Ramirez then added: “We hope that with our work the community realizes that at Miss Nebraska Latina we seek to empower young women as we shape leaders, since the pageant is a way for them to be heard in the name of the immigrant community in Nebraska.”
However, we can’t deny that a beauty pageant is a double edge sword, since it prepares participants to be the next winner, without considering the emotional blow for those who don’t win and who might feel they will never reach their dream. Miss Nebraska Latina argues that it is aware of this and that they tackle it during the many workshops they impart.
There are people who love these events, and there are certainly those who hate it, and maybe, in the end, they’re both right. But what is certain is that the women who come to Omaha to participate in Miss Nebraska Latina take part in all of these activities are exposed to a series of circumstances, people, and decisions that can make this a very rewarding experience or their worst nightmare.
There are some issues in society of people who treat women as objects, but blaming beauty pageants or trying to make them disappear is a bit extreme.
Rita Rodriguez reflects on this situation, as there should be a balance between both those who are for an against these events: “One can’t prohibit beauty, but we can set standards for beauty by which we all have an equal opportunity, as we raise awareness for all they can learn at an event like Miss Nebraska Latina,” said Rodriguez.
She also emphasized the following: “Nowadays women are changing the way we see ourselves through beauty pageants. The simple fact of walking onto the stage and talking in front of an audience is a symbol of security, preparation, and empowerment.”
In the end, the pros and cons of being the queen of a beauty pageant will continue to fuel many debates. What is fact is that the responsibility assumed as a winner to represent Nebraska in a national beauty pageant and getting to know, up close and personal for two weeks, other young women from Latin America.
Winning also means a commitment to important social work in the State to help out and support minorities. They win, along with the scepter and crown, beauty products, a lifetime membership to Planet Fitness, as well as being featured in all media in the region. Being considered for a year as the most beautiful Latina woman in a State with a population of over 2 million must have its benefits.
There are definitely many ways to review this topic, especially now with the arrival of Miss Nebraska Latina, questioning if there is any discrimination or exclusion of the legions of young women who are not considered to be pretty enough.
What is clear is that the people working on Miss Nebraska Latina are committed to not making it an event that presents a group of girls wearing disguises. They are aware that many women, in their aim to try and be considered as beautiful, sacrifice their health or have eating disorders, and that this has nothing to do with the healthy self-esteem they promote and which inspires those who are part of Miss Nebraska Latina to be better.
Gonzalo Ramirez concluded by adding: “Miss Nebraska Latina provides each of its contestants with a personalized preparation by which themselves and the community will be able to notice not only a physical change but also one at an intellectual level. We are very happy about being able to bring this project to Nebraska and we trust that time will allow us to earn respect and credibility in the community.”
For more information, please visit: www.missnebraskalatina.com.

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