Darlene Quinn Ms. USA 2026
- Derek Tokarzewski
- 6 minutes ago
- 15 min read
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine pageant interview with an incredible Darlene Quinn Ms. USA 2026
Full Name: Darlene Quinn
Title/Year: Ms. USA 2026
Pageant System: Ms. America Pageant System
Age: 57
Education Level: Pepperdine University, Malibu, California. BSM: Business Degree with a Marketing Specialty
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Hobbies: Fine arts, ceramic and wheel pottery artist, philanthropy and community service, column writer, model, cooking, fitness, travel,
Platform: Supporting breast cancer survivors and patients as an Official Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Years Competed: 2018 to present
Countries Visited: Mexico, Canada, Malaysia, Borneo, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. My bucket list is bigger though :-). My immediate goal is to travel Europe.
Likes and Dislikes: I value honesty and don't like being late
Current Status: Married 31 years to the funniest and smartest man I know: Jack. We have two adult children, one granddaughter, and a grandson on the way. Our 27-year-old son Ryan has incredible ethics and wisdom and works in Tech. Our 25-year-old daughter has an entrepreneurial spirit, is married, runs a successful hair salon, and has one child, with a second on the way.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share a bit about who you are? Like, what are your passions outside of the pageant world?
My greatest passion is serving the community. I have a missionary’s soul, and my inner passion for community work constantly tugs at my heart. I see myself as always having had a mission to heal what I can in society. Caring for the community is ingrained in me. From a young age, I have actively sought ways to give back to the community and help those in need. At one point in those formative years, I had considered becoming a missionary. I dreamed of traveling where the downtrodden were to do what I could. I started giving back to the community in middle school, at the young age of 12, through my church. For the past 45 years, community care has been an integral part of my day-to-day life. Some of my assistance is small, some large. No matter the extent, touching just one life daily makes that day successful.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’m curious about your education journey. What's it been like for you, any particular highlights or challenges?
In my freshman year of college, I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to study Advertising and Graphic Design. As I considered broadening the scope of my studies to support optimal career choices and options after graduation, I transferred to Pepperdine University. I completed a Business Degree with a specialization in Marketing. Within that Marketing Specialty, I could tap into the graphic design and advertising skill set I had gained in my first year of college. It turned out to be the perfect mix of studies. After graduation, I went into sales and marketing, first in mortgage lending and then tech. Working my way up the ranks, I am now Executive Vice President of Business Development for a Tech Company in Southern California. A highlight of my career was overseeing high-profile tech industry clients in Aerospace, Defense, and Homeland Security Government Contracts.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Women's empowerment is such a key topic. What does it mean to you personally?
Women's Empowerment is about women empowering others. As a woman, I can lift up other women around me in a women-supporting-women fashion. When I was in middle school, I was bullied. My family had just moved to a new State, and, being the new kid, I was perhaps an easy target. The girls in my class would call me names, make fun of me, tease me, and make awful threats. My parents became my heroes because they showed me how to feel better. They showed me Empowerment! At the young age of 12, I started my journey of giving back to the community. When you give back to the community, you step outside your problems and realize that others also have troubles. Often, it also brings an empowering perspective because others' obstacles are frequently more significant than yours. When you empower yourself to lift up others, that 'feel good' feeling overshadows the sadness. With that, I have always leaned on active community service work my entire life. I never stopped having perspective and being empowered by that. I never stopped putting my troubles aside and helping someone else overcome theirs. Empowerment through lifting up another woman is always good medicine for life.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you get into pageants? What sparked your interest initially?
Walking in a spring fashion show for a local boutique in 2018, when the show wrapped, I came out from backstage, and there was a lady waiting to speak to me. That wonderful lady was Lynda Samuels. Lynda Samuels served in the United States Pageant System for multiple decades, with her last position as National Director. She said, "I saw you on that runway. Have you ever thought about doing a pageant?" I was so flattered, thought the idea was fascinating, and agreed to meet for coffee to learn more about it. Well, the rest is history. I went on to compete in Classic International Woman against women from all over the globe and took home the crown! The "yes" to participate in my first pageant has expanded my life in unfathomable ways. I encourage all women to have no hesitation when presented with possibilities. When one is open to new opportunities, one opens oneself to incredible journeys and fulfilling adventures. Our lives are better when we accept ourselves for who we are, put ourselves out there, and proudly stand up for women just like us. The ripple effect is tremendous.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What motivated you to participate in your first pageant? Was there a defining moment?
When I turned 50, I woke up to the idea of saying "yes" to every opportunity God put in front of me. Paths to which, if not for a "yes", I would not know the gifts and blessings down that path. Similar to the movie with Jim Carey, "The Yes Man." In that movie, the main character was presented with a dedication to saying "yes." Fast forward to the end of that film; that character had a wildly fulfilling, interesting, adventurous, experiential timeline in his life. The "yes" to participate in pageantry has expanded my life in such a way. Without that "yes," the door to pageantry's endless possibilities would not have been opened to me. Here, I am saying "yes" to my fourth pageant. Isn't saying "yes" incredible!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: During competitions, what are the key things you're judged on?
Application and judges questionnaire, judges' review of social media, judges' interview, production opening number - "Fun Fashion", evening gown competition, and on-stage question.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Would you recommend your pageant system to others? If so, why?
Absolutely! I have gotten to know the Ms. America Pageant System in many ways: as a former titleholder, crowned Ms. International 2021, I had such a tremendous experience with the Ms. America organization. After which, judging Susan Jeske-Irvine's follow-on pageants, I had a further great perspective. Receiving referrals from existing and prior titleholders and ongoing delegates, and through industry reputation, I would absolutely recommend that other ladies participate in the Ms. America and Ms. International Competitions.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell me about your advocacy or volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about?
Giving around 850 hours annually to charitable causes, non-profits, and those in need, in 2023, I received the President of the United States’ Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary service to the community, which commenced at the young age of 12. With over 12,000 service hours logged, I dedicate my time to planning and fundraising events, working one-on-one with those in need, serving on non-profit Boards, and speaking on behalf of these charities at gala events. I have also been awarded honors through the charitable organizations she has been involved with for multiple decades. I value the opportunity to give of my time to The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Miracles for Kids, Cure Duchenne for Muscular Dystrophy, Impact Giving, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Long Beach VA, Deployed Military Causes, Feed My Starving Children, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Assisted Living Homes and Alzheimer Units, Operation Christmas Child, New Directions for Women Recovery Shelter, Salvation Army Christmas Angel, Samaritan’s Purse, Christian Family Care, CASA, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, as well as several education-based foundations. Great honor comes from being a column writer on the topic of Community Care and being featured in various magazines to highlight my community service work.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share some of your achievements, both in and outside of pageantry?
I am a well-established, gallery-featured ceramic and sculptural artist, practicing fine arts since high school. A highlight has been feature in two art galleries: West Valley Center for the Arts and Shemer Arts Center, and a 3 time jury-selected demonstrating artist for the annual “Art in the Garden” Event Festival in Phoenix, AZ. I love using my fine art talents to give back to the community. I volunteer to teach 3D arts to teenage students with special needs, host free children’s art workshops, and lead Art Therapy at a women’s and children’s recovery shelter in Costa Mesa, CA. Always driven to use my talents for good, I also participate in the annual Empty Bowls Campaign through my long-standing membership in the Arizona Clay Association, benefiting food shelters for the homeless. Giving around 850 hours annually to charitable causes, non-profits, and the needy. Grateful to have been awarded honors from these organizations, I was touched to receive a California Senate Award last year for keeping my community strong. Plus, in 2023, I received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary levels of community service, which began at the young age of 12. Such honor was presented via a certification stored in the National Archives, on White House letterhead, signed by President Biden, and a Presidential Pin, and bestowed at an Honor Ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: In such a competitive field, what do you think makes you stand out?
When I get to know my pageant sisters, I see us all as the same. We are all there for the same reason: we have huge hearts for the community, extraordinary accomplishments, remarkable talents, and we are all there for each other. I agree that the competition is real. I just do my best, know I have worked hard to prepare, and trust that God is on my side.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I can only imagine how it feels to win. What was going through your mind when your name was announced as the winner?
WOW! YOWZA! HORRAY! EXCITEMENT! And... PRAISE GOD!
I felt grateful, lucky, thankful, proud, excited, and very smiley!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does being a Beauty Queen mean to you?
A beauty queen is a confident, compassionate leader who uses her platform for positive change, embodying inner strength, community involvement, and authenticity, not just external beauty, but qualities like resilience, empathy, and inspiring others to empower themselves.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants impacted your life?
Pageants have provided an avenue for incredible personal growth, confidence, skills (public speaking, networking), and using the platform for service, focusing on transformation from within. Pageants have amplified my leadership focus, helped me find my authentic voice, overcome personal challenges, and develop a strong sense of self and purpose.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants influenced your self-esteem and body image?
Coming from the modeling world, where measurements are strict, and when casting for a runway fashion show, there is pressure to be a perfect sample size 2. My eyes were relieved in pageantry. We can be ourselves! Pageantry is more about inner beauty and emphasizes the successes more than the slimness of our frame. Pageantry leans more on the content of the heart than the waist size. Pageantry places a greater importance on a woman's personal journey than looking the thinnest in the lineup. Pageantry as an industry has its priorities straight. The beauty of the mind, soul, and heart is the most beautiful.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your strategy for captivating the judges on stage?
Take a deep breath and smile. Maintain a relaxed, confident stance on stage. Being nervous can sometimes lead to stiffness; relief comes from taking a deep breath and turning the moment over to God. He will give you the strength. When one is anxious and stiff, their stage presence for the judges becomes more robotic than captivating. Hold your head high and let your glow shine outward. Have fun out there! That confidence will come through as a bright light in the room. Work those beautiful curves, and put your best self out there. This is the moment to let the judges know that the journey that brought you here is all worth it, and something you are proud of!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How do you prepare for competitions? Any specific routines or practices?
Each pageant journey causes a 'level up' effect, helping me become the best version of myself. At 57, getting on stage in swimwear or a slim-fitting dress means' level up', girl! Hit the gym, eat well, take those supplements, and your hard work will lead to confidence on stage. Walking and posing talent on stage takes practice, practice, practice—no matter your talent, setting benchmarks, attaining goals, and reaching for the stars. Put yourself out there and get ready to shine. I believe in working with a pageant coach—even a second opinion or a check-and-balance. Feedback is golden from those who have seen, done, and been in the pageant world and on that stage themselves.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Got any tips for nailing the perfect pageant walk?
When I participated in my first pageant seven years ago, I felt comfortable on stage because I had 30 years of runway experience as a model. The walk is somewhat similar. Overall, I needed only a bit of adjustment in my runway training, and from there, I did quite well. Pageantry is sometimes more eccentric than traditional runway, for example, in fitness wear and swimwear competitions. But overall, the two worlds mesh well. Social media influencers have taken me quite by surprise in this arena. Really fabulous trainers, such as @putrapassarela, present incredible ideas. His content for pageant walking, posing, strides, and facial expression is excellent!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Choosing the right pageant dress can be crucial. What are your tips for making the best choice?
Designing pageant week and stage wardrobe is one of my favorite aspects of pageantry. I am a fashion lover! From High School to College, I worked at retail clothing boutiques outside the classroom. Nordstrom, Barneys New York, and the like. That, paired with modeling and having the opportunity to wear extraordinary garments in fashion shows, has given me a passion for fashion. Over five seasons at New York Fashion Week, I have been privileged to walk for extraordinary evening gown designers: Portia & Scarlet, Roger Canamar Couture, Nolan Dean, and the extraordinary Rian Fernandez. In turn, I have purchased off the runway and transferred those art pieces to the pageant stage for showcasing. Being 57 also means selecting a wardrobe that is classic and appropriate for my age. As Coco Chanel once said, "Every woman should be two things. Classy and fabulous."
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Interview rounds can be tricky. What are your strategies for a winning interview?
Listen. Your answer should directly match the judge's question. Additionally, keep answers succinct. Going on and on is not wise. Being concise also allows each judge to pose a question within the limited time available in the interview room.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Looking back, is there a moment in a competition you wish you could redo?
With a 2-0 record, I believe God has guided me well. I have worked really hard preparing for both pageants, setting high goals for myself, practicing intensively, and putting my best foot forward. When I step foot on that stage, that's when God takes over. So, no re-dos as far as I can see.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What common mistakes do you see others making in contests?
One mistake a contestant can make is spending too little or too much time on stage. There is a happy medium. Walking pace should match the area of competition one is in. Posing at a complete 3-5 count and then moving on. I have noted where contestants rush through, perhaps out of nervousness. In that, this is your moment; slow down and shine! On the contrary, I have seen a contestant posing at a 10 count, which is a bit too long. From a full-production standpoint, this can slow the show, causing delays across the full scope of the schedule.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Do you have any experience in modeling or acting?
I am lucky to have had an extended stay in the modeling industry. With over 30 years of experience in the modeling and fashion world, my career has taken me to many sets across numerous destinations. My first modeling experience was catalog work at 18, and now, at 55, being a mature model, I am pocketed in the lifestyle segment. I am currently signed with a Los Angeles-based modeling agency, so booking larger-scale commercials, TV shows, and ad campaigns has been exciting. My modeling experience has taken me to many set locations and numerous destinations, and my presence is global. Some highlights: walking NYFW for 5 seasons, a billboard in Times Square, 6 magazine covers, 14 magazine inside features, e-commerce websites, a Toyota commercial, a Bravo TV Show, etc.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans or goals for the upcoming year as a Queen?
I am looking forward to investing in my local and broader community through events, personal appearances, service, giving back, media, and speaking engagements to promote my platform and cause. In turn, my goal is to amplify my work with women impacted by breast cancer. The staggering statistics are that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. With those numbers, the more people I reach, the more I find to do! My responsibility becomes exponentially greater. The challenge empowers me because it elevates my impact and helps grow my service!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Finally, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope that my legacy includes love, compassion, and hope. My passion for all those who are a part of my life. I want those around me to feel that I love them in every sense of the word—my compassion for those in society who need us the most. The poorest, the ill, and the most marginalized know that I have reached out my hand and, to some extent, filled a need. I would have expanded my legacy if I had impacted one life a day. I hope to inspire others. Inspiring people to be good to one another, to show love before hate, to give more than they receive, to listen more than they speak, and to hopefully ignite someone else's legacy to branch out from mine... in love, compassion, and hope.
Additional Information
- International Director: Susan Jeske-Irvine
- National Director: Susan Jeske-Irvine
- Local Director: Susan Jeske-Irvine
- Pageant Website: https://msamericapageant.com/
- Photographer and Credit Details: Daniel Pham Photography (Instagram: @danielphamphotography)
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Darlene Quinn Ms. USA 2026, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Daniel Pham Photography
CROWN MEDIA - Podcast for all your pageant needs.
Introducing CROWN: A Premier Media Podcast Platform Focused on Comprehensive Pageant Development
Chicago, Illinois - August 26, 2024 - Derek Tokarzewski, the visionary behind World Class Brand Publishing, proudly announces the launch of CROWN, a prestigious media podcast platform dedicated to empowering, educating, and inspiring pageant contestants and queens worldwide.
CROWNS is more than just a podcast platform; it is a comprehensive resource designed to guide and support individuals on their pageant journey, offering valuable insights and practical advice across various critical aspects of pageantry. The platform’s mission is to provide contestants with the tools they need to excel, not only within the pageant world but also in their personal and professional lives.
Current Offerings on CROWNS
- Crown and Confidence Podcast: Focused on building confidence in pageant contestants, this podcast provides essential tips and strategies to help contestants project poise and self-assurance on stage and beyond.
- Crown and Interview Podcast: Dedicated to improving the interview skills of pageant contestants, this podcast offers expert advice on how to navigate pageant interviews with grace, intelligence, and authenticity.
- Crown and Platform Podcast: Guiding pageant contestants on how to create and develop their own unique platforms, this podcast emphasizes the importance of advocacy and social impact within the pageant community.
- Crown and Leadership Podcast: This podcast is dedicated to helping Queens understand and embrace their leadership roles within their respective pageant systems and in broader societal contexts, offering insights on how to lead with integrity and influence.
- Crown and Sisterhood Podcast: Focused on self-improvement through cooperation and camaraderie, this podcast celebrates the spirit of sisterhood in pageantry, encouraging contestants to support one another and grow together.
About Derek Tokarzewski
Derek Tokarzewski is the owner of World Class Brand Publishing, a leader in entertainment media with over 70 print magazines spanning Pageantry, Fashion, Modeling, Film, and Music. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of **World Class Beauty Queens Magazine**, which boasts 138 print issues and over 2,500 interviews with beauty queens from around the world. With the launch of CROWNS, Derek continues his mission to empower individuals through media, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Contact Information:
Derek Tokarzewski
[www.worldclassbrandpublishing.com](http://www.worldclassbrandpublishing.com)
[WorldClassBrandPublishing@gmail.com](mailto:WorldClassBrandPublishing@gmail.com)
For media inquiries or more information about CROWNS, please contact Derek Tokarzewski at the provided contact details.
Aurora Royale - Singer, song writer, World Class Ambassador. Visit her page and listen to her inspirational and motivational pageant music. Link to her page.
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
