Lissette Garcia
Miss Florida USA 2011 (top 15 @ Miss USA 2011)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Miami Tropic pageant?
I wanted to try ONE MORE TIME to compete at Miss Florida USA. Miami Tropic was the first pageant of the season, so I decided to do that one. Win early in the season and get ready for the state pageant for 9 months, worked out great!
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at Miss USA?
Honestly, NOTHING! Everything happens so fast, and I was concentrating on the stage manager to tell me where to go. But once I was jumping into my swim suit, it hit me, "OMG I'm in the TOP 15!"
Tell us about the work you did for the American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation during your reign.
I lost my grandmother 20 years to Ovarian Cancer, so it was only natural to fight against the disease that took her from me. I've been working alongside the American Cancer Society for a few years now, and it gets better every year. I traveled the state bringing awareness about the disease and helped raise more than $60,000 to fight against cancer. I walked, I did numerous fundraisers, I volunteers…. The highlight of my year was every time I spoke up about Ovarian Cancer and finding a cure.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Florida USA?
Besides winning?! I would have to say after Miss USA was over, walking out of the auditorium and having screaming fans. Not only was my family causing all the noise, but I had strangers applauding and stopping for pictures. The network that was created just from being Miss Florida USA is incredible, and one can reach the lives of so many. It's truly amazing how many people are listening to us title holders, it's our megaphone to the world.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown your successor?
Sadness, at ease, extreme happiness, satisfaction, victorious, disheartened, cheerful…. in other words, an emotional roller coaster. I was satisfied with my year, and proud of my accomplishments. I had a great team that supported me and as tradition in Miss Florida USA, we all want to leave a beautiful legacy. Our footprints last the longest. I was proud to see the crowd's standing ovation when I went to turn over the baton, because at that moment I knew I made THEM (my supporters) proud.
I wanted to try ONE MORE TIME to compete at Miss Florida USA. Miami Tropic was the first pageant of the season, so I decided to do that one. Win early in the season and get ready for the state pageant for 9 months, worked out great!
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at Miss USA?
Honestly, NOTHING! Everything happens so fast, and I was concentrating on the stage manager to tell me where to go. But once I was jumping into my swim suit, it hit me, "OMG I'm in the TOP 15!"
Tell us about the work you did for the American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation during your reign.
I lost my grandmother 20 years to Ovarian Cancer, so it was only natural to fight against the disease that took her from me. I've been working alongside the American Cancer Society for a few years now, and it gets better every year. I traveled the state bringing awareness about the disease and helped raise more than $60,000 to fight against cancer. I walked, I did numerous fundraisers, I volunteers…. The highlight of my year was every time I spoke up about Ovarian Cancer and finding a cure.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Florida USA?
Besides winning?! I would have to say after Miss USA was over, walking out of the auditorium and having screaming fans. Not only was my family causing all the noise, but I had strangers applauding and stopping for pictures. The network that was created just from being Miss Florida USA is incredible, and one can reach the lives of so many. It's truly amazing how many people are listening to us title holders, it's our megaphone to the world.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown your successor?
Sadness, at ease, extreme happiness, satisfaction, victorious, disheartened, cheerful…. in other words, an emotional roller coaster. I was satisfied with my year, and proud of my accomplishments. I had a great team that supported me and as tradition in Miss Florida USA, we all want to leave a beautiful legacy. Our footprints last the longest. I was proud to see the crowd's standing ovation when I went to turn over the baton, because at that moment I knew I made THEM (my supporters) proud.