World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Victoria L. Borges Mrs. South Dakota International 2020.
Full name: Victoria L. Borges
Title/Year: Mrs. South Dakota International 2020
Pageant System: South Dakota International
Age: 55yrs
Zodiac sign: Libra
Hobbies: Fashion design
Platform: Building Self-Esteem and Confidence through Health and Fitness.
Years competed: The Mrs South Dakota International 2020 was my first pageant.
Countries visited: France
Likes: Sauna, Sunrises and Facials
Dislikes: Spiders
Status: Married
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about yourself.
I have been married for 18years to Tony, we have a 16yr old daughter Jordan. I am originally from Ct. I grew up a block from the beach, hence my love of the ocean and sunsets. The Argus Leader offered Tony a management position and that’s what brought us to Sioux Falls, SD. Even though I still have family back in Ct. I immediately felt comfortable here and consider SD home now.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment mean to you?
Women coming together, supporting each other to believe in themselves and their abilities, gifts and talents within themselves to achieve success as each one defines it for her life.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I have never done pageants before, Mrs. South Dakota International 2020 was my first ever.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
In April of 2018, my mom died and we were very close. I wasn’t taking care of myself and had no zeal for life. My mom taught me and I teach my daughter that it’s ok to have a moment but it’s not ok to stay there. I knew I would have to get back up and live and that’s what my mom would’ve wanted for me.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
I saw the flyer for the pageant and felt like it was for me, as I said I’ve never done a pageant. So, I read the qualifications looking for a way out. Once I realized that I qualified there were no more excuses. The pageant put an end date to achieve my goals and turned my life around in a positive direction.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
It is a pageant focused on accomplishments of today’s women, communication skills, community involvement and healthy lifestyle.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
50%-Interview, 25%-Fitness, 25%-Evening Gown and Question.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I was really struck by the friendly and enthusiastic support all of us contestants had for one another. We helped each other with everything as loving sisters would. It made for a very positive atmosphere and experience that I would recommend for any girl or woman that feels so lead.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My platform is, Building Self-esteem and Confidence through Health and Fitness. I breaks my heart to hear girls degrade themselves and their uniqueness. Many fall victim to self harm behaviors, eating disorders, depression and suicide as early as 10 years old. Through my volunteer work with Girls On the Run and Dress for Success, both International organizations that empower girls and women. In addition, my website and blog perfectforyourpurpose.com. I want to teach girls and women what I learned to love who you are, believe in yourself and live victoriously.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with you title?
I have done several Elementary school book readings, Boo Zoo, I initiated The 1st Annual Caroling with the Queens, and I was interviewed on one our local TV programs Keloland Living.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
I have three Personal training, Weightloss and Nutrition certifications. I launched my website and blog. Volunteer and community service.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
My genuine inner joy make me both approachable and relatable to girls and women of all backgrounds.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment you name was called out as the winner.
I could hear my daughter crying out, “that’s my mom” and that just blessed my heart. Also, I felt honored that my hard work had been rewarded.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
In addition to it being a privilege, I accept the responsibility I believe it demands, to carry myself with exceptional excellence as a role model.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
I have been both powerfully and positively impacted by participating in this pageant which was my first pageant. The trajectory of my life is on a great path, driven by my purpose and motivated by the requirements and expectations of the pageant.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self esteem and body image?
Even though there is no weight requirement to compete in this pageant. Fitness is important to me and one of my personal goals was to lose weight. I lost 50lbs, ironically knowing that I didn’t have to lose weight made me work harder to be and present my best self.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
I’ve known for many years that I was meant to teach and inspire girls and women. It feels great to be serving in my purpose.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
It may sound simple but I want to be myself and enjoy the process.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
I set fitness goals and timelines to achieve them. Stayed on top of current events, continued and added to my volunteer work. Researched the responsibilities of a Queen and started to live them.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Learn techniques, turns, speed etc. There are a ton of instructional videos out there. Practice and make it your own.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
There are so many options, from styles, silhouettes and colors. Not to mention all the advice and opinions of what you should wear. For me it comes down to the dress complementing my figure and how I feel in the dress. I’ve tried on a lot of beautiful dresses that just weren’t for me. I believe each girl will know when she finds ”the” one.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Don’t be afraid, it’s essentially a conversation. That being said, you do need to know yourself and your goals. Finally be yourself, judges will pick up on it if you’re not being genuine.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you’ve done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
I really wish I had taken more pictures. It would be great to have more backstage pictures with all the contestants from the divisions. We shared some special moments together.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
Practice makes perfect. If you don’t practice enough it will show.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Not professionally. However, I did host a public access TV show that I created called Freedom Fitness. I am very comfortable in front of the camera and would consider any modeling, acting or hosting opportunities. As a matter of fact, I will be modeling for a local designer this month.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2020 as a Queen?
I am determined to expand my efforts to inspire girls and women that they are gifted and that the world needs their gifts. I am also preparing for my next pageant which is for the Mrs. International 2020 title to be held in Tennessee the week of July 20th.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would like to be known as a Queen of excellence, powerful, successful and a woman that you want to be around.
International Director: Mary Richardson
State Director: Jessie Brower
Pageant website: sdpageants.com World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Victoria L. Borges Mrs. South Dakota International 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Lynn Marie Photography
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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