A year ago, I had no idea how profoundly winning the title of Miss Bay Area would impact my life. This year has challenged me, transformed me, and changed me – it has molded me into the woman that I have always aspired to be. This title has afforded me the opportunity to serve the community that raised me, and although it has been a year of service, I have received so much.
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| Thank you to Hart Photography for making me seem way more fabulous than I am! |
I spent the first part of my year preparing for the Miss California Competition – five months of incredible growth, focus, and hard work. My goal was to be my absolute best on that stage, and I did everything I could to prepare. Gabino and Sarah spent hours with me on FaceTime, helping me to organize my thoughts and prepare for the interview competition. I was sponsored by the Bar Method of the East Bay, where I was able to take daily barre classes, and the Ballet School in Walnut Creek, where I was able to use the beautiful studio to rehearse my talent. Most of all, I was encouraged daily by my friends and family who supported me in my pursuit of the Miss California title.
My week in Fresno was incredible – how can you not have fun, surrounded by some of the most incredible, ambitious, and talented women in the state?! Each day was a new adventure and I felt so proud of my performance. When I was called into the Top 15, I was ecstatic – not just for me, but for the entire team that made it possible. I came home feeling so proud to represent the Bay Area and the people who helped me shine on that stage!
As Miss Bay Area, I have had the chance to grow my platform “Girls on the Run: Cultivating Confidence for Life.” I serve on the Girls on the Run of the Bay Area 5K Committee, coordinating volunteers, raising funds, and publicizing the race. After Miss California, I stepped in as volunteer digital communications director and had the chance to do even more for this phenomenal organization! I also began serving on the Advisory Board for Healthy Lifestyle for Youth, another running-based organization that emphasizes confidence and academic achievement. Finally, I spoke with over 2,000 students about the importance of being confident in their unique gifts and pursuing their goals. This crown has opened doors for me to connect with kids of all ages and backgrounds, and I couldn’t be more grateful for each moment that I spent with them this year.
There are many people to thank:
Gabino, every moment since I have met you, you have inspired me to be extraordinary. You taught me to never be satisfied with “good enough” – that the truest meaning of life is to give with all of your gifts and talents. Most importantly, you taught me to never give up on a dream. I am blessed beyond measure to call you a friend. If you need someone to taste-test recipes, I’ll be there in a flash!
Sarah and Julianna, you two gave me everything I needed and more. Thank you for the makeup, hair, and styling tips. I wish everyone had the chance to get to know you like I did – through countless mock interviews and FaceTimes – because they’d get to know your radiant beauty, inside and out. Thank you for believing in me!
Mom, thank you for saying “yes” when I came to you with the crazy idea to compete in a pageant. You didn’t even hesitate – you have given me encouragement every step of the way, and I can never repay you for how much you have done for me. Thank you.
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| Three generations of Miss Bay Area - 2016, 2018, 2017 |
Dad, Jack, Matthew – thanks for letting me belt out my songs in the living room. Cooper, thanks for coming along on so many appearances and being such a stellar pageant brother. Nomi, Nopa, Uncle Bill, Bella, Will, Erica, Beezie, Jenny, Katie, Jessie, Felicia, Harleen, Khryste, everyone who came to Miss California or sent me a sweet note – thank you. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an unbelievable support system but I sure am grateful.
When I won this title, I was just about to graduate from UC Santa Barbara. Today, I have an incredible full-time job at Glassdoor, I live in my dream city of San Francisco, and I volunteer actively with Girls on the Run of the Bay Area. I am grateful for the Miss America Organization for giving me the tools, opportunities, and confidence to boldly pursue my goals, and I am ready for whatever the next chapter holds! Never doubt that you can achieve your dreams – anything is possible.
“Be who God meant you to be, and you’ll set the world on fire.”
Love always,
Jane Kennedy
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| Molly and Ashley - sparkling and newly crowned! |
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| This is a picture of Cooper asking me for a Clif Bar. |
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