Miss MDC Homestead Pageant Aims To Empower Women
Jazmin Laughlin was born with Factor VII Deficiency, a rare bleeding disorder.
To protect herself, she wears her clothes like armor to shield her skin from being scratched, bruised or cut. The slightest laceration can prove deadly.
“I want [people] to self-reflect and get tested to see if they have a bleeding disorder,” said Laughlin, who serves as the Homestead Campus Student Government Association president.
To educate others who suffer from the rare condition, Laughlin is using her platform at the first-ever Miss MDC Homestead Pageant.
The pageant will take place Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the covered patio area of building F during the Homestead Campus’ annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Attendees have to donate a toy to enter.
Lolisa Torbert, a student life program coordinator at Homestead Campus, who was recently crowned Mrs. Florida U.S. Continental, created the pageant as a way to encourage people to participate in the annual toy drive.
“Since I love pageantry so much because of the opportunities and friendships it has given me, and the empowerment of women, it [was] something that I definitely wanted to bring to Homestead Campus,” Torbert said.
Participants will be judged during three segments. Their opening dance, followed by an opportunity to showcase their school spirit based on their outfits and a question and answer portion featuring evening gowns.
The winner will be crowned Miss MDC Homestead for the 2021-22 academic year and receive a prize package that includes a sash, trophy, a feature story in Crowns Magazine and are entered as candidates for the Citrus International Model Search.
Pageant applicants had to enroll in at least three credits this semester, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be a SharkNet member. More than 20 students applied but only six qualified.
Laughlin, Anna Johnson, Brianna Bogues, Jimena Piña, Shamori Fancher, and Daniella Noel are vying for the Miss MDC Homestead Pageant crown.
Torbert mentors the contestants on Wednesdays. They practice pageant walking, rehearse interviews and do empowerment activities where they say things to uplift each other.
“I’m really looking forward to bonding with other females,” said Bogues, one of the contestants. “It’s deeper than wearing a crown and a sash. It’s getting that empowerment from other women and having other girls look up to.”
Johnson, who served in the United States Army for four years in Belgium, believes the pageant will allow her to elevate others.
“I really like to empower and uplift anyone that I come in contact with,” Johnson said. “It’s almost like the other girls are my little sisters.”
To ensure the safety of all participants and attendees, Homestead Campus will limit the audience at the event to 45 people. They will promote social distancing and encourage face masks.
Torbert wants to continue hosting the pageant annually and possibly make it a college-wide event.
“Whoever wins, I know all the other girls will be just so happy for her [and] they would like to remain on her royal court for the remainder of the academic year,” Torbert said. “[That] just shows what great sportsmanship they have.”
