Marissa Teijo, 71, of El Paso, will make history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant.
The Miss Texas USA pageant will be held June 21-22 at the Hilton Post Oak Hotel in Houston. This is the preliminary round for Miss USA.
Teijo said in an email that she wanted to send the message that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models, which represents Teijo, said the Miss Universe Organization instituted more inclusive rules this year, removing age restrictions for contestants vying for the crown. “I feel like all women are now on a new stage of opportunity, strength and beauty,” Teijo said. With nearly 100 other women competing against her, she said she’s never felt more motivated to pursue her dreams.
Teijo, who was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, said she is excited to help people of El Paso and across Texas break down barriers in their areas of interest, regardless of age.
Garcia Martinez said the agency is proud to represent a diverse group of women, with seven other young women from El Paso competing 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.
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Maria Cortez Gonzalez can be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com, on Twitter at @EPTMaria and on TikTok at eptmariacg..
