Ava Colindres recently made history as the first Asian-Latina-African American to secure the Miss Georgia Teen USA title. She was subsequently crowned first runner-up in Miss Teen USA 2024.
Living by the motto “What makes you different makes you beautiful,” the 2024 pageant queen has consistently utilized her platform to inspire others to embrace the beauty of diversity.
Being the only multicultural kid in her grade made it tough for her at school and left her without a role model, which motivated her to become one for others, the 17-year-old told Scripps News.
Colindres has been in the pageant world since age 8, and she was Miss Johns Creek Teen USA before competing for Miss Georgia Teen USA in June.
She recounted how her cousin’s participation in pageants sparked her interest in the activity, and after competing in her first, she fell absolutely in love with it.
Her favorite aspect of pageants, she said, is the voice and platform they provide, both of which can drive change.
“Pageants have helped me get out of my comfort zone and learn public speaking skills. I know how to face defeat with my head held high and learn how important it is to help my community,” she told Naluda Magazine.
After winning Miss Georgia Teen USA, she reiterated on Instagram, “As I step into this new journey I can only imagine the impact and history I am making. While I am doing this for myself now I am doing it for the 8 year old version of myself who always believed that some day I could be @missgateenusa, and to know that someday is now only makes me believe in myself even more so I can do it for her.”
Colindres, who noted in May that she plans to study Marine Biology at the University of Miami, has raised over $6,000 for environmental causes through her ambassador role with Let Oceans Live.
