Nikki Behjat Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Nikki Behjat is passionate about representation, an animator, and the current Miss Red Rock. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Nikki Behjat visits Section 36!

Why did you decide to try for a local title?

My friend Naree was a part of the competition last year, and I thought it was amazing to see someone of a similar cultural background as me be a part of a pageant! I also wanted to do something out of my comfort zone and find a new way to spread a message I’ve always been passionate about!

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Red Rock?

The biggest surprise I’ve had are the friendships I’ve made in the Miss Nevada Organization! I was very fortunate to have felt very welcomed by the other titleholders, and have now made some of my closest friends! 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your remaining time as Miss Red Rock?

I hope to have a chance to visit some schools and share some books with diverse stories!  

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Representation Matters”?

Growing up as the daughter of Iranian immigrants and also being a practicing Muslim, I had little to no representation in tv shows or movies. That’s why I started “Representation Matters”, to help educate others on underrepresented communities because sharing diverse stories can help marginalized groups feel seen, heard, and validated, and also help combat negative stereotypes!

You’re currently studying animation at The School of Visual Arts. Where do you see that field taking you?

My goals are to become a director for an animated movie or tv show in the future! I’ve always enjoyed directing different aspects of my short films and collaborating with so many talented people! 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I absolutely love walking! I usually go for a walk in the evening with my dog since the heat in Vegas can sometimes be brutal, and I also enjoy the view!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would have to choose Belle! She’s always been my favorite Disney Princess since I was 3, and I love how she is confident and comfortable being herself and never judges a book by its cover. I also think it would be fun to explore an enchanted castle with animated objects!

If you had an extra ticket to a Las Vegas Aviators baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would have to take one of my good friends Alexandra! She’s been one of my closest friends since we were in middle school, and whenever we’re in town back from college we often watch movies or try new activities together, so I would definitely have to take her!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I think it would be fun to throw the opening pitch or be a part of the field in some way! I’ve heard of many title holders and celebrities throwing the first pitch in a baseball game, so I think that would be a fun thing to try it out in the future!

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So many great on-field opportunities out there

As always, I want to thank Nikki for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Nikki during the rest of her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Nikki, and good luck!

Alexia Roberts Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Alexia Roberts is passionate about ending human trafficking, a talented performing artist, and the current Miss Red Rock. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Alexia Roberts visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Red Rock crown?

When I obtained my title back in February, I immediately started working on my action plan for the year. My mom and I went straight to Victoria Claires and picked out several outfits for a debut photoshoot. Some of the pictures from the photoshoot were published in Dreamy Magazine. 

What is your strongest memory from the recent Miss Nevada competition?

Night 1 of the competition was very vivid for me. After my

social impact pitch, I was asked a question about diversity in the Miss America Organization. I mentioned how seeing Caressa Cameron as a young girl inspired me during a time when I was actively being bullied for being African American. I also mentioned how Emma Broyles making history as the first Korean American Miss America will have the same impact on another young girl. I remember seeing the audience cheering and feeling so grateful that I had a chance to share my story and my love for the Miss America organization on stage.  I also got to talk to four former Miss Nevada’s after the awards ceremony, so it was truly an incredible night.

 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Red Rock?  

I aimed to speak to 100 people about human trafficking and coercion during my year of service. The only way to spark prevention is through education the community.  I recently spoke at the African American student ‘Overachievers’ event at UNLV where I was able to talk about some of the warning signs. I have also worked with several human trafficking reform organizations in Las Vegas such as ‘Be-a-shero.” I have already agreed to interview with another human trafficking social media page later this year and I’m happy to say that I have nearly reached this goal! 

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “ThehealthofourHumanity”?

I was 16 when I was waiting for my mom to pick me up from a mall. Later, I was approached by a stranger who asked me strand of random questions and then asked me if I needed a ride to a destination that was only a crosswalk away. I declined and found out a year later from a girl I knew at my local dance academy that her friend was nearly put into a white van at the same complex. I have worked to spread awareness about the current scams that traffickers are using through social media and community service work. It’s been two years since I created my SII, and It’s been such a rewarding experience to talk to so many young women who have survived abuse and trafficking. One of my favorite stories was from a freed woman who told me she created her own ministry and wrote a book about her journey to find peace.

 

As a talented performing artist, what do you enjoy most about sharing your talent on stage?

My favorite part of onstage performances is getting to see the immediate response from  audience. I played Queen Margaret from the Shakespearean play King Henry. My performance was inspired by Angelica Houston from the film “Ever After.” She was cruel to her stepdaughter (Drew Barrymore) out of jealously which is one of the leading reasons Queen Margaret is seething during the monologue. I enjoyed being able to travel back in time and transform myself into a completely different character. I was very grateful to hear a lot of positive feedback from other people. 

 

You were able to appear in a couple episodes of “Two Degrees” on Brick TV. What was that experience like?

I filmed in Los Angeles back in September and I worked alongside Vanessa Estelle Williams (New Jack City) Miguel A Nunez (The Family Business) and Tico Wells (The Five Heartbeats ) The premiere was at a cinema in Los Angeles, and it was the first time I saw my face on the big screen! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

This is a difficult question, because I find myself relating with so many childhood favorites! However, I’d like to be Jim Hawkins from “Treasure Planet.” He is a thrill-seeking adventurer from a small town. Throughout the film, he goes through a self-transformation and discovers that there is more inside of himself than searching for riches and fame. Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, I found myself relating with Jim. Sometimes we can become so wrapped up in our objectives, that we forget how short life is and that we need to find little ways to enjoy the blessings inside of every new day.  I also relate because I love to travel and haven’t lost my own sense of adventure. 

 

If you had an extra ticket to a Las Vegas Aviators baseball game, who would you take with you? Why? 

My older brother used to play baseball along with other sports in high school, so I’d take him! I would need someone who would be able to explain in detail what is going on during the game. I also know that I’d have a lot of fun with him because he’s one of my best friends. 

 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’ve always wanted to make the first official pitch in a game. That has always been the most exciting part for me to watch. I’ll have to get someone to teach me one day so I can take this off my bucket list!

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That does sound like fun! 

As always, I want to thank Alexia for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Alexia continues her time as Miss Red Rock, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram, as well as the one for her SII. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

Thanks again Alexia, and good luck!

Myrra Dvorak Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Myrra Dvorak is passionate about reducing plastic use, a talented singer, and the current Miss Red Rock. I was so excited that she agreed to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more! 

So, let's see what happens when Myrra Dvorak visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Red Rock crown? 

When I won my first crown, I celebrated by eating ice cream and calling my mom to share the exciting news. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Red Rock competition 

Throughout my time as Miss Red Rock, I have learned a lot about myself and what kind of mark I want to leave in the world. When I go into Miss Nevada in 2021, I like to think I will have a really good understanding of who I am and how I am going to share that with others. 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Red Rock? 

While serving as Miss Red Rock, I hope to continue sharing my passion for service with others. One way I like to stay involved in my community is by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's every November. It is a great way to come together with friends and family while also raising money for a great cause. This year, Miss Las Vegas and I are co-captaining a team and hope to raise $5,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Imperfect Minimalism for an Imperfect World”? 

I fell in love with my social impact when I realized how easy it really can be to reduce the amount of plastic I use on a day to day basis by thinking ahead and investing in sturdy reusable products. It brings me great joy to know that I am not only doing what I can to reduce my personal footprint, but sharing the message of sustainability with others so they can engage in mindful practices, too. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy about performing on stage? 

Singing on stage makes me feel powerful and free. Though public speaking gives me the absolute jitters, there is something so calming to me about singing my heart out to a song I really love and relate to. To me, it isn't about hitting the right notes or getting everything perfect; instead, it is about feeling the emotion behind the music, and I try to bring that to every piece I perform. 

What is your personal fitness routine? 

Quarantine and preparation for the Nevada Bar Exam has made my exercise routine pretty non-existent, but I always take a walk every night to make sure I get some steps in and get my blood pumping a little bit. I also stretch and do yoga to help me feel centered when preparing for a stressful day. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

If I could be a Disney character for a week, I would want to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid! My favorite place in the world is the beach and I have always dreamed of being a mermaid. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Cubs game, who would you bring with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to a Cubs game, I am bringing my dad, who was born and raised in Chicago, IL. After the game, we would celebrate with a classic deep-dish pizza. Yum!

Is there a feature or activity at Wrigley Field that you’d especially like to experience? 

I am a huge hot dog fan, so I would definitely be trying out the concessions before finding my seat. 

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I know I always get a Fenway Frank when I'm at a game!

As always, I want to thank Myrra for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful picture to go with the interview.

As Myrra continues her time as Miss Red Rock, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It’s a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Nevada title. It would be wonderful to have Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Myrra, and good luck!