In 1998, Stacey Kole Berra scored the prestigious title of Miss Arizona USA. The memorable and meaningful experience propelled Stacey’s nationwide speaking career and professional path in media.
"My journey has led me to the now- giving back to something that so powerfully impacted my life," said Stacey.
Stacey, wife to Rich Berra of the Johnjay & Rich Show, is the Executive Director of the Miss Arizona Scholarship Organization. Things have come full circle for the former beauty queen, now grooming girls to marry the importance of beauty-meets-brains.
“I have two teen sons, but every year I gain about 50 new daughters. It's a blessing to work with the girls and witness their journey unfold.”
Every year, Stacey spearheads Arizona’s state pageant program ultimately determining which young woman will snag the title and compete in the nationwide Miss America competition.
“At its heart, Miss America — and by extension, Miss Arizona — is a scholarship program. Millions of dollars and in-kind scholarships are awarded.”
About 50 girls combined go after the Miss Arizona and Miss Arizona Teen titles, and Stacey says she looks for women who are personable, teachable, and motivated. They unite in June for Arizona’s annual competition; the girls partake in interviews, perform talents, and rock the runway in ball gowns. Once someone is crowned Miss Arizona, she preps for the national Miss America Teen or Miss America competitions, and Stacey’s team helps polish their skills, guide their wardrobe choices, and empowers their involvement in community service.
“I remember my dad waking me up singing, ‘There She Is, Miss America.’ I think it was woven into my DNA to compete. In my freshman year of college, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, I won on my first try,” said Gabriella Heinz, 24-year-old Miss Paradise Valley.
Gabriella Heinz is representing Paradise Valley in June’s competition with the hope of landing the national title.
“When I began competing, I was living paycheck-to-paycheck with no plan to pay for college and virtually no professional skills. In my second competition year, I learned that the Miss Arizona Organization provided a full-ride scholarship to candidates that place in the top 5. I made it my mission to do just that - my future depended on it. Lo and behold, I scored the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. Now, I spend my time evolving a supportive community for young women titled 'She's Got Moxie.' Our goal is helping girls propel personal, professional, and financial power,” said Gabriella.
Gabriella credits people like Stacey for her exciting and fulfilling pageantry path and professional passions.
And Stacey credits her late father for being a guiding light.
“My dad was a world-famous illusionist named Andre Kole. He is best known for creating magical inventions and working with David Copperfield. (Yes, I know virtually all the secrets and was sawed in half all the time!) My ‘magic dad’ influenced me significantly on both his love of the stage and performing — which I implement every year when I produce the Miss Arizona three-night show — and he also impressed upon me the importance of faith. In a very real way, he charted the course of my life.”
Follow Gabriella on IG @missparadisevalleyaz
"Through competing, I earned a scholarship, graduated, and landed a dream
job. Now, I motivate women to do the same." -Gabriella Heinz, Miss Paradise Valley
