Queen Chingona
Hola Chingonas!! It's March, which means spring is in the air, and it's time for some fun in the sun. We are adjusting well to our new house, and more importantly so are our fur babies. Quick announcement, we'll be vending on April 7th at Chingona Fest in Austin, Tx, and here locally on April 21st at Chicas Bonitas at the Retama Library. Hope to see you all there!
Y'all. I'm sew excited about this blog post. Because for the past 6 yrs, I have seen this young lady bloom right before my eyes. Brianna has always been a girl ahead of her time. She is mature, level headed, and full of spirit, and recently she won Miss Corpus Christi Latina! And will be competing at Miss Texas Latina this Sunday (March 18th) in Dallas, Texas! Let's meet her and get to know this hometown girl!
Surrounded by Inspiration
I find inspiration in my strong faith, in a higher power, and I use Him for guidance in everything I do or encounter. I also find inspiration in other individuals such as my mother and grandfather, since they both are driven, smart, and wise people that I have always looked up to my entire life. I know it’s pretty cliche, but my family is my biggest support system; they’re all I need and ten times more.
Who is Brianna Garcia?
Brianna Garcia, to the outside world, is Miss Corpus Christi Latina 2017-2018 and community figure for LULAC Council #1. But Brianna Garcia, minus all the titles and fashion, is a young woman trying to make a difference in her community. I currently attend Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, majoring in History education with a minor in Dance. With this degree I want to be able to educate the community on latino culture and history in South Texas. Becoming a community advocate at such a young age has been a tremendous blessing for me and my future career, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me.
Not just a model, a Role Model
The issue of body image and self-love has become something more prevalent in my life as I left high school (I know, crazy coming from a girl who won a pageant, right?). I had to overcome self doubt, defeat, disgust, and all the other feelings associated with not having appreciation for not knowing your self-worth. It did not click how much I truly appreciated the skin I was born in until I won Miss Corpus Christi Latina. This organization has been so helpful and encouraging for my self image since day one. Our motto is “Not just a model, a role model” and that is an ideal that has stuck with me. Girls my age become obsessed with the idea of becoming the perfect “instagram model”, and my goal is to lift up young ladies from the same rut I was in not too long ago.
I am my Culture
Growing up as a suburban girl in Corpus Christi, I still had very strong knowledge and awareness of where I came from. Having strong roots and awareness thanks to my grandparents and great-grandmother growing up has shaped the way I grew up in such a positive way. Being a Latina is being someone who is passionate. Being Latina is someone who is devoted. Being Latina is someone who is outspoken. These are the ideals that were passed on to me from my family, and I am forever grateful for that. I am happy I can embrace my culture through education, and embrace it through the fun things such as dancing Folklorico. I am so blessed to have this culture running through my veins.
What does Chingona mean to you?
Outspoken. Righteous. Rad. Beautiful. Amazing. Colorful. Independent. Determined. I cannot give you one definition because this word means so many different things to me. The evolution of the word has changed so much over time, and it describes Latina’s in our time period so well. Women are fighting all over the world for rights, and this word describes us hard working women. We are the beautiful, amazing, independent and determined Latina’s and we will not stop until our journey is over.
Any good Chisme?
My biggest event coming up is Miss Texas Latina on March 18, 2018 in Dallas, Texas! I have never competed in a pageant of this magnitude and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me, and to meet all the wonderful young ladies from the other cities! This is a brand new world for me, and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen.
Also, I will be doing multiple volunteer events after I come home from Dallas, such as the Special Olympics and the Buc Days Pro Rodeo as a Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
Where can we find you?
I am typically at the Mary & Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, or Gold’s Gym. Two of my most favorite places, since I am a bookworm and a gym rat! But you can also find me on all of my social media pages!
Facebook: Miss Corpus Christi Latina
Instagram: @misscorpuschristilatinaus
Follow these accounts and keep up with my journey!
That's all Folks!
Please help me in wishing Brianna good luck this weekend! I just love her! I too have been hard on myself, with self doubt, and negativity. I know most of us can relate. But we have to look past those hurdles, and Brianna is a prime example of a woman doing that. A true role model for all of women. Thank you for reading! I hope this gives you a smile, and please know, YOU ARE MAGIC!!!
¡Hasta la próxima!