Miss Borinquen Princess Roxette Burgos & Borinquen Queen Zulmary Cruz

The Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY Association is pleased to announce the 2015 Miss Borinquen of WNY Latina Leadership Pageant winners. The pageant took place Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the Theatre of Youth and included 9 participants who competed after completing the award-winning leadership development program component which included seminars and community service.

The 2015 Miss Borinquen Queen is Zulmary Cruz

Zulmary is 17 years old and entering her senior year in September at Mount Mercy Academy in the City of Buffalo. She enjoys writing poetry, running and reading. Zulmary also won the Talent Award for her vocal rendition of Eddie James’ song, “I Love You Lord”. Zulmary plans to attend college to become a Physician Assistant. As the Miss Borinquen Queen, Zulmary takes home a $2,000.00 College Scholarship among other prizes.

The Miss Borinquen Princess is Roxette Burgos

Roxette is 16 years old and entering her junior year at Hutch Tech High School. She loves to read and write. Roxette enjoys riding her bike and spending time with her family. Roxette plans to attend college and aspires to become an Electrical Engineer. As The Miss Borinquen Princess, Roxette will be awarded a $1,000.00 College Scholarship.

The community also enjoys the Miss Coqui Pageant comprised of girls ages 5-7. This year, our Miss Coqui winner is Arianna Young Quinones. Arianna is 5 years old and attends King Center Charter School. She will be entering 1^st grade this coming September.

“We are excited about the new Miss Borinquen Queen and Princess and look forward to them working within the community over the next year”, said Gloria Hernandez, Chair of the Miss Borinquen Committee. “The entire class should be congratulated because each of the girls made it through the rigorous program and put their best efforts into it.” The program includes a challenging curriculum provided to help build well rounded role models for our community, prepare them to take on leadership roles and prepare them to be successful in their educational accomplishments, careers and life. The leadership development program series began in April and focused on developing personal, social, educational and

economic development skills, and other issues vital to their long-term success. They heard from professionals in the private sector, business development specialists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, college professors, community activists, government executives, and local elected officials.

Beyond the seminars, Miss Borinquen of WNY offers mentors for each young lady, the opportunity to develop life-long friendships and support in developing an individual plan for future success. The participants are selected in a highly competitive process that involves a formal application and in-person interview. The Miss Borinquen committee consists of women in both the public and private sector who volunteer their time to the program. If you are interested in learning more about the program, visit www.MissBorinquenWNY.org.

The Miss Borinquen Leadership Develop Pageant is a subcommittee of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY Association.