Miss California USA

My name is Raquel Leviss and I have a dream of becoming the next Miss California USA.

I grew up in Thousand Oaks, California and I am currently a student at Sonoma State University where I am on the dean's list. I am studying Pre-Physical Therapy to become a Pediatric Physical therapist for children who have special needs and physical impairments due to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

Unfortunately, children who have IDD have a difficult time thriving in everyday society due to lack of social skills or due to other's preconceived notion that the task cannot be completed.  Many times, people with disabilities are unable to attain a job due to an absence social skills rather than the ability to perform the work required. 

Best Buddies® is a program that provides tools for people who have IDD to become more independent and more included in society through socialization and leadership opportunities as well as job coaching. I have the opportunity to be involved of the Best Buddies Colleges program at SSU where collegiate students are able to cultivate one-on-one friendships with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

As Miss California USA, I would like to be an advocate for the social inclusion of children who face challenges due to their disability. With the title, I would promote Best Buddies to empower youth to support the inclusion of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I would use the crown as a voice to bring awareness to the disability rights movement. 

The first step in becoming Miss California USA is by winning a local title. A preliminary title will allow me to be more involved in my community, where I can use my voice to advocate causes I care most about. I also will have opportunities to go to events, meet new people and promote myself, which will allow me to gain more support in the state competition. Most importantly, a local title will allow me to work with a team in preparation for Miss California USA instead of trying to accomplish many aspects of the preparation process myself. 

The first  (and hopefully only!) preliminary title I will be competing for is Miss Santa Monica, which will be held in Santa Monica on March 6th. 

Miss Santa Monica is directed by Crown Diva Boutique's owner, Kristen Bradford. If I were to win the title, Kristen and her team would help me prepare in all aspects of the Miss California competition including interview, runway coaching, modeling opportunities, fitness training, nutrition, and hair and makeup styling. The prize package for Miss Santa Monica includes over $10,000 of goods and services provided by generous sponsors. 

BUT I  NEED YOUR HELP. As a broke college student, it is difficult to be able to work, study, and participate in pageantry all at the same time. There are so many aspects of the pageant that people are unable to see that require services and fees. 100% of the money funded for Miss Santa Monica will go toward preparation for Miss Santa Monica and my involvement of Best Buddies.  

The following are specifics as to where the money will go toward: 
-airfare OAK to LAX roundtrip: $141
-entry fee: $350
-headshot: $50
-coaching: $150 per hour
-spray tan: $35
-Best Buddies Friendship Walk: $50

This preliminary pageant will cost me over $600 but it is important to understand that it is an investment that will be worth the extra time and effort in order to give it my everything at Miss California USA. 

The funds raised will mean so much to me because it will allow me to pursue my dream of representing California at Miss USA, and possibly even Miss Universe. I would be so honored and thankful if you were willing to contribute any amount in support of my journey. 

Thank you so much for your contribution. I wouldn't able to participate in pageants without the support from individuals like yourself.