Emily Sulka Druga Dama Dworu 2024 Queen of the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade
- Derek Tokarzewski
- Apr 14
- 13 min read
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine pageant interview with an incredible Emily Sulka Druga Dama Dworu 2024 Queen of the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade
Full Name: Emily Sulka
Title/Year: Druga Dama Dworu 2024 (Second Lady of Court)
Pageant System: Queen of the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade
Age: 19
Education Level: Currently Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Hobbies: Traveling, Skiing, Running, Reading, Playing Instruments, Dancing
Platform: Polish Heritage, Woman Empowerment
Years Competed: 1 year
Countries Visited: Poland, Canada, Slovakia, Dominican Republic and around 45 states including Puerto Rico)
Likes: Shopping, Being with family and friends, Exploring new things, Concerts
Dislikes: Big Cities
Current Status: In a relationship
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share a bit about who you are? Like, what are your passions outside of the pageant world?
I am the eldest child and daughter of Polish immigrants from Nowy Targ, Poland, and I was born in Chicago in 2006. Growing up, I was raised in a deeply rooted Polish household, where our traditions, language, and culture played a significant role in my upbringing. I am fluent in both Polish and English, which allows me to stay closely connected to my heritage.
Since childhood, my parents have instilled in me a love for traveling. Whether it was visiting Poland or embarking on road trips across the United States, these experiences have shaped my adventurous spirit. I have been fortunate enough to visit many places. Beyond my travels, I am a very active person. I love running, hiking, skiing, and playing volleyball. Additionally, I am an active member of two Polish Highlander dance groups (Wanta Młode Pokolenia and Juchasi) which allow me to embrace my cultural roots through traditional dance and music. Speaking of music, I also play five different instruments: piano, flute, ukulele, percussion, and accordion. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I love how it connects people across different cultures and generations.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’m curious about your education journey. What's it been like for you, any particular highlights or challenges?
I am a proud alumna of East Leyden High School and Polish School im. Tadeusz Kościuszki in Chicago. Currently, I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am pursuing a double major in Psychology and Polish, with a minor in Criminal Justice. My long-term goal is to earn a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, focusing on forensic psychology.
Balancing my academic journey with my commitments as Second Lady of Court has been both rewarding and challenging. One of the biggest struggles has been traveling back home almost every weekend for various events, galas, and meetings. While this has made my first year of college incredibly busy, I wouldn’t change it for the world. It has been an honor to represent and support Polonia (the Polish community) in so many incredible ways.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Women’s empowerment is such a key topic. What does it mean to you personally?
To me, women’s empowerment means lifting one another up, creating opportunities, and fostering a strong community where women can thrive. I work with HERitage Leaders, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Polish women by providing leadership opportunities, mentorship, and support. In September 2024, we hosted "Leadership Inspired: Women for Women", a panel where successful Polish women shared their personal journeys, discussed challenges they’ve overcome, and gave valuable advice. It was an incredibly inspiring event, and I am so excited about the many future projects we have in store. I believe that when women support each other, incredible things happen. I am committed to continuing this work and ensuring that Polish women have the resources and encouragement to achieve their dreams.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you get into pageants? What sparked your interest initially?
This was my first-ever pageant, and what attracted me to it was the fact that it wasn’t a traditional beauty pageant, instead, it focused on Polish heritage and culture.
Since I was a child, I participated in the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade every year with my parents, Polish school, or dance group. I always admired the Queen of the Parade, who led the parade in a stunning white gown and a crown. As a little girl, I dreamed of one day having that honor.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What motivated you to participate in your first pageant? Was there a defining moment?
The defining moment for me was attending the 2023 May 3rd Parade Gala and watching my friend, Victoria Czarnik, compete. Seeing her go through this incredible experience made me realize that I wanted to take part in something that celebrated Polish identity, confidence, and leadership. I had always admired the Queen of the Parade, and this was my chance to make my dream come true while also honoring my Polish roots.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? What made it stand out for you?
This pageant was different from other pageants because it wasn’t just about beauty, it was about being a strong representative of Polish culture and history. As someone who deeply values my heritage, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’d love to know more about your pageant system. Could you explain what it's all about?
The Queen of the May 3rd Parade pageant is based on Polish heritage, elegance, and public speaking skills. The title originates from the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade, which is one of the largest Polish parades outside of Poland. It celebrates the signing of Poland’s Constitution, the first democratic constitution in Europe. Every year, thousands of Polish-Americans gather in Chicago to commemorate this historic event, and the Queen of the Parade plays a special role in leading the festivities.
The selection process involves a formal Gala, where contestants: perform the traditional Polonez dance in wedding gowns, introduce themselves and answer questions, showcase their talent, and respond to a final interview question. The competition has five available titles: Queen of the Parade (Main Title), First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up (My Title – Druga Dama Dworu), Miss Foto (Selected by photographers), and Miss Congeniality (Chosen by public vote). The winners receive scholarships to help support their education, making this pageant not just an honor but also an investment in the future of young Polish-American women.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What do you think sets your pageant director apart from others?
Mrs. Ewa Ruminski is an incredible mentor and leader. She is deeply passionate about empowering young Polish women, and she goes beyond just organizing the pageant, she helps build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships. She constantly motivates us to strive for excellence and supports us in our personal and professional growth.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: During competitions, what are the key things you're judged on during competitions?
Contestants are judged on: Polish language proficiency, talent presentation, elegance and stage presence, confidence and public speaking ability, and past accomplishments and contributions to the Polish community. The judges, change every year, evaluate each contestant based on their poise, knowledge, and ability to represent Polish heritage.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What has your competition experience been like? Any memorable moments or lessons learned?
Competing in this pageant was an amazing experience. I loved the preparation process just as much as the competition itself because it allowed me to grow as a person.
One of my most memorable moments was performing the Polonez dance in a wedding dress. It was such a unique and beautiful tradition that made me feel even more connected to my Polish roots.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Would you recommend your pageant system to others? If so, why?
Absolutely! I would highly recommend the Queen of the May 3rd Parade pageant to any young woman who wants to embrace her Polish heritage, develop confidence, and gain leadership skills. This pageant offers a unique experience that goes beyond beauty, it focuses on intelligence, culture, and personal growth. If someone wants to get more involved with Polonia, represent their Polish identity with pride, and make lifelong friendships, this is the perfect opportunity.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell me about your advocacy or volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about?
I am deeply involved in volunteering and advocacy work, especially within Polonia and the broader community. Some of my key commitments include: Camp Vista Volunteer (6 years) – I help organize activities and mentor young campers. Annual Chicago to Merrillville Pilgrimage– I serve as part of the Choir and Medical Service Team.Student Advisory Council– I founded this council to provide student leadership opportunities and help low-income families in our community. Muscular Dystrophy Association Volunteer – I work with children affected by muscular dystrophy. Live Theatre Performer (12 years) – My family and I are part of a Catholic theater group that reenacts the Passion of Christ in churches across Chicago, several U.S. states, Canada, and Poland. I currently portray Mary Magdalene.
These experiences have shaped who I am, teaching me the importance of giving back, helping others, and staying connected to my faith and heritage.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: With your title, what kinds of appearances or activities have you been involved in?
Throughout my year as Second Lady of Court, I have attended numerous events, often several times a week. These include: visiting Polish schools and preschools, attending formal galas and banquets for various Polish organizations, leading the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade in Chicago, and meeting high-profile officials.
These appearances have been an honor and a privilege, allowing me to represent the Polish community in meaningful ways.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share some of your achievements, both in and outside of pageantry?
Some of my biggest achievements include: Receiving the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish, creating a Community Closet in my high school to help families in need, and earning a full academic scholarship to my dream university.
These accomplishments have taken years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance, and I am incredibly proud of each one.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: In such a competitive field, what do you think makes you stand out?
I believe that my determination, passion, and work ethic set me apart. I am someone who gives 100% effort in everything I do, whether it’s in pageantry, academics, volunteer work, extracurriculars, or personal growth. One of my favorite quotes is "Everything happens for a reason." If one path doesn’t work out, I trust that another, even better opportunity will present itself. This mindset has helped me stay resilient, adapt to challenges, and continue striving toward success.
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?
At that moment, I felt a mix of joy, gratitude, and pride. I had worked hard for this opportunity, and seeing everything come together was incredibly fulfilling. Most importantly, I felt honored to be given this platform to represent Polish women and culture.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does being a Beauty Queen mean to you?
Being a Beauty Queen is about more than just a title, it’s about confidence, leadership, and being a role model. A true Beauty Queen is someone who: carries herself with grace and humility, empowers and supports other women, represents her values and heritage with pride. She doesn’t need to prove herself, she leads by example.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants impacted your life?
Competing in the Queen of the May 3rd Parade pageant has deepened my connection to the Polish community and given me a greater appreciation for the work of Polish organizations and schools.I have also grown as a person, gaining confidence in public speaking, leadership, and self-expression.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants influenced your self-esteem and body image?
Through this experience, I have learned to embrace who I am and feel confident in my own skin. Pageantry has taught me self-acceptance and has reinforced the idea that true beauty comes from within, from being strong, kind, and authentic.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You’re an inspiration to many. How does that feel, and what message do you want to share with others?
It is an honor to be in a position where I can inspire and uplift others. My message to others is simple: “Believe in yourself, work hard, and never be afraid to embrace your identity.” Your culture, background, and passions make you unique, embrace them!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your strategy for captivating the judges on stage?
My strategy for captivating the judges on stage revolves around confidence, authenticity, and strong stage presence. I make sure to maintain strong eye contact, as it establishes a connection with the judges and conveys confidence. I also focus on keeping my chin up and maintaining good posture, which reflects grace and confidence. Most importantly, I let my true personality shine by being genuine and engaging, ensuring that my passion and enthusiasm come through naturally. Confidence and authenticity are key, as the judges are not just looking for someone who looks elegant but also for someone who carries herself with poise, charisma, and a strong sense of self.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How do you prepare for competitions? Any specific routines or practices?
Preparing for competitions requires a mix of practice, organization, and mental preparation. I start by practicing my speeches with family members, which helps refine my delivery and build confidence in expressing my thoughts clearly. I also begin preparations early, ensuring my walk, posture, wardrobe, and talent performance are perfected well before competition day to reduce stress and allow for adjustments.
Mental readiness is just as important, so I stay focused and positive, using deep breathing, visualization, and affirmations to manage nerves. By combining thorough preparation with a strong mindset, I step on stage feeling confident, composed, and ready to shine.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Got any tips for nailing the perfect pageant walk? A crucial tip is to choose comfortable heels that you’ve practiced walking in to ensure ease and confidence on stage. I also focus on rolling my shoulders back to maintain an elegant posture, keeping my gaze straight ahead rather than down, and smiling with confidence. Additionally, filming my walk allows me to analyze my movements and make improvements, ensuring a graceful stage presence.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Choosing the right pageant dress can be crucial. What are your tips for making the best choice?
My biggest tip is to select a dress that makes you feel confident and elegant, as your energy and self-assurance will shine through when you feel good in what you’re wearing.It's also important to choose colors and styles that compliment your features. Understanding what shades enhance your complexion and what silhouettes flatter your body type can make a significant difference in how you present yourself on stage. The right dress should not only highlight your natural beauty but also align with the formality and expectations of the competition.Another key factor is ensuring that you can walk and move comfortably in your dress. A stunning gown won’t serve its purpose if it’s too restrictive, difficult to walk in, or uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Practicing in the dress beforehand is essential to ensure you can move gracefully and confidently.
Ultimately, if you feel great in your dress, it will reflect in your posture, expression, and overall stage presence—allowing you to shine and captivate both the judges and the audience.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Interview rounds can be tricky. What are your strategies for a winning interview?
My key strategy is to practice, but stay natural. I prepare by rehearsing common questions, refining my responses, and ensuring my answers are clear and well-structured. However, I also avoid over-rehearsing to prevent sounding scripted. The key is to be conversational and genuine, allowing my true self to shine through.
Being authentic and engaging is just as important. Judges are looking for someone who is confident, charismatic, and sincere, so I focus on speaking from the heart rather than just delivering rehearsed lines. I maintain eye contact, use expressive body language, and speak with enthusiasm to create a strong connection with the judges.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Looking back, is there a moment in a competition you wish you could redo?
Honestly, no! Every moment, good or bad, was a learning experience that helped me grow.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What common mistakes do you see others making in contests?
One of the most common mistakes I see in pageant contests is not paying attention to body language. Contestants often focus so much on their answers or performance that they forget about their posture, eye contact, and overall stage presence. Slouching, fidgeting, or looking down can give off an impression of nervousness or lack of confidence, even if the contestant is well-prepared.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Do you have any experience in modeling or acting?
Yes! I have performed in Live Theatre’s Passion of The Christ performance for 12 years, playing multiple roles, but currently Mary Magdalene. I also participated in musicals in middle and high school.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans or goals for the upcoming year as a Queen?
Even after my term as Second Lady of Court ends in March 2025, I plan to remain actively involved in Polonia and continue working on initiatives that support my community. One of my main goals is to stay connected with Polish cultural organizations and events, ensuring that I contribute to the preservation and promotion of Polish heritage among younger generations. Which is also why I recently joined the board of Polish Heritage Club (PHC) in Madison. Even though I’ve been coming home a lot this year, that won’t be the case for the rest of college education, so I joined PHC to stay involved in polish communities in Wisconsin. I also intend to continue working with HERitage Leaders. Through this organization, I hope to develop new leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events that encourage young women to embrace their Polish identity while pursuing their professional and personal goals.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Finally, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope to leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Polish-American girls to embrace their heritage and take pride in their roots. Through my involvement in the Queen of the May 3rd Parade and my dedication to Polish cultural organizations, I want to ensure that Polish traditions remain strong within Polonia. I want young girls to see that they can be leaders, role models, and change-makers, all while staying true to their identity. Ultimately, I hope that my journey encourages others to celebrate who they are, take pride in where they come from, and work toward achieving their dreams with confidence and determination.
Director: Ewa Ruminkski
Assistant Director: Monica Lebenstejn
Coordinator: Marianna Mosz
Pageant Website: polishparade.org
Photographer and Credit Details: Marek Art
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Emily Sulka Druga Dama Dworu 2024 Queen of the May 3rd Constitution Day Parade, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Marek Art
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Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
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