Black Press Media is a proud partner of the Miss BC pageants, with this year鈥檚 event taking place June 29 - July 1inFort Langley. As part of the People鈥檚 Choice Award, we are posting contestants鈥� biographies online forreaderstolearn more about the women and girls from their communities and to put in their vote.

Submitted by Charlotte M. of Victoria:

The Miss BC Pageant, to me, is about standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the most fearless women and future leaders of this province. When I looked at the bios of contestants in previous years, I saw teens and women, both young and mature, who had stepped up in their communities as leaders and role models. And if that wasn鈥檛 enough, they then set a goal to walk a pageant stage to be judged. If that isn鈥檛 fearlessness, I don鈥檛 know what is. I wanted to be a contestant because I want to be fearless, too.

I have three passions in life: activism, which I do through my union; community engagement, which I do through my political affiliations; and cheerleading. Yes. That is an interesting combination, but they all fit who I am. I am filled with energy and passion to serve the world around me. I believe my one true purpose is to help others get out of their comfort zones so they can do more than they ever believed they could.

鈥淎s we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.鈥� - Marianne Williamson