A pageant that celebrates everyone.
Rene Martinez and Michelle Hall are the co-founders of Miss Shining Star. Rene’s daughter, Sofia, has special needs and she was having trouble attending pageants that could cater to her. Thus, Miss Shining Star and a community of loving parents and individuals was born. Miss Shining Star is the only pageant in Washington state to celebrate young girls and teens with special needs. On the show, Rene and Michelle share their story of how they got started, their fears of it being a very negative ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ event, and so much more.
Tweet ThisKey Takeaways:
[5:30] Rene and Michelle share how many volunteers their pageant has. [10:00] Miss Shining Star is the first pageant of its kind to start in Washington state. Rene and Michelle would take Sofia to Oregon and California to participate in a pageant for special needs children. [10:40] The great thing about Miss Shining Star is that parents don’t have to commit to just a day. They can be as involved as they want to be. [14:15] Both Rene and Michelle were afraid that their pageant would turn into a Toddlers & Tiaras kind of event. [18:10] The event is incredibly supportive, and the pageant has formed a community of positive and encouraging people. [23:20] Why are young teenage girls volunteering for this event? [28:50] At the end of the day, it’s about breaking down barriers to inclusion. [32:10] This year, 1,200 pajamas were collected by volunteers to donate to the hospital, women’s shelters, and Ronald McDonald House. [35:10] Come join Rene and Michelle next year and see the pageant for yourself! [40:00] Rene and Michelle discuss what kind of outfits and dresses are at the pageant. [46:45] What kind of impact has this pageant had on the volunteers? [51:25] Local businesses have been incredibly supportive towards the pageant and generous with the donations.Mentioned in This Episode:
Washington Shining Star Pageant
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)
United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County
