Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Castillo.
Natalia, please kick things off for us with your story.
I first want to thank God for giving me an amazing opportunity to impact and influence young Latina women in this country. I also want to give special thanks to my whole family for their unwavering support, without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. To my Six Foot family, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to stay in this country and allow me to grow personally and professionally. Coming to America and leaving my hometown Colombia at the age of 18 was not easy. Not speaking the language and having to adjust to a whole different culture was a challenge, but today 12 years later, I understand God’s plan and why he brought me here. Being crowned Miss Houston Latina, and Miss Texas Latina in 2014 has definitely changed my life and it has allowed me to discover many new talents. Never in a million years did I think I was going to have the chance to represent my Latino Heritage in the third largest city and biggest state in the
Nation.
Now, as the Miss Houston Latina Director, I feel extremely blessed and happy to have the opportunity to impact so many young Latinas through this platform. Special thanks to my team, thank you for your unconditional support and commitment to our program, your expertise, patience, and passion for this project truly show. To all the candidates and queens who have been part of the system, I applaud you for stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourselves out there to discover your true potential. You are all more than models, Role Models. This is just the beginning of an amazing transformation and I’m so honored and humbled to have been part of your journey. To all the parents, thank you for trusting me with your most precious treasures. Lastly, thank you to our sponsors who make this event possible every year, your support has helped us grow and improve our program. I can’t wait to see what the future holds but one thing I know for a fact is that the best is yet to come!
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy road. My life changed completely when I moved to the States at the age of 18. Having to learn a new culture and adjust to a whole new life was a huge challenge. But it has totally been worth it! I was able to graduate from UH with honors and work very hard to find a job in my field. I’m a huge believer that with hard work, determination and faith there are no limits to what one can achieve. Now, being the Miss Houston Latina Director that’s something I teach the candidates and the main focus of the program is to help them become more than models, Role Models!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Miss Houston Latina Organization story. Tell us more about the organization.
MISS HOUSTON LATINA is the Official City Preliminary Pageant for the state pageant of MISS TEXAS LATINA™, and MISS US LATINA competition established since 1983 to the International MISS LATIN AMERICA® OF THE WORLD pageant.
The Winner of the MISS HOUSTON LATINA will continue on to participate in the State pageant of MISS TEXAS LATINA will continue and represent TEXAS at the national MISS US LATINA.
Our organization was the first competition established in the state of Texas exclusively for Latinas, and the only one whose winner advances to a National Competition.
Miss Houston Latina Organization is geared to Latina residents of Houston between the ages of 13 and 27, who desire to travel and advance in the world of pageants and the modeling industry, while proudly promoting their Latino heritage.
What do you primarily focus on?
I’m the Director of the Organization and I’m in charge of recruiting the girls, training them and putting the Production together.
What are you most proud of as an organization?
I’m extremely proud to create a REAL and UNIQUE environment in which Latinas can come and learn new skills and understand that beauty truly comes from within
What sets you apart from others?
This Pageant intends to promote the ideas, culture, interests, and aspirations of this country’s most powerful emerging market. Today’s young Latina women are leading the way. Their desires for achievement, recognition and the betterment of themselves and their families are shaping the future economy and culture of this country, driving it into the next century.
The Miss Houston Latina Pageant is the best place to gain exposure, have fun, win prizes and go home with plenty of new friends and lifetime memories. It is also a great opportunity for networking and career development. We definitely look for “More than a Model, A Role Model.”
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The pageant industry will always have a very a big audience. Young women are starting to realize more and more that it’s not about “just being pretty” buy being a WHOLE package. Being kind to others and treating them with respect. Also, young ladies are learning to love themselves and show the whole world what Latinas are all about. Lastly, they’re shaping the future of their families by breaking stereotypes about Hispanic women and influencing our economy in a great way!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.misshoustonlatina.com
- Phone: 832-322-9942
- Email: info@misshoustonlatina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misshoustonlatina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Houston-Latina-Organization-601900379969185/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Horande Photo, Miss Houston Latina Organization, Natalia Castillo – Director and Producer
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