Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a pageant director? Joen Romero-Martinez shared what it looks like to be a state director within the Miss Earth USA organization.
Keep reading to learn more about Joen:
Let's start with an easy one--introduce yourself. Share your name, your position, and a brief introduction.
My name is Joen Romero-Martinez, I am a real estate agent, plus the state director for Miss Arizona Earth including Teen & Junior Ambassador programs. I am the founder, CEO and director of DIVO Academy, a pageant development center with the vision of integral beauty to inspire.
What are 3 fun facts about you?
I am originally from Venezuela, born in Miranda state which has generated several Miss Venezuelas and one Miss Universe. I am known as the DIVO of Beauty thanks to my unique pageant coach-director-producer style. I have 14 godchildren, ranging from ages 5 and 36.
What is your experience in the pageant industry? How did you get started?
I have been both state and national director, judge, coach and producer. I started in 2015 as chair for a non-profit gala fundraiser. The marketing coordinator, who has been involved in pageants for a long time, invited me to judge three regional pageants under the Miss Arizona America organization. Weeks later, I was also judging Miss Arizona Latina. After a couple of years serving as judge, I became a state director by invitation, and the rest is history.
What piqued your interest in becoming a pageant director?
The ability to showcase my creativity, from the moment I recruit the contestants to the very end of each event, to put my vision in motion. I most enjoy allowing them to make a dream come true and have an experience of a lifetime. It is quite powerful to be able to make that happen the satisfaction is priceless. I feel pageantry in general is under-appreciated, but I still believe the powerful effect that allows all the girls, young women and women to be the best version of themselves is simply beautiful.
What are some of your tasks when it comes to preparing for a pageant?
Recruiting is crucial to make a whole production come to life, selecting the venue, producing the event, choosing the right team to ensure the vision comes together, promoting, drafting the script for the event, building the run-of-show, bringing sponsors on board, and much more. It looks like just glam and glitz, but this list shows you a lot of the behind the scenes hard work. The preparation the contestants have to go through is also a lot. It is a labor of love!
What does your day typically look like?
HA! I never have the same type of day, never. The thing with me is I am multi talented and my mind does not stop, and with the connections I have been able to create with pageantry, community involvement and my passion for all I do, I wear a few invisible crowns of my own. Right now my focus is on aligning the growth of my pageant development business (DIVO Academy) along with Miss Arizona Earth. I think the timing is perfect for me to take both to the next level. All of this is one of the reasons I became a residential real estate agent, with the goal to self finance my beauty pageant and coaching businesses.
Give us a behind-the-scenes preview--what does the day of a pageant look like?
More than likely, pageant day is a LONG journey. Get up around 5:00 AM, get my caffeine, do some stretching, eat a light breakfast. Then show up to the venue at 8:00 AM, greet team and contestants, meeting to go over run-of show, rehearsals, sound/light check, dress rehearsal, lunch, hair & make-up, curtains up, show goes live, coronation, photos, clean up venue, get home midnight if you're lucky.
What is your favorite part about being a pageant director?
The ability to witness so many dreams come true, whether it is winning or growing through the experience. When I see the confidence these amazing humans gain, I feel my job is done. I can only hope my dedication to them during this journey leaves a positive impact to be used in any capacity in their lives. Another thing I love is how some of the girls call me pageant dad. These individuals become a chosen family, and the pageant dad vibes make me happy.
What kind of communication and coordination is involved with sponsors, vendors, and venue management?
Tons of emails, texts and phone calls. To me it is very important to work face to face at the beginning. There is nothing like connecting eye-to-eye so the vision is understood. I am a people person so live meetings for me are key.
Can you share any memorable or unique experiences you've had while working as a pageant director?
Traveling. The traveling is one thing I love. Pageants take you all over the country and the world. One unforgettable memory that comes to mind is walking the Great Wall of China. I never imagined I would be there and experience such a powerful place with so much history I'll never forget that. I'm not gonna lie, being able to always have winners and/or top 5 finalists is quite remarkable.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role as a pageant director, and how do you overcome them?
For me, as a "one man show," the hardest challenge has been finances to be able to perhaps provide scholarship and other "prizes" to the girls. That's one of the reasons I'm creating a non-profit organization that will allow me to obtain that support. I have a lot of faith in this particular moment with the Miss Earth USA organization. Not only is the pageant part of one of the most recognized programs across the world, also our leadership team is fierce! Fantastic things are happening for all of us involved.
What personal qualities or skills do you believe are essential for a successful pageant director, and how have they helped you in your role?
Communication skills, creativity, business mindset, transparency, team work, consistency. Without these elements I believe anyone would be doing themselves and the pageant a disservice.
How do you manage and coordinate all the different aspects of organizing a pageant, such as contestant registration, rehearsals, and event logistics?
It is day to day work, with a lot of data to store and review constantly, all eyes on deck! You have to assign roles to your team, whether they are volunteers or your closest supporters, in order to not be overwhelmed. Meetings are a must always.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being a pageant director?
We all have different talents, visions and goals. I hope we can come together as directors more often in supporting different systems. There is room for all of us in different ways, and our togetherness can only impact our beauty queens in a positive way to follow the same path. Thank you, Joel, for sharing a glimpse into your life as a state director in the Miss Earth USA organization! How can you become involved as a state director? You can learn more about our team and contact us about leadership opportunities here.
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