Miss USA Shares Personal Story with Monroe College Students

MISS USA, NIA SANCHEZ, poses for a shot with a student from Monroe College. Photo courtesy Monroe College — MISS USA, NIA SANCHEZ, poses for a shot with a student from Monroe College.
Photo courtesy Monroe College

Here she comes…Miss USA, Nia Sanchez.

Beauty queen Nia Sanchez visited Monroe College in Fordham recently to espouse the benefits of self-defense, self-confidence and self-empowerment.

Sanchez, a California native who won the 2014 Miss USA pageant as Miss Nevada, spoke directly to Monroe College’s female student body, emphasized that “more awareness is very important so women can learn to protect themselves.”

Sanchez emphasized self-defense literally and figuratively, as she not only holds the Miss USA title, but also a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo. Aside from more physical activities, Sanchez is also jazz and ballet enthusiast.

Her story on overcoming adversity might mirror some hardships many Bronxites may be going through. Sanchez grew up in a tough urban environment, moving into a womene’s homeless shelter with her mother. “I can really relate to the women on a personal level because I’ve been there and I’ve been through those experiences,” she said.

The event was sponsored by college’s School of Criminal Justice and the Office of Student Activities at the Mintz Auditorium.

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