BelTiFi, Inc.

Name: Kathleen LeBlanc

Age: 24

Where you're from: Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but I currently reside in Mount Vernon, NY.

One word that describes you: Tenacious

BTF: Let's jump right into it, how does it feel to be a young Haitian-American woman in the Beauty Pageant scene?

KL: It feels wonderful! I am proud and happy to know that I have the ability to represent and connect two cultures and languages together. I actually developed my own concept of women's empowerment and brought it to Haiti this past summer. The young women I encountered really touched my heart and enjoyed my program. Being Haitian-American made that goal more tangible for me.

BTF: As everyone can tell you have beautiful natural hair, does that affect you in competitions?

KL: Why thank you!! Stepping into the pageant world, many people questioned me about how I would style my hair. Some asked me to get a weave or wear a wig but my hair is me! I want to prove to the judges that I and my hair are qualified for the crown. At first I thought that it might work against me but instead, the judges of the Miss Westchester 2012 pageant loved my afro and stance to embrace your individuality and I won 2nd runner up! I don't know how open minded the judges will be at the state level but I hope they see past my hair.

BTF: Participating in Beauty Pageants may seem unconventional to most traditional Haitians, how has your family responded to your participation in pageants?

KL: Oh boy! (sigh) My mother was not a happy camper and made sure I knew that she wanted absolutely no part in my journey. My father called to ask me "when are you going to stop wasting your time? Go back to school and chase your dreams later." From May through September was one of the most difficult times in my life because I felt as though it was enough pressure to run my campaign and represent myself on a daily basis to the outside world but there was a lack of support and even more pressure at home. After winning third place in the Miss Westchester 2012 pageant, I won my mother's support as well because now she tells everyone she knows and meets, "my daughter is going to be Miss New York." I am not sure about how my father feels but I know that he was very proud of me that night.

BTF: Some people feel that pageants put too much emphasis on outer beauty, how do you feel about this?

KL: I used to think that pageants were all about beauty and big boobs until I did my research. I can honestly say that there is more of an emphasis on the total package and not necessarily outer beauty. The judges want you to prove that you have confidence in speech, poise and physique. They want to know why they should put the crown on your head and not the girl next to you. You could be the prettiest girl there but if when asked a question you seem unsure of yourself and slouch in your seat you automatically lose points. It's about being fabulous and fierce with beauty and brains.

BTF: Do You think that Beauty Pageants such as Miss Videomax and the pageants you participate in would help young girls in Haiti?

KL: I do not know too much about Miss Videomax so I can only speak for the pageants that I have competed in. I am not sure that pageant competitions are what young girls in Haiti need right now because they are costly. Personally, I would focus on unity and a general goal to help them strive and rebuild together. This is where you and I come in.

BTF: Last but not least, what makes you a BelTiFi?

KL: I am a BelTiFi because I am a beautiful (inside and out), tenaciously talented Haitian-American woman who strives to make the women around her their best.