Podcast Title: Miss Represented
Episode: Miss Represented: Victoria DiSorbo Miss World America 2023 [Episode 43]
Release Date: August 16, 2024
Host: Lisa Opie
Guest: Victoria DiSorbo, Miss World America 2023

Introduction

In Episode 43 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes her first-ever Miss World America contestant, Victoria DiSorbo. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from pageantry to business ownership, offering listeners a deep dive into the multifaceted world of beauty pageants and the empowering life lessons they've imparted.

Victoria's Journey to Miss World America

Victoria's path to becoming Miss World America was both serendipitous and determined. A former Miss Florida Teen and last year's first runner-up for Miss Florida, Victoria was encouraged by her mother to pursue Miss World America. This transition marked her entry into a unique pageant system governed by Ekta Sani, Shree, and Sanjay, whom she affectionately describes as "actual angels on earth."

Victoria [02:51]: "Probably for the rest of your life."
Lisa [02:55]: "Yes."
Victoria [02:56]: "They’re stuck with me."

With weekly check-ins focusing on interview and mental preparation, as well as developing her Beauty with a Purpose project, Victoria embraced the comprehensive support system provided by her directors. This holistic approach not only honed her pageant skills but also deepened her personal growth.

Competition Structure and Personal Insights

The Miss World America competition is renowned for its diversity, encompassing 13 different categories. These include optional rounds such as fitness and talent, both submitted prior to the national competition in Seattle, Washington. Unlike many traditional pageants, Miss World America does not include a swimsuit competition, a change Victoria found empowering.

Victoria [03:38]: "We have like the top 20."

Instead, the focus shifts to health and personal well-being. Victoria highlights the beep test, a rigorous fitness challenge that evaluates endurance, drawing parallels to military training.

Victoria [04:48]: "It was 112 countries in the middle of India, and we're doing a beep test."

This emphasis on genuine fitness over aesthetics aligns with Victoria's philosophy of empowering oneself through health and strength.

Preparing for the International Stage: Miss World in India

Victoria's journey extended beyond the national level as she represented the United States at the Miss World pageant in India. The month-long experience spanned three cities and involved 13 categories of competition, including a stint at the G20 summit, where Victoria engaged in debates on healthcare—a testament to the pageant's focus on intellect and advocacy.

Traveling to India was both exhilarating and challenging. The 36-hour journey, inclusive of a layover at JFK, was just the beginning of her transformative experience.

Victoria [09:22]: "Wow."

In India, Victoria immersed herself in cultural experiences, from participating in a live tiger safari to interacting with street children in New Delhi. These interactions underscored the pageant's commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Victoria [14:26]: "I got very emotional. But I had two babies. They were like three in both of my arms..."

These moments of vulnerability contrasted the glamour of the stage, highlighting the pageant's deeper purpose.

Balancing Pageantry and Business Ownership

Beyond her pageant accolades, Victoria is a successful business owner. She founded a construction design firm, one of the few led by women in the industry. Navigating a male-dominated field, Victoria emphasizes the importance of embracing her alpha energy while also leaning into her feminine intuition.

Victoria [26:19]: "What I've seen has done very well."

Her approach—letting her work speak for itself—serves as a powerful blueprint for women aspiring to lead in similar arenas.

Beauty with a Purpose: Advocacy for Cystic Fibrosis and Angels for Humanity

Victoria's advocacy work is deeply personal. Her primary Beauty with a Purpose project centers on cystic fibrosis (CF), inspired by her childhood best friend who battled the disease. This mission led her to author children's books, raise substantial funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and actively participate in finding a cure.

Victoria [29:14]: "Being a caretaker and seeing someone that I loved struggle to do something that we take for granted... it had me have a lot of humility in my life."

Additionally, Victoria is actively involved with Angels for Humanity, an organization dedicated to providing healthcare to children in the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti. Her contributions include building schools and distributing medical supplies, showcasing her commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

Victoria [31:16]: "Judith Joseph, our founder and CEO, created this organization 18 years ago."

Key Insights and Advice for Aspiring Contestants

Victoria offers invaluable advice to those pursuing pageantry:

1. Be Authentic: "When I went to Miss World America, I was me... the most pure, fun, lighthearted version of me."
2. Embrace the Process: "Slow down, enjoy the process."
3. Listen to Your Intuition: "Lean into your inner voice and have fun with it."

Her emphasis on personal authenticity over conforming to external expectations resonates as a guiding principle for success.

Fun Interactions: This or That Segment

Towards the end of the episode, Lisa and Victoria engage in a playful "This or That" segment, revealing personal preferences and light-hearted anecdotes:

• Pura Vida over Joe and the Juice: Victoria favors the former for its accessibility and quality.
• Steak over Sushi: A testament to her culinary preferences.
• Flying over Road Trips: Preferring the efficiency and restfulness of flying.
• Sash over Crown: Believing that true royalty lies within one's heart.
• Makeup over Hair: Highlighting her priority on makeup skills.

These interactions add a personal touch, allowing listeners to connect with Victoria beyond her professional and advocacy endeavors.

Victoria [40:28]: "The real crown is in their heart."

Conclusion and Future Endeavors

As the episode wraps up, Victoria reflects on her transformative experience and outlines her future plans. She aims to focus on her business, continue her advocacy work, and support the next generation of Miss World America contestants.

Victoria [33:58]: "I'm really working on my career and finishing off my year strong as Miss World America..."

Her openness to future opportunities and commitment to personal growth serve as an inspiration to listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Victoria on Unique Pageants:

  "It is a very unique pageant... it was awesome." [00:54]

• On Fitness Empowerment:

  "I wanted to feel good... which I think is really empowering." [03:57]

• Embracing Femininity in Business:

  "We don't need to seek validation from others... especially in such a male dominated field." [26:51]

• Advocacy and Personal Growth:

  "I was able to hit a point of enlightenment... content with who I was." [22:38]

• Authenticity Advice:

  "If you do something that you wanna do, win or lose, you'll be more fulfilled." [35:16]

Final Thoughts

Episode 43 of the Miss Represented Podcast offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Victoria DiSorbo's experiences as Miss World America 2023. From the rigors of international pageantry to the challenges of leading a business in a male-dominated industry, Victoria's story is one of resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her insights not only demystify the world of pageants but also provide a blueprint for personal and professional success.

For listeners seeking inspiration and practical advice on empowering themselves in various facets of life, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Victoria DiSorbo:

• Instagram: @victoriadiSorbo
• Miss World America: @MissWorldAmerica

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