Role Models

For four weeks Monica Vega and 15 other young women had worked and waited for this moment. Now the moment had finally arrived and it was hers alone.

The man with the microphone called her name--sang it really--and suddenly arms were everywhere. Between the congratulatory hugs and pats on the back, a red cape was draped over her shoulders. Someone placed a tiara on her head and a bouquet of cream-colored roses in her arms and Vega was nudged toward the runway where, amid the cheering and flashing cameras, she took the first steps of her yearlong reign as the 64th Miss San Fernando.

Moments later, flanked by family, friends and a crowd of well-wishers, Vega’s triumph was just beginning to sink in.

“I can’t believe it. It’s great, it’s great. I was just hoping the whole time,” she said. “When I was walking down the runway I couldn’t feel my hands. I’m numb.”

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Outwardly, Vega’s coronation in April in the ballroom of Mission Hills’ Odyssey restaurant was much like the crowning of thousands of other young women and girls in pageants every year across the United States.

And, while the evening gowns, heavy makeup, corporate sponsors and nervous energy evident at the Odyssey on pageant night were reminiscent of beauty pageants everywhere, organizers of the competition said this event was quite different.

By emphasizing education and community service rather than physical beauty and talent competitions, they said, the Miss San Fernando pageant strives to position young women for success. It excludes elements that could be viewed as demeaning to the young women who participate, they said.

“We are even thinking of dropping the word ‘pageant’ because it doesn’t express what this is all about,” said Joe Sandoval, program coordinator for the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce. The San Fernando Civic Assn., an arm of the chamber, organizes the annual event.

“If you want to call it a beauty pageant, call it an inner-beauty pageant,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval said the goal of the pageant is to help young women from the northeast San Fernando Valley develop the skills, confidence and connections to succeed in college and beyond.

“We are not affiliated with any other pageants because we are not really in line with what they stand for,” said chamber President Bruce Cohen. “Our pageant is about education and getting involved in the community. It’s not about bathing suits and beauty contests.”

Janice Rocco, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women, said Miss San Fernando officials deserve credit for exposing participants to business and volunteer opportunities. Still, she said, the competition continues to include elements that result in the women being judged subjectively.

“They have taken a step in the right direction by removing the word ‘beauty,’ and many of the things they promote are laudable. But having young women dress up in evening gowns to be judged is not something we should be leaning them toward,” Rocco said. “If they could remove that one element they will have come even further.”

San Fernando Mayor Raul Godinez II, one of five judges at this year’s pageant, said everyone involved in the competition--winners, losers and even the judges--leaves the Odyssey ballroom with his or her sense of community enriched and dignity intact.

“The objectification of women happens only when you wear bikinis or some type of revealing outfits,” Godinez said. “I see the focus here being on camaraderie and developing self-esteem.”

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While a few of this year’s contestants expressed mild reservations about certain aspects of the pageant--particularly about walking the runway--it was clear that most embraced the idea of an inner-beauty pageant.

Jessica Martinez, one of five contestants named to Vega’s “court,” said that for her the benefits of participating by far outweighed the drawbacks.

“I’m really thankful I participated but tonight was difficult for the reason that that’s really not me,” she said, referring to her slow stroll on the runway. “I like the public speaking part and getting involved in the community, but the model thing is not me.”

Vega, 20, a sophomore at Mission College in Sylmar, plans to transfer to UCLA in the fall to study journalism or communications. She won a $1,250 scholarship. Four other young women, including Martinez, were selected as “princesses” and received smaller scholarships.

Miss San Fernando hopefuls must be between 17 and 21 and each contestant must find a local business to serve as her sponsor. Contestants must also volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours during the four weeks of the competition at a nonprofit agency of their own choosing.

Most of the scoring takes place not on pageant night, but two days earlier, when contestants deliver carefully crafted personal statements and then meet individually with each of the five judges.

Godinez said he was impressed with the accomplishments and drive of the contestants.

“It’s so difficult to judge because these are special young women. They are all different, and when you talk to them one on one they all shine,” Godinez said.