As she goes on to compete at a national level for Miss Black USA this August in Washington, DC, Diaz looks forward to staying true to who she is as she celebrates Afro-Latina culture. We think that’s #sobossy.
Diaz credits competing in pageants with a deeper sense of self and appreciation for her culture. She says racism in the alive and well in and out Cuban society and she welcomes the chance to show everyone that not all Cubans look white with straight hair. She looks forward to shining some light on what it means to be Afro-Cuban.
"There is a misconception that pageants are just about looking pretty."
She says there is a misconception that pageants are just about looking pretty. Most people don’t know the work and discipline that goes into competing. You have to be well read, articulate, keep in shape, network and fundraise on a very high level.
Combined with talent and costume selections, it can get really hectic. Pageants take a huge commitment. Diaz admits she is working very hard to win Miss Black USA, but that also when she is no longer Miss Black Florida USA, she wants to have set the bar for a high standard of conduct and effort for the incoming queen. As I have had the pleasure to watch her work a room. I can attest that she would have some very big stilettos to fill.
Contestants have a pageant platform which is a cause that a she chooses to volunteer her time to either bring awareness to, raise money, or implement a program that will help address a problem. Diaz has chosen a platform of minority economic empowerment. And has worked with many orginizations like The South Florida Black Business Directory to achieve this end.