Interview with Maritsa Platis, Miss US International

Maritsa Platis, Miss U.S. International 2020 , sits down with Emily Tinoco of Queenly as part of our Queenly Tea Talks Instagram Live series to talk about her experience in the pageant world and beyond.

Emily: Just a little introduction, Maritsa is Miss U.S. International 2020 and will be competing at Miss International 2021 this November in Japan! I know you just turned 20, how do you feel about turning 21 in a pandemic?

Emily: That sounds so great. You must be very excited. How have you been these days?

E: I know you have your own community initiative: Cradle of Love. Can you tell me more about it?

M: A few years ago, I lost a relative to co-sleeping. Unfortunately due to that event, I have made it my passion and mission to give back to my community and educate others on the dangers of co-sleeping. When the pandemic hit, it was hard to give back, so I started to create events online. As Miss U.S. International, I am really pushing for getting cribs and cradles in homes that need them the most. As Miss International, I would love to go back to the Netherlands and also continue my work there.

M: Yes so my dream is to be a neonatologist. It is very specific. It really came from hearing stories from babies in the nicu. It really inspired me to go into the nicu and save lives. I want to be able to work not only with the babies, but also with their parents. I feel like this career path was made for me.

E: So Kathy in the chat is asking: What has been your favorite part of your reign as Miss U.S. International?

M: Being able to do events is the best. I just got back from doing New York Fashion week! I am originally from New York, so being able to do that was so much fun. It’s not easy being a title holder, but I have enjoyed being that voice for others and representing my community.

E: That sounds fantastic. Based on your experience, can you walk us through the preparations steps of a pageant queen?

M: It is a very mental thing. At the end of the day, the preparation before matters the most. I would spend 6 hours a day, four days a week with my coach. Luis, my coach, is amazing. He would work with me on my swimsuit walk, my evening night gown, my interview, etc. Going into a pageant, you have to know that there is a chance you might not win, but you have to go in knowing the title is for the people that support you.

E: You mentioned that the reality is that not everyone can win. Can you talk a little bit about the friendships you have made?

M: The Miss International organization promotes cheering for all women. When you are competing in a pageant, you have to understand that it is more than just a competition. You are building that sisterhood and bonds that are going to be there forever.

E: Someone in the audience is asking if you'd be able to share your favorite pageant preparation hacks!

M: Oh! Before I go into an interview, I think of three big topics And I keep those in my head. I like to be in charge of the narrative.

E: Before the Miss International pageants, what other pageants did you participate in?

M: I would love it if every girl here went onto the Miss U.S. International page and just checked it out! This organization is just so amazing.

Thank you Maritsa ! Check out the full interview here and make sure to follow Queenly on Instagram for more exclusive interviews.