Miss Connecticut Volunteer Gia Iwanec ready to rep America

by MIKE CHAIKEN

Gia Iwanec is heading to Tennessee this month to see if she will become the first Miss Connecticut Volunteer to become Miss Volunteer America.

The national competition, which will be held in Jackson, Tenn. from June 17-20, is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

The national competition also is a lifelong dream for Iwanec, who grew up in West Haven. She has been participating in pageants since her age was in single digits. And she has long wanted a shot at a national crown.

“It is an honor to stand before you today as the reigning Miss Connecticut volunteer,” said Iwanec at a send-off celebration for her, which was held at The Farms Country Club in Cheshire on Thursday, June 4.

“I spend a lot of time in the car — as I work in sales and am in the field (a lot),” Iwanec recalled for the family and friends gathered in the ballroom. “I said to myself yesterday — because I love to talk to myself … I hope I don’t get too emotional (tonight) because this truly is a happy moment. It’s a celebration.”

The state titleholder explained, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for every single person in this room because you all have truly uplifted me and guided me. I’m so proud to be representing your belief in me as I go to Jackson, Tenn. to compete.”

Iwanec continued, “This isn’t about personal gain; it truly is about a village and I’m so proud to be carrying every single person and their legacy in my life as I take on this new beginning and new chapter next week, so I hope to make you all so extremely proud because it never was about a crown. It never was about a title for myself. It truly was always about the impact (I could make) in someone else’s life.”

The executive director of Miss Connecticut Volunteer, Taliyah McGee, said, “(Gina) has worked her entire life for this opportunity… I know deep down in my heart that Gia will take home that title.”

In addition to thanking her family and friends for support, the evening allowed Iwanec a chance to offer those closest to her an opportunity to see her wardrobe for the competition. Although they were the first to see the wardrobe, Iwanec’s team made the guests promise to stow away their cellphones and not take any photographs that might leak to social media. Iwanec’s team wanted the judges and the audience in Jackson, Tenn. to have the privilege of being surprised and wowed by her selections. After the guests promised to maintain the element of surprise, Iwanec showed them her interview outfit, her opening number outfit, her swimsuit, her talent costume and her evening gown.

As she showed her interview costume, Iwanec’s team asked the contestant to show her polished interview skills for the guests. The guests were invited to fire questions at Iwanec just as the judges will do in a week.

Noting the national competition was a lifelong ambition, a guest asked Iwanec, “What is the single most surprising thing that you have encountered now that you’ve arrived at a place that you always wanted to be?”

“I had a real moment watching Miss America,” said Iwanec. “For those of you who watched … Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, went on to win the title of Miss America. Not only is she a former Miss Volunteer America representative; but she was also the first runner-up to the title of Miss New York this past year.”

Original winner Mina Liang stepped down from the title, leaving Donegan the opportunity to take her place and compete in Miss America.

A similar set of circumstances happened for Iwanec. She did not win the title at the original competition held last year. But when the winner stepped down, Iwanec stepped into her place.

“I remember sitting on the couch with my dad, and he called it that (Donegan) was going to win,” said Iwanec. “He looked over at me, and I was sobbing with tears because that moment made me realize that when you know, you know. And your moment won’t pass you. So even though (Donegan) was the underdog in New York, she went out become the next Miss America.”

The current Miss Volunteer Connecticut said, “I know that my time is now and this is the time and my place. I’m ready for America.”

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN