Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pageant all about?
The Miss Latina World Pageant system was founded to give Latinas from around the world a chance to shine. It also gives Latinas a chance to win money for college and at the same time pursue dreams of modeling & acting. Especially exciting is the opportunity to meet other young women with similar goals and interests while showing pride in your heritage.
I've heard of other "Latina" pageants, how is this one different?
The Miss Latina USA World Pageant, is the oldest and largest pageant exclusively for Latinas. International model, Dawn Rochelle Warner, founded the idea of a pageant only for Latinas. It is the only Latina pageant to be televised internationally and awards more cash and prizes than anyone else. In 2001 & 2002 the pageant system was acknowledged by Governor Jeb Bush, brother of the President of the United States. Don't be fooled by cheap imitators.
Who produces the pageants?
The pageant system is produced by DRP, a proven leader in the world of pageantry. Having been involved with pageants and modeling for over 20 years as a contestant, model, agent, and producer, Dawn Rochelle Warner herself is involved in every detail of the national pageant, making sure every contestant has an enjoyable experience and producing the highest quality pageant for Latinas that there is. A network of special directors hold preliminary pageants in their areas qualifying contestants for the national and international pageants.
Another pageant director told me you don't own the pageant name but she does. How can I check it out?
Since Dawn Rochelle Warner (Ramos) owns the Federally Registered Trademark Miss Latina USA / World, it is illegal for someone to use these names unless licensed by DRP. Click here for a list of licensed Preliminary Pageants. You can verify DRP's ownership of the mark at the United States Patent and Trademark office website. Companies who attempt to confuse you by using similar sounding names are unethical and should be avoided.
Where is Miss Latina World Pageant held?
The 2008 Pageant will be held in San Antonio, TX October, 2008.In the past the Miss Latina USA World Pageant has been held in Dallas, TX 1993-1999, San Antonio, TX 2000-2003 & 2005 and Las Vegas, NV 2003 & 2004. Ms Latina World has been held in South Beach, FL 2001-2003, Las Vegas 2004, San Antonio, TX 2005, Dallas, TX 2006, Las Vegas, NV 2007
How can I enter?
1. Preliminary Pageant:If there is a preliminary pageant in your area, you must first compete in that preliminary event. The winner of the preliminary will be sent to the international pageant by the preliminary director. Fees and paperwork will be handled by the preliminary director. Runners up are eligible to continue on to the international pageant, however, they will be an "At-Large" entry (see At-Large info below).
2. At Large Entry:You may enter the international pageant directly as an At Large delegate if there is not a preliminary in your area. You may choose the title you represent and are responsible for paying the deposit & sponsor fee yourself or finding sponsors to do so and you must complete and turn in paperwork.
Once at the international pageant all delegates will be treated equally. While there all delegates will visit local attractions, take part in parties, rehearsals and tapings for the televised pageant program.
Is there a fee to enter?
As with any competition, there is a deposit & sponsor fee. Sponsor fees may be paid by the contestant, family, friends or business sponsors. Sponsors will be recognized in the pageant magazine. You may have one sponsor or many different ones. If you are selected you will receive plenty of help with finding sponsors. A payment plan is available.
Why the fees?
The fees cover the cost of the pageant production and events, including the theater, choreographer, staff, production crew, sets, lights, sound, printing, special awards, prizes, airfare and lodging for the International Queens, judges and production staff, advertising, entertainment, etc.
If I do not compete can I get a refund?
No. It is our strict policy that all fees paid including, deposit/sponsor fees, advertising, tickets, merchandise are non refundable and non transferrable.
Do I need pageant or modeling experience?
No. The choreographer will work with each contestant during pageant week to make sure everyone is comfortable on stage. Dawn Rochelle Warner also holds an optional training camp the night before pageant events begin in order to teach new contestants and help experienced contestants brush up on their skills. Some contestants have a lot of experience and some have none at all. Some of our past titleholders entered many times before winning the crown, and some won on their first try.
Will I have to buy a lot of new clothes?
No. Casual clothes are worn for rehearsals. For your interview a nice dress or business suit. Your evening gown can be as simple or as fancy as you would like. Your swimsuit may be one or two piece, and must be solid color.
What are the prizes?
The Ms Latina World Pageant system awards more money for scholarships than any other Latin pageant. Each year thousands of dollars are awarded worldwide! The international prize package also includes, travel, a $2,500 Wardrobe Shopping Spree, jewelry, photoshoots, and an international Modeling Contract!
If I'm a runner-up at a preliminary pageant, can I attend Internationals?
Yes. As a preliminary runner-up you automatically become a qualified to participate in the international pageant. You may decide to attend the international pageant where you will be treated the same as the preliminary titleholders.
What if there is not a preliminary pageant close to where I live?
If there is no preliminary in your area you can enter directly to the international pageant as an At-Large delegate and represent your area.
I am a legal resident but not a US citizen, can I still enter?
Yes.
I was born in another country, can I represent that country in the Miss Latina World Pageant?
Possibly. If there is not a preliminary pageant in that country, and you are entering as an At-Large delegate you may enter the country you wish to represent as a title choice.
What is the pageant all about?
The Miss Latina World Pageant system was founded to give Latinas from around the world a chance to shine. It also gives Latinas a chance to win money for college and at the same time pursue dreams of modeling & acting. Especially exciting is the opportunity to meet other young women with similar goals and interests while showing pride in your heritage.
I've heard of other "Latina" pageants, how is this one different?
The Miss Latina USA World Pageant, is the oldest and largest pageant exclusively for Latinas. International model, Dawn Rochelle Warner, founded the idea of a pageant only for Latinas. It is the only Latina pageant to be televised internationally and awards more cash and prizes than anyone else. In 2001 & 2002 the pageant system was acknowledged by Governor Jeb Bush, brother of the President of the United States. Don't be fooled by cheap imitators.
Who produces the pageants?
The pageant system is produced by DRP, a proven leader in the world of pageantry. Having been involved with pageants and modeling for over 20 years as a contestant, model, agent, and producer, Dawn Rochelle Warner herself is involved in every detail of the national pageant, making sure every contestant has an enjoyable experience and producing the highest quality pageant for Latinas that there is. A network of special directors hold preliminary pageants in their areas qualifying contestants for the national and international pageants.
Another pageant director told me you don't own the pageant name but she does. How can I check it out?
Since Dawn Rochelle Warner (Ramos) owns the Federally Registered Trademark Miss Latina USA / World, it is illegal for someone to use these names unless licensed by DRP. Click here for a list of licensed Preliminary Pageants. You can verify DRP's ownership of the mark at the United States Patent and Trademark office website. Companies who attempt to confuse you by using similar sounding names are unethical and should be avoided.
Where is Miss Latina World Pageant held?
The 2008 Pageant will be held in San Antonio, TX October, 2008.In the past the Miss Latina USA World Pageant has been held in Dallas, TX 1993-1999, San Antonio, TX 2000-2003 & 2005 and Las Vegas, NV 2003 & 2004. Ms Latina World has been held in South Beach, FL 2001-2003, Las Vegas 2004, San Antonio, TX 2005, Dallas, TX 2006, Las Vegas, NV 2007
How can I enter?
1. Preliminary Pageant:If there is a preliminary pageant in your area, you must first compete in that preliminary event. The winner of the preliminary will be sent to the international pageant by the preliminary director. Fees and paperwork will be handled by the preliminary director. Runners up are eligible to continue on to the international pageant, however, they will be an "At-Large" entry (see At-Large info below).
2. At Large Entry:You may enter the international pageant directly as an At Large delegate if there is not a preliminary in your area. You may choose the title you represent and are responsible for paying the deposit & sponsor fee yourself or finding sponsors to do so and you must complete and turn in paperwork.
Once at the international pageant all delegates will be treated equally. While there all delegates will visit local attractions, take part in parties, rehearsals and tapings for the televised pageant program.
Is there a fee to enter?
As with any competition, there is a deposit & sponsor fee. Sponsor fees may be paid by the contestant, family, friends or business sponsors. Sponsors will be recognized in the pageant magazine. You may have one sponsor or many different ones. If you are selected you will receive plenty of help with finding sponsors. A payment plan is available.
Why the fees?
The fees cover the cost of the pageant production and events, including the theater, choreographer, staff, production crew, sets, lights, sound, printing, special awards, prizes, airfare and lodging for the International Queens, judges and production staff, advertising, entertainment, etc.
If I do not compete can I get a refund?
No. It is our strict policy that all fees paid including, deposit/sponsor fees, advertising, tickets, merchandise are non refundable and non transferrable.
Do I need pageant or modeling experience?
No. The choreographer will work with each contestant during pageant week to make sure everyone is comfortable on stage. Dawn Rochelle Warner also holds an optional training camp the night before pageant events begin in order to teach new contestants and help experienced contestants brush up on their skills. Some contestants have a lot of experience and some have none at all. Some of our past titleholders entered many times before winning the crown, and some won on their first try.
Will I have to buy a lot of new clothes?
No. Casual clothes are worn for rehearsals. For your interview a nice dress or business suit. Your evening gown can be as simple or as fancy as you would like. Your swimsuit may be one or two piece, and must be solid color.
What are the prizes?
The Ms Latina World Pageant system awards more money for scholarships than any other Latin pageant. Each year thousands of dollars are awarded worldwide! The international prize package also includes, travel, a $2,500 Wardrobe Shopping Spree, jewelry, photoshoots, and an international Modeling Contract!
If I'm a runner-up at a preliminary pageant, can I attend Internationals?
Yes. As a preliminary runner-up you automatically become a qualified to participate in the international pageant. You may decide to attend the international pageant where you will be treated the same as the preliminary titleholders.
What if there is not a preliminary pageant close to where I live?
If there is no preliminary in your area you can enter directly to the international pageant as an At-Large delegate and represent your area.
I am a legal resident but not a US citizen, can I still enter?
Yes.
I was born in another country, can I represent that country in the Miss Latina World Pageant?
Possibly. If there is not a preliminary pageant in that country, and you are entering as an At-Large delegate you may enter the country you wish to represent as a title choice.