunity to go paragliding in Switzerland, white water rafting in Croatia, and climb Mt. Vesuvius. Throughout the midst of all of the captivating sites, alluring cities, hidden gems, and incredible food, I learned how much this small, beautiful world has to offer and am excited to see where my future travels take me! Overall, Florence was my favorite place and I am thankful to consider it my home away from home.

What is your favorite part about watching the Red Sox at Fenway park?

My favorite part about watching the Red Sox at Fenway park is the excitement and energy at the ballpark! In June, I attended the Sox vs. Mariners game with my older brother and had so much fun from singing Sweet Caroline, enjoying a Fenway Frank, and of course seeing a Sox win.

Is there a feature or aspect of a game at Fenway that you'd like to experience?

I would love to throw the first pitch at Fenway Park! I have been athletic my entire life and would frequently play baseball in my backyard with my cousins. Throwing the first pitch at Fenway would come first circle the little girl who was just having fun.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

Mookie Betts is my favorite Red Sox player because he is a team player and has been consistent in his performance throughout the entire season!

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I hope she finds a way to throw out that first pitch!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Nicole for doing this interview. I also want to thank her for providing so many great pictures to accompany the interview, especially the ones wearing that great t-shirt. They make it a lot more fun for everyone, don't you think?

As Nicole continues her time as Miss Rhode Island USA, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. It’ll be worth your time!

I also want to wish Nicole the best of luck when she competes for the Miss USA! It would be amazing to have a Section 36 visitor take home that title! 

Thanks again Nicole, and good luck!