About
Our Nuestra Reina-Hillsborough Scholarship Pageant is committed to the development of future Hispanic women leaders through community involvement, social and economic support for education, and mentor connections.
Embark on a transformative journey with the Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Pageant, an unparalleled showcase of Hispanic elegance and empowerment within the Tampa Bay Area. Exclusively curated for young Hispanic women residing in Hillsborough County, Florida, aged 5 to 18, this distinguished pageant beckons those who yearn to cultivate confidence, self-esteem, expression, and leadership, all while proudly celebrating their rich Latino heritage.
Our pageant stands as the epitome of distinction, seamlessly weaving together opportunities in community service, networking, mentorship, fashion, and entertainment. It is designed to elevate the voices of emerging Latina leaders, offering them heightened visibility and an expansive array of prospects. Within this esteemed platform, aspirations flourish, and the impactful contributions of future leaders resonate, enriching the cultural tapestry of our community.
At the core of our mission is the intent to champion the ideas, culture, interests, and aspirations of the nation’s most influential emerging market—the dynamic young Latina women of today. These trailblazers are not only shaping the trajectory of the future economy and culture but also embodying the pursuit of achievement, recognition, and the betterment of themselves and their families.
Participating in Nuestra Reina Hillsborough is more than a pageant; it is an invitation to gain exposure, forge meaningful connections, acquire valuable skills, revel in the joy of camaraderie, and depart with not only prizes but also a treasure trove of new friends and indelible memories. This experience transcends the pageant stage; it is an unparalleled opportunity for networking and career development.
Elevate your journey, amplify your voice, and become part of a legacy that celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and aspirations of Latina leaders. Nuestra Reina Hillsborough awaits as the premier arena where dreams are realized, and the future is shaped with grace and determination. Join us in this extraordinary celebration of beauty, culture, and empowerment.
Los Padrinos aka Founders
Rocio Smith
Market President-Achieva Credit Union
As a highly accomplished banking executive with nearly 20 years of progressive experience, including 16 years with Wells Fargo and co-founder of the Wimauma Family Center, Rocio Smith has demonstrated skills in translating business strategies into maximum profits while balancing the best interests of stakeholders, customers, employees, and the public.
Joe Zuniga
ENTERTAINER, INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR, COMMUNITY LEADER
Born in Miami, Florida, Joe Zuniga currently resides in the beautiful metropolitan area of Tampa Bay, where he is widely known as “Mr. Tampa.”
Alma Juarez
Read More…
Dj Moyo
Entertainer and Radio DJ
Born and raised in Tampa, FL! Dj Moyo has emerged as one of the most dynamic DJs and High Energy MCs that Florida has ever produced. DJ Moyo delivers a daily party on his syndicated radio mix show “El Arranke Mix!” His sound reflects elements of hip-hop, pop, tropical influence rhythms and Regional Mexican.
Committee
Luz Gaona
Bilingual Pathologist
Luz Gaona, an esteemed bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, is deeply committed to catering to the diverse needs of the pediatric population within our locality.
Jessica De La Prida
EDUCATOR
Jessica De La Prida is an educator with over 20 years of experience leading with the belief that every student can learn and a love for empowering students and families with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Julio Perez
Artist Manager, Travel Agent, and Group Coordinator
I’m Julio Perez, the proud son of Dominican immigrant parents, originally hailing from New York and currently residing in sunny Tampa, FL.
Julia Sarmiento-Cohen
Resiliency, Character, and Life Skills
Julia Sarmiento-Cohen is currently the Resiliency, Character, and Life Skills Education Supervisor in the Division of Academic Services in Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). HCPS is the eighth largest school district in the nation serving over 220,000 students.
Brianda Villegas
Board member and one of the emcees for the Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Scholarship Pageant.
Brianda Villegas is a board member and one of the emcees for the Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Scholarship Pageant.
If Brianda looks familiar, you may have seen her on your TV screen exploring numerous ‘Gems of Tampa Bay’! She currently works as a bilingual feature reporter and fill-in anchor for WFLA News Channel 8 in Tampa.
Prior to working in the television news industry, Brianda graduated from the University of Florida where she was in an a cappella group, in addition to competing in numerous talent shows and pageants. A big lover of the Gator Nation, Brianda served as the official UF mascot, Alberta, and traveled across the country for sporting events.
Brianda’s love for performing in talent shows, musicals and pageants began in her hometown of Arcadia, Florida. When she was 15 years old, Brianda competed in her first pageant and was crowned Miss Arcadia 2011. A few years later, she was crowned Miss Desoto County 2013.
Local scholarship pageants (similar to Nuestra Reina Hillsborough) helped Brianda pay her way through UF and allowed her to be the very first person in her family to graduate from college.
Now Brianda is thrilled to help provide similar opportunities for young Hispanic women in her community. She believes the Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Scholarship Pageant has the ability to foster big dreams and she is dedicated to making that mission a reality.