ANNA WARD was the U.S.representative to the Miss International 2005 pageant held in Japan last September. She also had the privilege to compete in Miss Mesoamerica International and World Coffee Queen 2005 pageants last December in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Springs, where she won the Miss Congeniality award. This American beauty would love to travel all over the world; it is her greatest wish and we are sure she will be able to fulfill it. Anna hails from the birthplace of the Miss Universe pageant - Long Beach, California - where she grew up along with her family. At 15, she participated in her first pageant with her best friend. Anna has competed in ten beauty pageants.
After speaking a few minutes with Anna, one automatically acquires a sense of solidarity with this blue-eyed blonde. She speaks from the heart and she has a cute sense of humor, and she makes you feel like an old friend. Thank you, Anna, for giving us the honor and the pleasure to know you!
What were your reasons for competing in Miss International and Miss Mesoamerica International?
I wanted to travel to every single country in the world, so competing in Miss International and Miss Mesoamerica International was a great opportunity to travel and meet such nice, beautiful women from around the world.
Tell us something about your family, your chilhood and your experience in beauty pageants.
I am extremely close with my family. My parents are my best friends. I grew up in Long Beach, California and I entered my first pageant when I was 15 years old. I have now competed in 10 pageants total.
What is your motto and why
My motto is to live a life full of adventure and to have no regrets. I think life has so much to offer and that you should experience as much as you can and do everything you are passionate about.
Some people argue that pageants are degrading to women. What do you say and why?
I think people who believe that statement are uneducated about pageants and have only one small piece of information. Pageants have given me the opportunity to travel the world, make lifelong friends, increase my global awareness and understanding, increase my confidence, and improve my public speaking skills.
What makes you happy and why?
Living my life with passion makes my happy. I love my job as a textile analyst for U.S. Customs. I have a loving and supportive family, the best of friends, and an amazingly kind, sexy boyfriend.
Who is you best friend and why?
Casey Burns, Miss USA at Miss Earth in 2002, is my best friend. We have been friends since we were 15 years old. We met in high school and competed in our first pageant together. We always have things to talk about and have fun wherever we are!
What is your favorite cartoon?
I haven't watched cartoons in awhile, but growing up it was anything on the Disney Channel: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, etc.
What is in your bag right now?
In my bag I have my cell phone, pink wallet, Prada glasses, Versace sunglasses, lipstick, powder, a mirror, mints, a pen, and a brush.
How do you define beauty in your country?
My country, the USA, has such a diverse ethnic population that everyone is beautiful and unique. There shouldn't be just one standard of beauty.
Who is the most powerful woman living today and why?
For me, Oprah Winfrey is the most powerful woman. She is such a great example of a woman who had a difficult childhood, rose above it, and is now one of the wealthiest, most successful, powerful people on earth. I also really admire her humanitarian and charity work.
Tell something about your experiences in Miss International and Miss Mesoamerica International?
Miss International was in Japan last year. We learned traditional Japanese dancing, participated in a Tea Ceremony, and learned Zen meditation at a Buddhist Temple. At Miss Mesoamerica International in Guatemala I won Miss Simpatia (Congeniality) which was such an honor and one of my happiest moments.
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be and why?
I wouldn't change anything about myself because I really love and accept who I am in every way.
What is the best experience of your life?
The best experience of my life was graduating from the university and then getting to travel and compete in these pageants and make life-long friends.
If you could change one thing about beauty pageants, what would it be?
I would change people's attitudes towards them. I would want people to see how great they are and what fabulous opportunities they give women.
If you had the opportunity to meet a famous beauty queen, what would you ask her and why?
I would ask her what she is doing to help and improve the lives of the people of her country and the world. I think volunteerism and charity work is so important.
If you could change one thing about beauty pageants, what would it be?
I would change people's attitudes towards them. I would want people to see how great they are and what fabulous opportunities they give women.
ANNA'S FAVORITES Word - fabulous Hobbies - shopping, movies, music, pilates,
dancing, traveling
Movie - "Moulin Rouge" "Clueless," and "Gone with the Wind"
Actor - Denzel Washington
Actress - Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman
Song - "Ignition Remix" by R. Kelly
Singer - Justin Timberlake and The Beatles
Book - Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Author - Sophie Kinsella
Meal - Pancakes or Pizza
Fruit - Pineapple
Day - Sunday
Month - June
Name - Lucy or Daisy for a girl, Gabriel for a boy
Miss USA - Ali Landry
Miss Universe - Jennifer Hawkins of Australia
Miss World - Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia of Peru
Miss Earth - Winnie Omwakwe of Kenya
Miss International - Precious Lara Quigaman of the Philippines
By Héctor Colón González
PITOY MORENO FASHION SHOW
ANNA WARD | NO CHANCE FOR MISS FRANCE | MAGAZINE