Name: Shruti Kansara
Graduation Year: 2018
Major/Minor: International Business: CIS and Applied Analytics concentration/French and international affairs minor
Hometown: Navsari, India
Bryant Involvement: Her Campus Editor, Love Your Melon P.R. Officer, Bryant Phonathon Mentor, Student Senate Ways and Means Committee Member
Favorite thing about Bryant: I love our campus. It’s a beautiful university and the small campus size allows students to build a community.
HC: Tell us a little bit about the Miss Rhode Island Pageant?
SK: The Miss Rhode Island (MRI) Pageant is the preliminary pageant in this state for the Miss America pageant. Contestants are eligible to apply based on residence, education, or employment in the state of Rhode Island. The Miss America organization provides scholarships to empower young women through higher education. MRI is a non-profit organization and is run by a team of incredibly kind and knowledgeable volunteers who dedicate their own time and services to the pageant.
HC: How did you get involved?
SK: The event coordinator, Joseph Neri, spoke about MRI at a Her Campus meeting in late March. I was skeptical at first, but the more I researched the program, the more I realized the validity and importance of their mission. I submitted an application and was fortunate enough to win the local title, allowing me to compete on a statewide level.
HC: What has your favorite part been so far?
SK: I’ve loved getting to meet all the amazing women who are a part of this program. Although I was apprehensive about diving into something completely new, these women have helped me every step of the way, from driving me to meetings to helping me find the perfect swimsuit. The current Miss Rhode Island, Ivy DePew, has answered every single questions I had about the program without ever making me feel like a burden. As an ardent feminist, it makes me so happy to see women empowering women. I hope that I am able to keep in touch with these amazing women because I know all of them are going to continue to do great things in the future.
HC: What are some of the things you will be judged on during the pageant?
SK: The judging for this pageant is split up into several categories. The first part is the interview, which takes place the day before the pageant. All fourteen contestants have a private interview before a panel of 7 judges, worth 25% of the final score. On the day of the pageant, we are asked on-stage questions that pertain to the questions in our interview, for 5%. The next part (possibly the most nerve-wracking) is the lifestyle and fitness/swimsuit portion, which has a weight of 15%. The largest section is the talent portion, worth 35%. For my talent, I’m playing a classical piano piece. Finally, the evening wear portion ends the pageant at 20%.
HC: Why should Bryant students get involved?
SK: I encourage Bryant’s female students to get involved with this program because Bryant is one of MRI’s sponsors and contestants can win a Bryant scholarship. Also, Bryant students are frequently reminded of the importance of connections. In the month that I’ve been with this program, I’ve met so many people who have done incredible things. Former Miss Rhode Island Allison Rogers has taken her “Go Green” platform and achieved so much success, including working with the U.S. House of Representatives to reduce energy waste at the Capitol. Many of the board members have their own experiences to share as well. Having to opportunity to learn from them has been extremely rewarding.
HC: Any advice for future Miss Rhode Island Pageant contestants?
SK: Don’t be afraid to try something new. A year ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of entering a beauty pageant. I’m so glad that I decided to apply for this program because I’ve already gotten so much out of it. Remember to have fun with it. As the board often tells us, “You’re only competing with yourself.” View it as a learning opportunity and don’t let yourself get caught up in any competition. Work on yourself and your community and you’ll be happier for it.
Please come to the pageant at Rhode Island College on May 30th, 5:00 pm!
*Photo courtesy of Daniel Gagnon Photography.