This weekend, El Paso native Marissa Teijo is set to make history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. At 71, Teijo will be competing in Houston with hopes of advancing to the Miss USA competition, and ultimately, Miss Universe.
A Trailblazing 71-Year-Old Competes in Miss Texas USA
Breaking Age Barriers
The Miss Universe organization has recently updated its rules to be more inclusive. Age limits for contestants have been removed, and now participants can also be married, pregnant, or divorced. Despite the recent controversies surrounding the organization, including the resignations of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in May, Teijo remains undeterred in her pursuit of the crown.
A Message of Empowerment
In an email, Teijo shared her motivation for entering the competition, emphasizing that it is never too late to follow one’s dreams. I think that women have reached a new level of strength, possibility, and beauty. Her participation sends a powerful message to women everywhere that age should not be a barrier to achieving their goals.
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Inspired by Her Hometown
Marissa Teijo was born and raised in El Paso, and she carries the pride of her hometown into the competition. Competing against nearly 100 other women, she has never felt more motivated to chase her dreams. Teijo hopes to inspire not only her fellow El Pasoans but also Texans across the state to break barriers in their fields of interest, regardless of age.
Support from Bazaar Models
Jackie Garcia-Martinez, the CEO of Bazaar Models, which represents Teijo, expressed her pride in supporting such a diverse group of women. I stand for women of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. I’m excited to support these women who inspire me daily as a leader as I get my team ready to compete at Miss Texas. Alongside Teijo, seven other young women from El Paso will also be competing in the pageant, showcasing the rich diversity of talent from the region.
Embracing New Opportunities
The changes in the Miss Universe organization’s rules have opened new doors for many women who previously might not have considered competing. By removing age restrictions and allowing contestants from various backgrounds, the organization is fostering a more inclusive environment. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards embracing diversity and empowering individuals to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations.
A Community Rallying Behind Her
Teijo’s participation in the Miss Texas USA pageant has garnered significant attention and support from her community. El Pasoans are rallying behind her, proud to see one of their own breaking new ground and representing their city on such a prestigious platform. Her story resonates with many, serving as a reminder that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life.
The Impact of Representation
Representation matters, and Teijo’s journey is a testament to that. By stepping onto the stage at 71, she challenges stereotypes about age and beauty. Her presence in the pageant highlights the importance of diverse role models in media and society, showing that beauty, grace, and ambition are not confined to youth.
The Journey Ahead
As Teijo prepares for the Miss Texas USA pageant, her excitement and determination are palpable. She has been working hard to ensure she is at her best for the competition, knowing that she is paving the way for others who might follow in her footsteps. Her journey is not just about winning a crown; it’s about inspiring others to believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams, no matter their age
Marissa Teijo’s participation in the Miss Texas USA pageant is a groundbreaking moment that highlights the evolving landscape of beauty pageants. With the Miss Universe organization’s new inclusive rules, Teijo is set to inspire many with her message that it is never too late to chase your dreams. As she competes in Houston, she carries with her the hopes and pride of El Paso, showing that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s aspirations.
Her story is a powerful reminder that barriers can be broken at any stage of life, and her journey will undoubtedly inspire countless individuals to follow their dreams with the same courage and determination.