Young Latinas from Queens needed for pageant

To be a beauty queen in 2011 will take more than just a pretty face.
The Miss New York Latina Beauty Pageant, which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, is doing things differently.
“We’re looking for a girl that lets her inner beauty shine. We want to see what each girl has to offer,” said Pamela Ruiz, producer of the Miss New York Latina Beauty Pageant. “From community service to previous accomplishments, we want a girl who knows how to get to where she wants to be.”
The pageant, which is in no way affiliated with Donald Trump, will take place from March 4 to 6 in the Crowne Plaza LaGuardia Hotel and Resort.
“This pageant is not the usual thing,” Ruiz said. “It’s about showing confidence. Any girl can enter. We’re not looking for physical perfection.”
The Miss New York Latina Beauty Pageant will feature girls between 15 and 20 years old throughout the state. The application process is open until mid-February. Girls between the ages of 18 to 27 interested in applying can do so online by going to the official pageant web site www.missnewyorklatinaus.com.
The pageant also features a teen division for girls between the ages of 13-17. Applicants should be of Hispanic/Latino heritage, unmarried with no children, and legal residents of the United States and New York State.
The winner will receive a crown made with Swarovski Crystals and sash, title recognition on the web page, Cosmetic Collection from Markwin International, and an exclusive photo shoot. They will also progress on to the national finals at the Miss Latina U.S. pageant, which is a preliminary to Miss Latin America of the World pageant.
“As of right now we don’t have a selected delegate from Queens,” said Ruiz. “We have inquiries we need to observe, but we have not picked one. So if there are any ladies from Queens that would like to participate they are welcome to apply.”