Ligaya Sanchez-Wilson grew up watching beauty pageants unfold on her television screen.

Today she’s one of six young women in the running to become Miss Bermuda 2015.

The 24-year-old said the pageant process had so far been a dream come true.

“There is so much more to these events than just the glitz and glamour of pageantry,” she explained. “It’s about giving back. It’s about inspiring others, not only in Bermuda, but all over the world.

“It’s about bringing people together, and exploring our talents in ways that contribute to the social and economic advancement of our community. It’s about being a voice and a role model for young women everywhere, to follow their dreams and reach the very highest of their potential.”

Miss Sanchez-Wilson, a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, is confident she can be have a positive influence on others.

Growing up in a biracial and multicultural household, she benefited from being educated in both Bermuda and the Philippines.

The experience taught her how to interact with individuals from all walks of life. It also showed her that the sky was the limit in terms of what she could accomplish.

One of the proudest moments of her life so far came when she got to pay her first bill out of her own paycheque.

“It may seem like something trivial, and perhaps a task most people do habitually every month. But for a newly baptised wage earner like me, it was the highlight of my entrance into adulthood,” she said. “With the capacity for financial independence and a newfound sense of responsibility, I am happy to finally be in a position where I can give back to my parents, who worked so hard to get me this far.”

Miss Sanchez-Wilson said she’s been inspired by a host of women in her life.

Her grandmother, who taught her to stand up straight and display poise and grace in everything she does; and her mother, who encouraged her to speak up for herself.

“My mom gave me the voice of logic and reason; and most of my self confidence, I owe to her,” Miss Sanchez-Wilson said.

“She would make acronyms out of everyday words to help me stay focused on my goals. She would always tell me to believe in myself and never let anyone tell me what I can or cannot do.

“I can’t imagine who I’d be without the love and encouragement of my mom. Without her, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.”

Her two other role models? Kalmar Richards, the principal at CedarBridge Academy, and Dame Pamela Gordon Banks, the Island’s first and youngest woman to be named Premier.

Miss Sanchez-Wilson plans to eventually get more involved in the public sector. She has already been accepted to pursue her MBA at the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University.

In the meantime she’s been thoroughly enjoying the pageant process. She’s already had opportunities to build good friendships, develop her character and become more well-rounded.

“I know the memories and camaraderie shared with my fellow candidates is something that will always resonate with me,” she said.

“But most importantly, the strength, perseverance, and confidence I will gain are traits that will forever become the foundation of the woman I strive to be.”

If crowned Miss Bermuda she wants to challenge some of the negative stereotypes surrounding pageants of this kind. She also wants to encourage women of all different “looks, shapes and sizes” to participate in these events.

“It’s time we acknowledged the true essence of a beauty queen,” she said. “It is the complete package of intellect, vision, and ability, coupled with the eagerness to lead and the resolve to see it through.

“It’s time we showed the world that Bermuda is not just a charming tourist destination, but the home of gifted artists, eloquent speakers, and brilliant leaders. We are a melting pot of nationalities that make us Bermudian, yet in this day and age, issues like racism still manage to break us apart.

“Domestic issues like same-sex marriage, freedom of information and gang-related violence have rocked our country. As a potential Miss Bermuda, and a member of the younger generation, I feel obligated to play an active role in the resolution of these issues.”

Useful website: www.missbermuda.bm