Dana Daunis Interview
Miss Connecticut 2007 + Preliminary Talent Award Winner @ Miss America 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Fairfield County pageant?
I was actually Miss Fairfield County two years prior to my final year. I enjoyed the organization very much and decided to return to compete. In between my two Miss Fairfield County titles, I was Miss Greater Watertown. I was born in raised in Watertown and my parents had been the official photographers of the pageant since I was a little girl. I used to watch the contestants get their photos taken and tell my Mom, “I want to do that someday.” Little did she know. . .
After Lauren Bentancourt resigned, you became the new Miss Connecticut. Where and how did you find out that you would be taking over as the new Miss Connecticut?
I received a phone call from the president of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program. I was actually driving and missed the call. I listened to the message, which sounded important. I decided to pull over and call him back immediately. I’m glad I did.
Tell us about the platform you used as Miss Connecticut.
My platform was Child Abuse Prevention and Recovery. I am a certified domestic and sexual abuse counselor in CT. I had volunteered for Safe Haven of Waterbury for a few years and had the chance to raise money for their organization throughout my year as Miss Connecticut.
Your vocal skills won you a Preliminary Talent Award at Miss America, what was going through your head when they announced you as an award winner?
I was honestly shocked. It felt it was a competitive group that night. I was happy with my performance but never expected to win an award. It was one of the top 5 moments in my life so far. My dream was always to sing on that Miss America stage. Talent was a huge factor in my decision to compete.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment is absolutely winning the talent award.
When did you start singing and how did you get into it?
I began singing as a child, but didn’t start training until Junior High School. I used to watch the current Miss Watertown perform at appearances. She was nice enough to give us the name of her vocal coach, Paul Elkin. I met with him the next week and then studied with him for 11 years. He is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. I am forever grateful for his time as an instructor, and friend.
You hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, are you pursuing a career in that area?
Currently, I am working as a Marketing and Event Coordinator for a lighting company. I have always enjoyed being a coordinator, so it thrills me to get to do it every day. I also get the chance to travel all around the U.S. for trade shows and other events. It’s very exciting.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut?
My most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut was the night I gave up my crown. I performed my Miss America talent song and received a standing ovation like I have never seen. I was humbled and brought to tears instantly. I knew I would miss those moment.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
I have really just been enjoying the life outside of pageantry. I couldn’t wait to start my career, so I began working immediately. I also landed my dream role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at my local theater. Also, last November, I began skydiving. In fact, just this past weekend I graduated from the AFF program and I am officially jumping solo. It’s quite a remarkable feeling. There’s nothing like it in the world!
I was actually Miss Fairfield County two years prior to my final year. I enjoyed the organization very much and decided to return to compete. In between my two Miss Fairfield County titles, I was Miss Greater Watertown. I was born in raised in Watertown and my parents had been the official photographers of the pageant since I was a little girl. I used to watch the contestants get their photos taken and tell my Mom, “I want to do that someday.” Little did she know. . .
After Lauren Bentancourt resigned, you became the new Miss Connecticut. Where and how did you find out that you would be taking over as the new Miss Connecticut?
I received a phone call from the president of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program. I was actually driving and missed the call. I listened to the message, which sounded important. I decided to pull over and call him back immediately. I’m glad I did.
Tell us about the platform you used as Miss Connecticut.
My platform was Child Abuse Prevention and Recovery. I am a certified domestic and sexual abuse counselor in CT. I had volunteered for Safe Haven of Waterbury for a few years and had the chance to raise money for their organization throughout my year as Miss Connecticut.
Your vocal skills won you a Preliminary Talent Award at Miss America, what was going through your head when they announced you as an award winner?
I was honestly shocked. It felt it was a competitive group that night. I was happy with my performance but never expected to win an award. It was one of the top 5 moments in my life so far. My dream was always to sing on that Miss America stage. Talent was a huge factor in my decision to compete.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment is absolutely winning the talent award.
When did you start singing and how did you get into it?
I began singing as a child, but didn’t start training until Junior High School. I used to watch the current Miss Watertown perform at appearances. She was nice enough to give us the name of her vocal coach, Paul Elkin. I met with him the next week and then studied with him for 11 years. He is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. I am forever grateful for his time as an instructor, and friend.
You hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, are you pursuing a career in that area?
Currently, I am working as a Marketing and Event Coordinator for a lighting company. I have always enjoyed being a coordinator, so it thrills me to get to do it every day. I also get the chance to travel all around the U.S. for trade shows and other events. It’s very exciting.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut?
My most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut was the night I gave up my crown. I performed my Miss America talent song and received a standing ovation like I have never seen. I was humbled and brought to tears instantly. I knew I would miss those moment.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
I have really just been enjoying the life outside of pageantry. I couldn’t wait to start my career, so I began working immediately. I also landed my dream role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at my local theater. Also, last November, I began skydiving. In fact, just this past weekend I graduated from the AFF program and I am officially jumping solo. It’s quite a remarkable feeling. There’s nothing like it in the world!