A 71-year-old woman from El Paso will make history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
Marissa Teijo will compete in the pageant in Houston. The winner will represent Texas in the Miss USA pageant, which will then compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
The Miss Universe organization instituted more inclusive rules this year, removing age restrictions for contestants vying for the crown. Contestants can participate even if they have been married, pregnant or divorced. The organization has come under intense scrutiny in recent months since Miss USA and Miss Teen USA stepped down in May. But Teijo isn’t worried.
In her email, she said she wanted to get the message across that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
“I feel like all women now stand on a new stage of opportunity, strength and beauty,” Teijo said.
With about 100 other women competing against her, she said she has never felt more motivated to pursue her dreams.
Teijo, who was born and raised in El Paso, said she is excited to inspire El Paso residents and Texas residents of all ages to break down barriers in their areas of interest.
Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models, which represents Teijo, said her company is proud to represent a diverse range of women, including seven young women from El Paso who will compete in the pageant.
“I represent women of all body types, ages and races, and I’m excited to support these women who inspire me every day as leaders as we prepare our team to compete in the Miss Texas pageant,” she said.
Maria Cortez Gonzalez can be reached at mcortes@elpasotimes.com, on Twitter at @EPTMaria and on TikTok at eptmariacg..
