ALONSO MÁXIMO & UMASOFIA Merry Christmas !

"IS THIS REAL??? I am so grateful and honored that I’m the first Mexican-Indian, first New Jersey, your MISS TEEN USA 2023!!!" the teen wrote social media. "This night is truly the best night of my life because I was crowned with the people that have loved and supported me throughout everything cheering for me in the audience."

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

FMNYC : Good morning, Alonso! Thank you for joining us today. We have a special guest with us, UmaSofia Srivastava, the new Miss Teen USA. It's an honor to have her here with us. UmaSofia, welcome!

UmaSofia: Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here. Interviewer: UmaSofia, you are the first Mexican-Indian Miss Teen USA.

FMNYC: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how your dual culture has influenced you?

UmaSofia: Absolutely! I am incredibly proud of my Mexican and Indian heritage. Both cultures have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Growing up in a multicultural household has taught me the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating different traditions. It has also given me a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the richness of both cultures.

FMNYC: That's wonderful to hear. How do you plan to use your platform as Miss Teen USA to promote diversity and inclusion?

UmaSofia: As Miss Teen USA, I want to be a voice for all young people, regardless of their background. I believe that representation matters, and I want to use my platform to highlight the beauty of diversity and promote inclusivity. I plan to work with organizations that focus on empowering underprivileged communities and advocating for equal opportunities for all. I also want to encourage young people to embrace their own unique identities and be proud of who they are.

FMNYC : That's a fantastic goal. Can you tell us about any specific initiatives or projects you have in mind to achieve this?

UmaSofia: Absolutely. One of the initiatives I am passionate about is promoting education and literacy. I want to work with organizations that provide educational resources to underprivileged children, both in the United States and in countries like India. I also plan to collaborate with organizations that focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding. By organizing events and workshops, I hope to create spaces where young people can learn about different cultures and celebrate diversity.

FMNYC : That sounds like a great plan. Now, let's talk about your personal journey. What inspired you to participate in beauty pageants, and how has the experience been for you? UmaSofia: Participating in beauty pageants was something that I had always been interested in. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself, grow as an individual, and make a positive impact. The experience has been incredible. It has allowed me to meet inspiring individuals, learn valuable skills, and gain confidence. But most importantly, it has given me a platform to advocate for causes that are close to my heart and make a difference in the lives of others.

FMNYC : That's wonderful to hear. Lastly, what are your future aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

UmaSofia: In the future, I aspire to become a UN ambassador. I want to continue working towards promoting peace, equality, and education on a global scale. I also plan to continue writing and illustrating books that promote diversity and inclusion. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire young people to embrace their uniqueness and make a positive impact in their communities.

FMNYC : Thank you, UmaSofia, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make as Miss Teen USA.

UmaSofia: Thank you so much for having me. It has been a pleasure to be here and share my story. I am excited for what the future holds.