I have to admit, a few years ago, I would roll my eyes at anyone talking up a pageant girl. I thought these girls were all superficial, consumed with looks, and simply looking for an excuse to wear a shiny crown on their heads. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to wear a sparkly crown too, but I thought crowns should be presented to those who are beautiful on the inside and doing beautiful things to make the world a better place.
In the years that I’ve been in fashion and public relations, I’ve had the incredible pleasure of working with and getting to know many Pittsburgh pageant girls (Miss Pennsylvania USA 2014 Valerie Gatto, Miss Pennsylvania 2013 Annie Rosellini, Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2010 Elena LaQuatra, Miss Pennsylvania 2014 Amanda Smith, and the newly crowned Miss Pennsylvania 2015 Ashley Schmider). Each one of these ladies has added an incredible value to my life in one way or another. These women are exceptionally well rounded, down-to-earth, and compassionate. They have their own stories they’re willing to share to change the lives of others, stand for meaningful platforms, and are all determined to make the world more beautiful. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to connect with these women!
A few weeks ago, I met another beauty queen at a fashion show for Eye Kandy Boutique. Being slightly intimidated by the rainbows and sunshine she effortlessly radiates, I mustered up enough courage to introduce myself to Miss Pennsylvania 2015 Elizabeth Cardillo and I’m SO glad I did! We ended up chatting throughout the event and she instantly made me feel like we were already friends. After learning her platform is to raise awareness for adoption and foster care, a cause near and dear to my heart because I have two adopted little sisters, I knew I had to interview her!
Allyn Lewis: Tell us a little about yourself and your road to becoming Miss Pennsylvania USA 2015:
Elizabeth Cardillo: My name is Elizabeth Cardillo, I’m 24 years old, and I was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA on December 7th 2014 in Pittsburgh PA! I grew up in Hampton Township, about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh! I competed at my first pageant at 20 years old, and I signed up simply to make friends. I was looking to meet goal oriented women my age who were not as concerned with partying and more concerned with their careers and their education. I am still close friends with many of the girls I met at my first pageant! Mission Accomplished! 🙂
AL: What drew you to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles? Do you miss California now that you’re back in Pittsburgh?
EC: I always knew that I wanted to work in the Bridal industry. I have always had a fascination with Bridal Gowns. We looked at excellent schools in NYC and Chicago, but FIDM in LA was magical, it was 85 and sunny on a January day when we visited. The teaching staff won me over as well, they are all people who still work in the fashion industry on top of teaching at the college. I absolutely loved my experience at FIDM and would recommend anyone pursuing a degree in the fashion industry to check them out. I miss certain things about California, yes! But I think everywhere has its Pros and Cons. I love Pittsburgh and I am so glad to be back.
AL: You didn’t know anyone when you headed off to LA and you also have a passion for meeting new people. What advice do you have for people who are less comfortable with stepping out of their comfort zone to make new connections?
I would say “Just GO for it!” It’s easy to overthink everything, I sort of just took the leap. I told myself that I could easily make new friends, and it happened, as easy as that. It made me grow as a person and I would’t trade the experience for anything.
AL: Growing up, did you struggle with being adopted?
EC: I never struggled with being adopted, no. My parents explained to me from a very young age that I was a “chosen” baby. They made me feel extra special actually, and told me I was so loved and wanted.
AL: What’s the best way that we can ensure children who are adopted are in foster care feel loved, accepted, and welcome in our community as a whole?
Kids that have been adopted, or are waiting to be adopted, simply need love! I am a firm believer that a loving family can solve most problems. These children deserve to have loving families and to know they are important and special.
Photo via Carter Studios
AL: Tell us a little about the Genesis Foundation of Pittsburgh Adoption Service Agency and your involvement:
EC: Genesis is a Non Profit in Pittsburgh that helps women who are pregnant, foster care children and adoptive services. They truly do so much for the women and children in our community. They provide free classes to women who are pregnant. They amaze me with all that they do. Check out genesispgh.com to find out more and ways that you can help!
AL: How has being involved in the pageant community impacted other areas of your life?
I have gained a new level of self confidence that allows me to enter any situation with ease. After competing I feel like I can handle any situation life throws at me with grace and confidence.
AL: Other than being crowned Miss USA, what are your goals and aspirations for the future?
EC: I would love to have my own bridal business selling gowns from top designers and styling happy brides. I would like to establish my own non-profit to educate and promote awareness for other families to “get involved” with foster children. I want loving families to open their homes to children who are less fortunate by providing a safe, stable and nurturing environment for them to grow, learn and develop. I hope to adopt a child myself someday!
Image: Edwin Shaw, Hair/MUA: Kara K, Assisted by Courtney Holdrieth
AL: How do you stay motivated and inspired to achieve your goals?
I always joke that wearing a swimsuit on national television is the ultimate motivator! But seriously, I absolutely am honored to represent Pennsylvania this year, and really want to make the most of it. So being up to date on local, state and nationwide news, being physically fit, and healthy are easy to do when you have a job that you love!
Miss USA 2015 will be held on July 12, 2015 at The Baton Rouge River Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and will air LIVE Sunday, July 12 (8-11 p.m. ET) on NBC. We’re rooting for you Elizabeth!
