El Paso native Marissa Teijo, 71, made history over the weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
The Miss Texas USA pageant, a preliminary competition for Miss USA, was held last weekend at the Hilton Post Oak Hotel in Houston. The winner of Miss Texas USA will represent the state in the Miss USA pageant, and the winner of Miss USA will represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant.
One contestant in particular caught the attention of the entire nation: Teijo.
71-year-old Miss Texas contestant ‘chases dreams’
Although she didn’t win the Miss Texas USA pageant, she said competing against 100 other women motivated her to pursue her dreams. “It’s not too late,” Teijo said in an email.
“I feel like all women are now entering a new phase of opportunity, strength and beauty,” she said.
Teijo, who was born and raised in El Paso, said she is excited to inspire El Pasoans and Texans of all ages to break down barriers in their areas of interest.
The Miss Universe organization this year removed age restrictions for contestants vying for the crown and instituted more inclusive rules, allowing contestants to marry, become pregnant or get divorced. The organization has come under intense scrutiny in recent months since Miss USA and Miss Teen USA stepped down in May. But Teijo isn’t worried.
Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models, which represents Teijo, said her company is proud to represent a diverse group of women, including seven young women from El Paso who competed in the pageant.
“I represent women of all body types, ages and races, and I’m excited to support these women who inspire me every day as leaders as we prepare our team to compete in the Miss Texas pageant,” she said before the competition.
Who will win Miss Texas 2024?
Last year’s Miss Dallas winner, Aleanna Ware, was crowned Miss Texas USA on Saturday. Ware will represent Texas at the Miss USA pageant in Hollywood, California, on August 4.
Which state has produced the most Miss USA winners?
According to Pageant Planet, Texas has produced more Miss USA winners than any other state. Ten Texas queens have won national titles. California comes in second with six former titleholders, while New York, Hawaii and Illinois each have four titleholders.
USA TODAY staff writer Maria Cortez Gonzalez contributed to this report.
