Stephanie Finoti Visits Section 36!

It's time for another visitor to Section 36! Stephanie Finoti is passionate about STEM, is a talented dancer, and is the current Miss Ohio. I was honored she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Stephanie Finoti visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Ohio crown?

I celebrated my win by sleeping! I was incredibly sick during the competition and actually broke a fever the first night of prelims so some good rest was necessary for me to recover! Once I felt well-rested I was super excited to share the good news with my colleagues within my UPRISE internship at the University of Cincinnati, in which they surprised me with a pizza party and cupcakes to celebrate!

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

I’m most nervous about creating my Miss America gown! There are so many beautiful gowns to choose from I can’t pick just one! However, I know the amazing team at our sponsor, Henri’s, will help me design the perfect gown that best represents my energy and personality on the Miss America stage!

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

Throughout my year as Miss Ohio, my goal is to make every person in the rooms I enter feel as if they have the potential to make a difference in the world regardless of their age, background, ethnicity, or gender. Whether it be in the STEM field or not, I hope to help students from marginalized communities across Ohio reach their untapped potential!

How did you select your community Service Initiative, “That STEM Girl”?

As a first generation American and first generation college student, I faced many barriers when trying to achieve a higher education, specifically in the STEM field. I figured that when I didn’t have the resources or mentors I needed in my community, it was up to me to learn the skills that would help me reach my goals. Through this I developed a tool box that included building a professional portfolio, learning how to gain mentors through networking, and writing award winning scholarship essays which helped me afford my college tuition and gain valuable experience in the healthcare field as a nurse assistant. I now teach these skills to students through my non-profit organization, That STEM Girl, to help bring resources, representation, and recruitment into low-income and marginalized communities. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

My favorite part of dancing on-stage is when I’m able to connect with the audience by telling a story with both my facial expressions and body language. 

You are studying to become a pediatrician. What drew you to that field?

My mom was a neonatal nurse in Brazil so I’ve always admired that field by hearing her miraculous stories. However, what truly drew me to pediatrics  how I am continuously inspired by the resilience of pediatric patients who demonstrate strength through the most serious diagnosis. They show me that there is always some good in even the worst situations and motivate me to have a positive outlook in life. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I don’t have as much of a personal fitness routine, it’s more of a lifestyle. Every week looks different for me in regards of my schedule and availability to go to the gym and I have never been a fan of diet culture. Instead of having a set diet and routine, I like to think mindfully about what I’m eating in regards to what nutrients I’m fueling my body with and try to take a step towards my personal fitness each day. Sometimes that means going to the gym for 2 hours but sometimes it only means taking the stairs during my 12 hour shifts at the hospital. No matter how small the effort, it is still a great contribution to my overall healthy lifestyle! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Reds play the Guardians, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my 11 year old little brother, Sean, who is an athlete himself! He always supports my endeavors whether it’s watching a pageant or supporting me at my appearances so it would be nice to treat him to an event that piques his interests! 

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

I have an upcoming appearance at a Reds game as the honorary captain, which I'm really looking forward to! With this role, I'll have the opportunity to talk to the players and coaches, and I'm eager to learn how they get into the right mindset before a game. I hope to gain some insights that will help me prepare for Miss America!

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That definitely sounds like an incredible experience!

As always, I want to thank Stephanie 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 America! It would be amazing to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

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

Thanks again Stephanie! And, good luck!

Sarah Jensen Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Sarah Jensen is a passionate math teacher, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Idaho. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Sarah Jensen visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Idaho crown?

I celebrated winning Miss Idaho by enjoying time with my friends, family, and community. I have competed 5 times for the title of Miss Idaho, and I never would've won without their support.. This is just as much their victory as it is mine.

What is something that Ayriss Torres did as Miss Idaho that you would like to repeat or expand on?

Ayriss started a podcast for her social impact, the Equity Project. I would love to do something similar with mine!

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Idaho competition that will help you at Miss America?

I learned not to doubt myself. There were areas of competition that I felt like I could have done better, but at the end of the night, I was award 3 preliminary awards and the title of Miss Idaho. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Why Math Matters”?

I am a math teacher. I wanted to find a way to inspire my students to fall in love with math. In order to do that, I started interviewing people of different professions about how they use math in their careers. I started a Youtube channel and I made a website (whymathmatters.weebly.com) to showcase the interviews. :)

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I LOVE performing onstage. I took piano lessons for 13 years. I love that the Miss America Organization gives me the opportunity to showcase all of those years of hard work.

As a math teacher. What do you enjoy about that field?

I love the idea that I am making an impact on students' lives. I get to be a consistent part of their daily lives, and that is really powerful.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I go to Orange Theory Fitness 4 times per week. It is high-intensity interval training mixed with weights. I really enjoy it!

If you had an extra ticket to see a baseball game between the Boise Hawks and the Idaho Falls Chukars, who would you take with you? Why?

I would probably take my golden retriever, Finn. ;) I understand that they may not allow dogs... but I think she would have a really great time!

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

I would really like the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a baseball game! I have always wanted to do this, and now that I am Miss Idaho, I am hoping to make that happen. 

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There must be a dog at the park day or something so Finn could go! 

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

As Sarah continues her time as Miss Idaho, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram. You should also check out the official 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 Sarah, and good luck!

Kaitlin Kerl Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaitlin Kerl is passionate about getting women in STEM fields, a talented dancer, and the current Miss New Mexico. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm especially excited that she is our first visitor from the state of New Mexico!

So, let's see what happens when Kaitlin Kerl visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Mexico crown?

After becoming Miss New Mexico, I celebrated by spending time with my family! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss New Mexico competition that will help you at Miss America?

While competing in the Miss New Mexico Scholarship competition I learned to just enjoy myself. Instead of stressing about achieving perfection I continued to remind myself that I had already prepared for each moment and that my confidence and positivity would follow me on stage. I believe that while you are competing you must have an alternate goal besides winning, because ultimately there can only be one winner. For me it was challenging myself to enjoy my ability to perform one last time and that is exactly what I will be doing at Miss America!

What is something that Emma Broyles is doing as Miss America that you would want to emulate?

I love how Emma Broyles is so open to different types ofcommunity appearances. As a title holder in the Miss America Scholarship Organization, I have always kept an open mind when it comes to engaging with my community. From golfing to repelling down the side of a building I am down!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Building Bridges Through Inclusion”?

Building Bridges Through Inclusion is a movement I created to provide opportunities for growth and success amongst women in STEM. As a future architect I want to design a path for more women here in New Mexico to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. The name is also a play on words. “Building Bridges” is me using architecture as a way to encourage the “Inclusion” of more women becoming interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

As a talented dancer and gymnast, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I love performing on stage because I get to share the parts of me that make me unique while showcasing my hard work and dedication. I was a gymnast for 16 years and I have always loved being given the chance to show off a little bit and get the audience engaged in what I am doing. Performing my talent is an absolute blast and the energy from the crowd is always so electrifying and I love it!

You are working on an MA in Architecture. What drew you to that field?

I am currently in my final year in the Master of Architecture program at The University of New Mexico. I was drawn to architecture because it allows me to make a positive difference for future generations and the environment through design and digital fabrication.

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

I would be Perry The Platypus because I think it would be super cool to be a secret agent and go undercover and I can make the same sounds he makes!

If you had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I could take anyone with me right now it would be my boyfriend’s grandma! She is always taking us to Isotopes games, and I always have so much fun. I would love to take her to a game for a change.

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

Honestly, I have been wanting to try the T-shirt canon since I was a kid! I would love the chance to give the fans T-shirts and maybe partner up with the Isotopes to produce a special design!

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A partnered t-shirt design would be a fun idea! 

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

As Kaitlin continues her time as Miss New Mexico, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram. You should also check out the official Miss New Mexico 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 Kaitlin, and good luck!

Camille Schrier Visits Section 36!

Photo Courtesy Miss America Org

Section 36 has another visitor! Camille Schrier is passionate about raising awareness of everyday medication safety, a proponent for STEM, a Phillies fan, and the current Miss America! I could not be more honoired that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Camille Schrier visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss America crown?

Well, it’s a little hard to celebrate when you have to get right to work! Immediately after winning (literally at 4am) I was in a car on my way to New York City to appear as a guest on The Today Show. I celebrated by getting to meet fellow Virginia Tech alumna Hoda Kotb and travel around the hustle and bustle of New York for dozens of interviews!

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss America?

2020 has come with a lot of surprises for all of us…many of which aren’t very positive (except for COVID-19!). I am a glass half-full type of person, and try to make the best out of difficult situations…so for me, one of the most pleasant surprises has been how easy it has been able to adapt my job as Miss America to a virtual format. I’ve been able to give keynote speeches over zoom, perform science demonstrations for students in classrooms across the country, and create a science mini-series with PBS! Despite all of the negative that has come with the pandemic, I am grateful for the unique opportunities this year has afforded me.

What made you decide to compete within the Miss America Organization?

I was always interested in the personal and professional advancement opportunities that Miss America offered young women, but for a very long time I didn’t think I could compete. I wasn’t interested in the swimsuit competition, and didn’t have a traditional fine arts talent…which were two of the main competitions. In the Spring of 2019, I saw an advertisement for the last local competition leading up to Miss Virginia…and entered on whim. With the swimsuit competition eliminated, I decided to take a risk, and tackled the talent competition by remaining true to myself and performing a science demonstration. The rest is history!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Mind Your Meds: Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention from Pediatrics to Geriatrics”?

I started my personal social impact initiative of Mind Your 

Photo Courtesy
Miss America Org

Meds: Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention from Pediatrics to Geriatrics, based on my experience as a Doctor of Pharmacy Student at Virginia Commonwealth University. I saw a need for education and awareness for everyday medication safety, ranging from over the counter medications to prescription opioids. The daughter of a registered nurse, I grew up exposed to the concept of medication safety, and recall trips to the pharmacy watching my mother flip over boxes of cold, cough, and flu medicines to identify active ingredients and carefully consider what could be given together. But my circumstance was not the norm. Caregivers or parents without medical training may become confused or overwhelmed when administering medications and can unintentionally harm a child or aging parent with seemingly benign over the counter medications or prescribed drugs. Then, after attending a Naloxone training session from the Virginia Department of Health, and learning about how both prescription and illicit opioid drugs are plaguing our communities, that I knew I needed to also use this platform to help combat this growing epidemic.

What is your favorite “behind the scenes” memory from the Miss America Competition?

One morning during rehearsal we were all very tired, in our evening gowns, waiting to begin practicing the introduction to the final show. The crew put some music on for us while we waited, and one of the candidates requested that we play some songs from High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls. Most of us grew up watching these movies, and before we knew it, our entire class was singing and dancing to some of our favorite nostalgic Disney songs! Someone snapped a video of us…and it’s still saved on my phone. It was such a wonderful bonding moment for our class, and is a memory that will stay with me forever!

You followed in the footsteps of Alayna Westcom with a “science experiment” talent. What was it like to perform that on the Miss America stage?

Photo Courtesy Miss America Org

For the talent portion of the competition I performed the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, commonly known as the ‘elephants toothpaste’ demonstration. Most people think I’m the first to ever do this, but I often speak of Miss Vermont 2015 Alayna Westcom who was actually the first woman to bring science to the Miss America stage. The demonstration is a vibrant and exciting explosion of foam that I used to get the audience excited about science, and teach basic chemistry concepts. I always thought that I couldn’t compete for Miss America because I didn’t have a traditional performing talent, and so it was meaningful for me to broaden the definition of talent at Miss America so that other women like myself can see themselves as a part of our program, and take advantage of the scholarship opportunities it can offer! Additionally, as a woman of science, I wanted to come up with an innovative way to display the talents I have in the sciences, while also getting others (especially kids) excited about STEM careers.

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

Photo Courtesy

K. Garcia Productions

I have many goals related to my social impact initiative and STEM advocacy, including reducing the stigma around substance use disorder and overdoses, increasing the amount of people who are naloxone trained, and showing young people the value of STEM in their lives. But if I were to choose one ultimate goal to accomplish this year, it would be show the world that it’s OK to be different, and that success comes when you are authentically yourself.

You graduated from Virginia Tech, whose campus is close to where the Salem Red Sox play. Were you able to watch any baseball while you were in Blacksburg?

Unfortunately, I was not able to watch any baseball while at Virginia Tech! BUT, I did have the chance to throw out the first pitch at a Lynchburg Hillcats game while I was Miss Virginia!

As a Phillies fan, is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I grew up going to Phillies games with my family, and loved the atmosphere that baseball provided. I joke that it’s still the only professional sport I understand One of my favorite parts about Phillles games was interacting with their mascot, The Phillie Phanatic. I always wanted to get invited up on the dugout, so maybe I’ll get the chance to do that in the future!

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How much fun would that be?!?!

As always, I want to thank Camille for visiting with us! I also want to thank the Miss America Org for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Camille continues her time as Miss America, I encourage you to check out her official Miss America website (especially her blog), Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck as she finishes her time with the Miss America title. I hope she reaches all of her goals!

Thanks again Camille, and good luck!

Cassie Roby Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Cassie Roby is passionate about the getting women involved in STEM, a talented twirler, and the current Miss Jacksonville. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Cassie Roby visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Jacksonville crown?

I celebrated winning the Miss Jacksonville crown by going to dinner with my parents! I ordered a chicken quesadilla, which is one of my guilty pleasures. I also spent the night on the phone facetiming my friends and family with the exciting news! My family and friends are really important to me. While many weren’t able to make it, I was overwhelmed by the love and support I received.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Jacksonville competition that will help you whenever you compete for Miss Florida?

At Miss Jacksonville I learned to be more confident in the interview room. I learned how to better prepare and how to stay true to myself. I always try to show the judges my goals, values, and what I am passionate about. Now before interviews I write down a couple key talking points I want to hit and try to steer the direction of the conversation towards those points.   

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

One of my main goals as Miss Jacksonville is to be present in the schools. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cancelled a lot of my school appearances. At these appearances I planned on during a quick cryogenic science experiment called ‘Frozen Flowers’. Using liquid nitrogen I demonstrate phase change by freezing the water in the flower causing it to shatter when smashed on the ground. This is a great activity for students because it’s so interactive.

While I am excited to join the schools in person at a later date, I currently have at-home STEM activities on my Miss Jacksonville Instagram and Facebook pages. These activities are designed to provide simple science experiments to students using few common household items. This makes it easy on parents and teachers to provide a visual aid for learning.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Women in STEM”?

I selected Women in STEM because I am a Women in STEM. I received both my bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering at Florida State University. Now I work full time with Northrop Grumman. I had three different internships and a research position within my five years at school. At every internship and my research I found myself to be the only woman among a team of men. This is due to the fact that women make up only 29% of the STEM workforce. This leads to an uphill battle for women as they face gender discrimination, imposter syndrome, and unconscious bias. I hope by inspiring the next generation of women to join STEM I can help move the needle to reduce these problems. To do this I started #WhyYouCanWednesday on social media and created a free Women in STEM Mentorship program. This connects young women in first through twelfth grade to female STEM college students, professionals, and retirees. The registration process is simple and free at womeninstemamerica.com.

As a talented baton twirler, what do you enjoy most about performing?

What I enjoy most about performing is feeling the audience. When I was Feature Twirler for Florida State University I had a lot of freedom with my routines. This allowed me to really cater to the crowd of up to 80,000 people. I love playing into what the audience likes, I think it makes me a better performer. I want to be a performer that people remember and are excited to see again. I cannot wait to use the lessons I learned from being Feature Twirler in the talent portion of competition.

What is your personal fitness routine?

Personal fitness is really important to me. It makes me feel strong and confident and is a great way to destress. Before COVID-19 I would workout at a gym with a focus on cardio and bodyweight exercises. Since COVID-19 I have switched to an online program called Boxing and Bubbles (B&B). This program was created and founded by Christa Dipaolo, who currently resides in Miami Florida (I love supporting Florida businesses). I found this program the right fit for me because Christa is constantly changing up the workouts while keeping them all engaging and fun! She even writes a weekly schedule which ensures I hit all the major workout zones. The B&B community is super supportive and encouraging whether you’ve been working out for years or for a day! If you’re looking for a fun home workout program be sure to check out christadipaolo.com.  

Eating healthy and making smart decisions is also an important aspect of my personal fitness routine, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy pizza and ice cream! I always say to enjoy everything in moderation.

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I inspire people.

I always tell people to believe they can. There is so much power in believing in yourself. Through my Women in STEM platform I try to inspire young women everyday to join these innovative fields. I help by sharing my journey to becoming a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer, but my story isn’t enough. This is why I started my women in STEM mentorship program to grow a community of empowered women in STEM.

Aside from my Women in STEM initiative, I work as a Real Talk ambassador. Real Talk is an educational program for middle school to college aged students that teaches them about alcohol and drug substance abuse. I help reinforce the importance of this message by sharing how I’ve seen both alcohol and drug abuse within my family. This helps make me and the message more relatable and impactful. Through Real Talk I hope to inspire young students to take a stand when faced with peer pressure. I also hope to inspire them to do what is right, even when it’s hard. Real Talk is provided free by the advanced recovery systems and anyone interested in setting up a presentation just needs to message me!

If you had an extra ticket to a Marlins-Rays game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to a Marlins-Rays game I would take my father with me. He not only loves sports, but has also been my number one fan. He has always supported me in everything I’ve done. Whether that’s sitting in a gym for 10 hours for a baton competition, traveling to Tallahassee for every home game, or helping me relocate for my internships he always makes sure to be there. When I moved from baton twirling into pageants he was super supportive again and was in the crowd when I was crowned Miss Jacksonville. Since he loves sports I think this would be a fun way to thank him.

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

Yes! I have always dreamed of throwing out a first pitch at a baseball game. Jacksonville has a minor league baseball team, the Jumbo Shrimp, which Miss Jacksonville usually gets scheduled to throw out first pitches and present their talent. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the MLB has announced that there will not be a minor league 2020 season, but I am hopeful I will get the opportunity to throw out a first pitch someday!

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I really hope she gets that chance!

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

As Cassie continues her time as Miss Jacksonville, I encourage you to check out her official Facebook page and Instagram account. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. 

Cassie also mentioned several websites you should remember to visit. To find out about her Women in Stem mentorship program, check out Women in STEM America. If you're interested in the fitness program she follows, check out Boxing and Bubbles. And, if you're looking for information on alcohol and drug abuse, check out Real Talk.

I definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Florida title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Cassie, and good luck!