Tell us a little about yourself, your family and educational background.
My name is Thatiana Diaz and I am from New York City. I was born to Dominican parents, my mother, who works as a Senior Account Executive for an IT company, and my father, who is a business owner. I have one younger brother, who is only two years younger. I am a senior Communications Major at Pace University, am weeks away to earn my degree in hopes to become an editor for a magazine in the future. My passions include writing, being an editor for my university’s newspaper, interning and of course, pageantry.
What prompted you to compete in beauty pageants?
When I was younger, my mom didn't like the fact that I was a tomboy and that I was too shy so my modeling school suggested that she have me participate in pageants. She signed me up to compete for Miss New York Teen USA and I ended up falling in love with pageants during the competition weekend, I won and then went on to compete at the Miss Teen USA Pageant where I made Top 15.
How does it feel being Miss Dominican Republic U.S. 2013?
It’s an amazing feeling to be Miss Dominican Republic U.S 2013 because I get to represent not only the country I’ve lived in all my life, but also my culture. There are millions of Dominicans in the United States and to be able to represent them all is an honor. I love the opportunity this title is giving me in connecting to my roots and my culture to another level.
List three adjectives that best describe you.
Three adjectives that best describe me are ambitious, funny, and simple. I am always eagerly desirous of achieving my dreams and I really put my effort into all of them whether it be becoming the next Miss Universe, becoming a future editor, or graduating from college on the dean’s list. At the same time, I enjoy making people laugh— many people would say I’m a goofball, I also am simple in that I love everything in my life to be nothing too elaborated or complicated from my jewelry to my sandwich to my pageant dresses.
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Name one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses.
One of my strengths is my desire to know more. I never let myself be curious or uneducated on a topic and if I don’t know something, I always pull out my phone or laptop quickly and search it on Google. It really has helped me stay informed of what’s going on around the world and kept me growing in knowledge. One of my weaknesses is how hard I am on myself. It’s important to expect greatness from yourself but it’s also important to understand that not everything can be done and also, sometimes you need help.
You were born in the States. Do you consider yourself American first and Dominican second, or vice versa?
I consider myself to be bi-cultural. I am a proud citizen of the United States but I live the Dominican culture with my family. I speak English and watch American television but I also speak Spanish and celebrate Dominican holidays.
You did internship for Vogue. How was it like?
Interning for Vogue was an eye-opening experience that gave me very thick skin. It was a very hands-on internship in which you learn to be quick and also knowledgeable of the fashion world. I was running from designers like Oscar de la Renta to Jimmy Choo. I left that internship able to name any designer and tell you the difference between five different types of blue.
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Do you think that beauty queens should be obliged to be role models especially to girls and young women?
I think that when you choose to compete in pageants, you choose to take on the role of becoming a role model, the same way a politician takes on the same role when choosing to run for office. As a title holder or contestant, you have a spotlight on you and what you choose to do under it is up to each individual but I think it’s important they are role models, especially since young girls look up to you.
Who is the woman you admire most and why?
The woman I admire most is my mother, the true representation of the American Dream. She started off as a receptionist at a job and with determination and the desire to learn more, she is now an executive on Wall Street. She has really worked hard for my brother and I as a single mother and I really admire her every day for the amazing work she does.
What would constitute a "perfect" evening for you?
A perfect evening for me is a night out in New York City. I love to walk around this city and see all that it has to offer, from the parks to the Broadway plays to the people. It being the city that never sleeps, I know I can walk around all night with no worries.
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Would you ever hire someone who has had a serious criminal past?
I would hire someone who has had a serious criminal past because I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. I believe people can always learn from their actions. This individual served their time and should be given the chance to start over.
If you woke up tomorrow and gained any one ability or quality, what would you want it to be and why?
One ability or freedom I would like to have would be to be able to eat anything and everything and not gain weight or get cellulite. LOL!
What is your most treasured memory?
My most treasured memory is my sixteenth birthday. This was the first and only time I had all of family from everywhere together with all of my closest friends. We were also in the best place to vacation— Disney World. It was truly magical to be able to be with everyone I love in a place I could never forget.
What is your opinion on cosmetic surgery?
I support cosmetic surgery if it helps a person gain confidence and feel better, also, as long as their life is not at risk and it is not to look like someone else.
How do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I see myself as a former Miss Universe being an editor for a well-known magazine living in New York City.
Thatiana's Favorites:
Singer/Musician – Coldplay
Actor – Will Smith
Actress – Rachel McAdams
Color – Light Blue
Fashion Designer – Oscar de la Renta
Beauty Queen - Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011
Cologne – Romance by Ralph Lauren
Sport - Basketball
Flower – Lily
Writer – Junot Diaz
Book – "Catcher in the Rye"
Reality Show – "The Hills"
Movie – "The Devil Wears Prada"
Proverb – "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Special thanks to Catherine Laboy, VP of Operations, Dominican Beauties USA, for facilitating this interview.
Special thanks to Catherine Laboy, VP of Operations, Dominican Beauties USA, for facilitating this interview.