Reaching for a World Beyond Food Insecurity

By: Ana Quian

Numbers are important to me. They always have been. Like so many people, I am deeply interested in what it takes to achieve a goal. I like math and economics. I enjoy studying the law and I am good at establishing a persuasive statement. It is not only the people but the numbers that show us that we as Americans can wait no longer to address the issue of food insecurity in the United States.

Food is more than food.  Most of us know that. Food represents love and sustenance, but also security. 1 in 7 Americans today live without the security of knowing where their food will come from.  This reality not only disproportionality impacts Indigenous Americans and People of Color.  It is more serious among children with 1 in 5 children in our country being food insecure. The impacts of food insecurity also impede the lives of the individuals who sacrifice so much for our country. 1 in 9 working-age veterans are food insecure.

With these facts considered, it is easy to feel daunted by the reality of hunger in our nation, but there is so much we can do to bring change. Through consistency in advocacy, volunteerism, and charitable giving, we can support the organizations in our state and our nation who are already on the ground getting food to the people who need it most.  When organizations such as Feeding America, The Campaign Against Hunger, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine get more resources, they are able to scale up their operations and serve more people in need. 

I have frequently called New Yorkers to “reach” beyond food insecurity.  I say this because a future without hunger will not arrive on its own.  We have to make it a reality. Over my years of volunteerism with organizations including Food Bank for NYC and the Coalition for the Homeless, I have directed over 11,000 pounds of food to the New Yorkers who need it most. I did this by enmeshing my efforts into my life. Use what you have. I use my Communications  education and my voice to advocate for food justice.  I use my own two hands to serve others.  I use the funds I can spare to make a difference.  10 minutes of advocacy per day, 1 hour of volunteerism per week, one donation per month.  Whatever combination of those three resources you can bring— that is what is required.

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Ana Quian is the reigning Miss New York County. You can follow her on Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

BRIGHT: Be Real, Inspire, Grow, Heal, and Thrive!

By Kennedy Pelfrey

My platform, BRIGHT; an acronym for Be Real, Inspire, Grow, Heal, and Thrive, is rooted in my personal journey with childhood cancer and my passion for helping others find strength in their own stories. At just 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a moment that changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. What began as one of the most difficult chapters of my life ultimately became the foundation for a mission that is now so close to my heart.

BRIGHT is more than just a platform; it is also the nonprofit organization I founded after receiving the life-changing news that I was cancer-free. During my treatments, I experienced both the physical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis at a young age. However, I also encountered moments of light that reminded me I wasn’t alone. One of those moments came through a woman named Sydney, who would visit me during treatments. She brought art projects, crafts, and snacks, creating a space where I could simply be a kid again.

 

Those visits inspired the heart behind BRIGHT.

Today, I carry that same spirit forward by donating “Bright Boxes” to children currently undergoing cancer treatment. Each box is thoughtfully curated to bring comfort, creativity, and joy during an incredibly difficult time. They are a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still light to be found. Through these boxes, I hope to recreate the same sense of encouragement and normalcy that meant so much to me.

At its core, BRIGHT is about empowering others to Be Real in their experiences, Inspire those around them, Grow through challenges, Heal both emotionally and physically, and ultimately Thrive beyond their circumstances. My mission is not only to raise awareness for childhood cancer but also to create a community where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

A major part of my advocacy is encouraging others to have the confidence to share their own stories. I know firsthand how powerful it can be to speak openly about struggles, and I believe that vulnerability can lead to connection, healing, and hope.

 

Whether someone is currently battling cancer, in remission, or supporting a loved one, their story matters.

Through my website, brightthroughthefight.com, I’ve created a space where this mission comes to life. There, individuals can request their own Bright Box, learn more about my journey, share their personal stories, and access a free downloadable teen workbook designed to support emotional well-being during challenging times.

As I prepare to compete in Miss Kentucky this June, I am incredibly excited to continue sharing my story and expanding the reach of BRIGHT. This platform is not just about where I’ve been; it’s about the impact I hope to make moving forward.

 
BRIGHT represents resilience, hope, and the belief that even in life’s hardest battles, we can still find ways to shine.

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Kennedy Pelfrey is the current Miss Wickland Manor (KY). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Hope You Can Hold: Bringing Comfort to Kids in Foster Care

By Kaitlyn Edwards

Foster care stopped being an abstract idea to me when it became personal.Watching my brother move through group homes showed me how easy it is for children in the system to feel unseen, not because people don’t care, but because so much is happening at once. I noticed how the smallest things mattered most: familiarity, comfort, and knowing someone had thought about him before he ever walked through the door.

Growing up with ADHD, I knew what it felt like to be overlooked in a room full of people. Seeing my brother experience that feeling on a much larger scale solidified something in me, no child should feel invisible during the hardest moments of their life.That belief is what led me to start Hope You Can Hold.

When a child enters foster care, they often leave their home with very little and step into an unfamiliar situation. Through Hope You Can Hold, I create “You Are Not Alone packets” filled with handwritten letters, coloring pages, and hand-sewn toys that are placed into children’s intake bags so they receive them on their very first night in care.These items may seem small, but to a child who feels overwhelmed or forgotten, they send a powerful message: You matter. You are seen. You are not alone.I partner with organizations like “The CALL” to help deliver these kits to children entering foster care and speak with students and community groups about kindness, inclusion, and noticing those who may feel overlooked. What began as a small idea has continued to grow, and Hope You Can Hold is currently in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing it to expand its reach across Arkansas.

As a teen in the Miss America Organization, service is more than something I do it’s something I live out. My goal is simple: to make sure no child feels forgotten during one of the most uncertain moments of their life.

Because sometimes, hope doesn’t come in big gestures. Sometimes, it’s something small you can hold.

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Kaitlyn Edwards is a competitor within the Miss Arkansas Organization. You can follow her CSI on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

More Than Community Service: A Way of Life.

By Karla Páez

I recall accompanying my father to the hospital and watching him treat and care for patients and coworkers. I would see everyone fill with joy when they saw him; and they would tell me how much they appreciated him and were grateful for how he treated them. Then, while I was still in elementary school, I recall visiting, occasionally, my friend’s grandmother’s nursing home, where we would help around with tasks and watch how they cared for the elderly. During this period, I also recall my elementary school’s excursion to a specialized school for neurodiverse children. I dare say, these experiences and my Christian education sparked my calling to help others. Which could have influenced why I was known as the “class’s angel”.

Once in middle school, I had a friend that struggled with major depressive and suicidal episodes, and I would be there for her and insisted in her value and importance as a human being. (Thankfully, she has worked a lot on her mental health and is still with us to this day). Then, during high school, the school had mandatory community service hours (that I gladly exceeded). However, for me it was the perfect excuse to participate in community service activities. I recall the time we handed out food for the homeless, marched for cancer awareness, prepared gifts for children in

Haiti, and many other things that I truly wanted to do. Which also could have influenced why I was nominated to with the Saint Francis Award at the school graduation. All those years, I had an intuitive feeling that I was meant to do this type of initiative and work for the rest of my life. 

Then I went to the college, where I did a bachelor’s degree of arts in psychology. During this time, it was a bit difficult to participate in a lot of ‘extracurricular’ activities. However, helping others one way or another had already become part of my lifestyle. As part of one of my courses, I made a research proposal to benefit the elderly population in nursing homes with music related programs. Then I took an introductory Music Therapy course, in which we also visited a nursing home and a hospital. These events confirmed, once again, that I wanted to dedicate my life to this type of work. 

However, once I graduated, I was not sure what I wanted to do, until I saw an advertisement about a program of Master of Science in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. As soon as I saw it, I was like “Yes. This is it.”. During the program, I had a professor that was recruiting volunteer assistants for equine therapy sessions. Once again, I was like “I have to do this”, and I’m glad I did. Participating in those sessions and watching the progress of the children we worked with was truly an amazing experience. It also helped me confirm that I also wanted to specialize in School Psychology. Don’t get me wrong though, I still have a special place in my heart for the elderly. Which is why I focused my master’s dissertation on the elderly with autism population. 

With this new awakened passion, I started doing my second Master of Science. This time in School Psychology with Specialty in Neuropsychology. During this time, I continued volunteering at the equine therapy sessions. Sadly, the academic load became too much, and I had to stop. On the other hand, I began my first practicum where I worked with children in the Special Education System. This was a life changing and ‘slap in the face’ experience. Seeing firsthand the problems of the system, the mistreatment of the professionals, the poor quality of the services given to the children and their families… It woke up another calling within me. I must become a voice for the children, the families and the professionals that deal with this every day. At the same time this was happening, I was also participating in a competition, where I was introduced to the world of gardening and harvesting. This sparked another calling: the use of gardening as a therapeutic approach. 

Then, during my second practicum, I had to work with depression and anxiety crisis in adolescents in the school environment. It impacted me how, in some of the cases, I was the first person to ever tell them that they were appreciated, how much they mattered and that they were not alone. Seeing them get better and work on their self-esteems helped me confirm, once again, that I was in the right path. And now, I have graduated, but can’t practice as a psychologist yet, because I must acquire the state license. However, until that happens, I am developing what is right now my Community Service Initiative for the Miss Puerto Rico competition, which is called Cosechando el Ser (in English, Harvesting the Self). 

And I say “what is right now my Community Service Initiative” because it is a project I want to develop for the rest of my life. I am planning on turning it into a non-profit organization in the next months. Cosechando el Ser will start as a practice and promotion for the use of gardening as a therapeutic approach and sustainable practice. It will also become a bank of resources for vulnerable communities. And last, but not least (this is only the beginning), bring support to pregnant women and people dealing with grief. Just as I keep improving, growing and progressing, I have truly learned that “you are what you sow”. How you talk to yourself, how you treat others, what you consume, how you act, and your environment will influence your growth and harvest. Likewise, just as the seasons change, so do we. And no matter the storms or weather we might face, we can always be resilient and continue growing. 

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Karla Páez is the current Miss Juncos (PR). You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

The J.O.Y. Project

By Olivia Jarrell

Confidence isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we build. It starts by being honest with ourselves: knowing our strengths, our values, and even our fears. When you understand who you are, you stop trying to fit into molds that don’t suit you. That self-awareness becomes a quiet, steady foundation. Real confidence doesn’t need to be loud; it just needs to be real.

One of the biggest obstacles to confidence is the inner critic, the voice that questions your worth or abilities. That voice might always be there, but it doesn’t have to lead. Confidence grows when you take action in spite of fear. Each time you speak up, take a risk, or try something new, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Even when things don’t go perfectly, the fact that you showed up counts more than you think.

Building confidence also means surrounding yourself with the right people, those who support, challenge, and remind you of what you bring to the table. Prepare when you can, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself credit along the way. Confidence isn’t about perfection or pretending; it’s about showing up as yourself and trusting that’s enough.

The J.O.Y. Project: 

The mission of The J.O.Y. Project is to empower individuals by equipping them with a skill set of self confidence, perseverance and authenticity to navigate life’s academic and personal challenges. 

Through community-building, mentorship, and personal development tools, the project encourages young adults to embrace the journey of growth and rediscover the joy that comes from living true to who they are.

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Olivia Jarrell is the current Miss Greater Columbus (OH). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Why Diversity in Pageantry Matters and How E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Is Changing the Game

By Natalie Scott Gonzalez

Let’s get real for a second!

When you picture a “pageant girl,” what do you see?
For a long time, pageantry had a very specific image and if you didn’t fit that mold, you probably felt like you didn’t belong. But guess what? The world is changing. And so is pageantry. And I'm happy to say that the Miss America system is part of that change!

Today, pageants are becoming more inclusive, more representative, and more open to celebrating every kind of beauty every skin tone, every hair texture, every story. That’s why diversity in pageantry isn’t just important it’s essential. 

As Miss Vega Alta’s Teen, I walk proudly in my culture and my darker skin tone as a proud Puerto Rican teen with Caribbean roots and a voice that doesn’t shrink in the face of stereotypes. And when I step on that stage, I carry more than just a sash and a smile. I carry my community. My heritage. My truth.

That’s also why I created E.M.B.R.A.C.E. my Community Service Initiative that stands for:
Emotional, Mental, Behavioral Resources All Communities Enjoy.

At its core, E.M.B.R.A.C.E. is all about representation and access, making sure that ALL communities, especially the ones often left behind, have the support and resources they need for mental wellness.Because mental health doesn’t discriminate and neither should help.

So whether you’re Afro-Latina, Asian-American, proudly Indigenous, mixed-race, or anything in between you BELONG here. Your story belongs here. Your voice matters. And your mental health matters too.

Let’s continue to build a pageant world where every girl can say: “She looks like me… so I can shine too.”

With every E.M.B.R.A.C.E. resource I share, every teen I reach, and every step I take in this crown, I’m not just representing a title. I’m representing a new generation thats here for change! 

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Natalie Scott Gonzalez is the current Miss Vega Alta’s Teen (PR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

A Piece of My Heart

By Natalie Scott Gonzalez

Hey everyone!

I’m Natalie Scott Gonzalez, your Miss Vega Alta’s Teen, and I’m so excited to share a piece of my heart with you as I prepare to compete for the title of Miss Puerto Rico Teen. This journey has been nothing short of magical, but more than the crowns and sashes, it’s about purpose. That purpose is called E.M.B.R.A.C.E.

E.M.B.R.A.C.E. stands for Emotional, Mental, Behavioral Resources All Communities Enjoy, a name, a mission, and a promise I carry close to my heart. It was born from my personal experiences with mental health, while dealing with my scoliosis and the emotional toll that came with it. I remember feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of how to ask for help. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a voice for those who feel voiceless. E.M.B.R.A.C.E. is about breaking the stigma, spreading awareness, and most importantly, connecting people to real help, whether you're in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

Being Miss Vega Alta’s Teen isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility. It’s about representing my town, my people, and my purpose with pride and authenticity. Being Miss Puerto Rico Teen, I want to take E.M.B.R.A.C.E. to every school possible to reach teens that may need to hear my story.

Whether you’re a teen feeling overwhelmed, a parent trying to understand, or someone silently struggling, know this: you are seen, you are loved, and there is help. Continue fighting!

So here’s to dreaming big, speaking up, and EMBRACING each other EVERYDAY!

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Natalie Scott Gonzalez is the current Miss Vega Alta’s Teen (PR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.