The process to become Miss
Indian Arizona is arduous
and
heavily
scrutinized.
The young women that enter
are 17-24 years of age. Among
other factors, they must show
accomplishments their participation in the respective
communities, along with letters
of recommendations, and write
two essays. Being a positive
representation of the community
starts way before there is even
consideration of being in the program.
“If you told me ten years ago that I would be a representative of Ak-Chin, I would
have said you were crazy,” said Alyssa. “Looking back, I’ve done a complete 180
transformation. I use to be quiet and shy, but then I joined the Ak-Chin Youth
Council and broke out of my shell. It was joining the Youth Council that made
me realize that no matter what age, we are always representatives of where
we come from whether we know it or not. Since then, I always try my best to
represent my community in a good manner at all times.”
Alyssa’s biggest inspirations are her mother, Lisa Garcia, and her grandmother, Elizabeth Valles, and both are living in the Ak-Chin Community.
“They’re my backbone and biggest supporters, they’ve molded me into
the young woman I am today,” said