Beauty Redefined: My Journey To Miss WA USA 2024

***To those who want to donate, please scroll down to “how you can help” for note about how to save on fees!***

Dear amazing friends, family, and supporters, 

I’m thrilled to share an exciting and meaningful endeavor that I have embarked upon – I’m competing in the MISS WASHINGTON® Competition!!! Historically, the age range of contestants for the MISS WASHINGTON® and MISS USA® competitions has been strictly 18-27. Which is why I’m excited to announce that because this age restriction has been lifted, I’ll be making history as one of the first MISS WASHINGTON® contestants outside this range at the age of 33! I’m truly ecstatic to bring a fresh and exciting energy to this long-standing, traditional competition.

To me, embodying the role of Miss Washington requires a fearless leader and a collaborator, while maintaining the ability to connect with people of all ages, titles, and backgrounds. I am entering this competition as one of the eldest competitors for the first time in history. Not only is my age of factor, but being raised in poverty as an immigrant, a dedicated advocate for social justice as a public defender, and even someone who's been married and divorced, my life experiences make me a genuinely authentic face to the Miss USA organization. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” With your support as I pursue the title of Miss Washington USA, I will always aim to make you feel that I’m fit to be a role model for women of all ages, and highlight the depth of being a versatile woman in our present society.

Get to know me: 

As a bi-racial Vietnamese and Black American, my story began on a refugee camp in Manila before my family immigrated to Seattle in 1991. Growing up in my community, I struggled plenty with cultural and language barriers, standing out physically, and understanding my own self-identity. My experiences being bullied fueled a determination to stand up not only for myself but for others facing similar struggles. All throughout my school years, I made an extra effort to befriend those who felt different, driven by the desire to prevent anyone from experiencing the misunderstanding and isolation I once did. What most people don’t know about me is that since high school, I envisioned a career in law enforcement but through further education and experience in the field, I discovered I could create greater change serving the marginalized community and assisting in the protection of constitutional rights for due process within our criminal justice system. 

In 2014, I entered the public sector as a criminal defense paralegal for the King County Department of Public Defense. As I approach nearly 10 years of service with the county, my advocacy and voice for the marginalized and indigent remains steadfast. This allowed me to continue advocating for a community often without a voice. With the road to Miss Washington USA ahead, this will be my biggest platform yet to make a difference once again. 

My goal during this journey: 

Removing the age restriction for the MISS WASHINGTON® and MISS USA® pageants has finally given me the opportunity to live out a childhood dream without feeling like my time has already run out. So at the age of 33, as an immigrant from Vietnam and a woman of color, I have a new opportunity to make history and break boundaries by bringing forth a fresh image of authenticity, relatability, and diversity to the MISS WASHINGTON® organization. I’m so grateful for being in this current stage of life for the reason that I can share my experiences and connect with women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. If selected as MISS WASHINGTON®, I’ll continue to use this platform to remind women to love every aspect of themselves, and to know that as each day passes, we are only growing into our best and most beautiful versions of ourselves. Additionally, I want to embody a woman that anyone can look up to and encourage self- love and self-respect, while advocating for social justice within our society. 

Fundraising goal: 

$3000+ for ongoing pageant related costs (see below) 

Your generous donation will play a crucial role in making this dream a reality, and I can't wait to share every step of this journey with you. A more detailed look at what your donations will be used for: 

• Event-related expenses cover workshops/rehearsals and food. 

• Gifts and prizes are allocated for all contestants, including special awards for the new MISS WASHINGTON USA®. 

• Production of the pageant includes entertainment, professional equipment, staging, lighting, sound, etc., and covers expenses for celebrity judges, co-hosts, technicians, and staff members. 

• Funds are allocated for preparing the winner for the MISS USA® Pageant. 

• Finances cover MISS WASHINGTON USA's trip to the MISS USA® Pageant site. 

• Sponsors may receive personal recognition in pageant news releases and official publications, including the pageant program, state website, and through my marketing efforts. 

• Wardrobe for appearances, interviews, and pageant, coaching, hair/makeup/nails. 

Here's what you can do to help: 

• Donate: Every dollar brings me one step closer to my goal. No contribution is too small, and your support means the world to me. 

• ***You can always donate directly to me via Venmo @AmandaPandaWA to avoid fees!***

• Sending a check directed to 'Pageant NW' and provide it to me in person or mail (contact for address) - No fee

• Purchasing ads to promote your business in the Official Pageant Brochure Magazine (contact me for details and form) 

• Donate directly online at the MISS WASHINGTON USA site: https://www.misswashingtonusa.com/payments/ - Has fees

*****NOTE: Please make sure to enter 'Amanda Kim' as the contestant to ensure the funds are routed to me 

• Purchase a ticket for the MISS WASHINGTON USA® Pageant where I'll compete on stage on June 27, 2024 

• Sponsoring with any services in cross exchange of advertisement or referring a business that would love to gain advertisement! 

• Share: Spread the word! Share this campaign on your social media platforms, with your friends, and within your networks. The more people who know about my journey, the closer we get to making it a success. 

• Encourage: Your words of encouragement mean more to me than you can imagine. Send me message – your positivity fuels my determination. 

Thank you for considering supporting my aspirations. Know that every contribution will be sincerely acknowledged, and I am committed to expressing my gratitude in a truly memorable way. 

With the utmost appreciation, 

Miss Bellevue USA 2023 and your potential next Miss Washington, Amanda Kim