Asian Avenue magazine is proud to present the 6th annual Miss Asian American Colorado (AACO) Leadership Program.
The Miss AACO Program is a leadership development and empowerment program for Asian American women ages 18-25 in Colorado. Each spring, women apply and join the program participating in informative workshops, community service projects, personal development activities, public speaking events and more! Participants from previous years return to run the program on its planning committee and as big sisters (mentors) to new participants. This allows the women to develop organizational skills as they lead and design the program as they see fit each year.
Our mission is to:
- Showcase the leadership, service, intelligence and individual talent of young Asian American women
- Increase public awareness of the diversity and strengths of the Asian American community
- Encourage unity and understanding among Asian Americans in Colorado
- Provide scholarships to talented Asian American women
- Build a network between Asian American women, who undergo similar life and career experiences that may further develop into friendships and/or mentorships
Our objective gives Asian American women in Colorado a sense of purpose and contribution to the growing community. We challenge conventional notions of beauty, culture, and intelligence, by emphasizing not merely on appearance but also beauty that radiates within. Beauty and intelligence make these Asian American women, future leaders for Colorado's Asian community.
For the candidates, the one-year experience develops leadership, friendships, teamwork, and interpersonal skills through group activities including community relations, public speaking, and philanthropic events. Most importantly, candidates enrich their self-confidence to a level where they can challenge themselves to achieve their goals with diligence, grace, intellect and style. The Miss AACO program encourages young aspiring Asian American women of Colorado to believe in themselves and reach new heights.
Candidates join the program in the spring and commit to one year of involvement. Regular events take place from the announcement of the candidates up to the Miss AACO finale event. Post this event, the women participate in bi-monthly service events, assist on the following year's planning committee and join the Little/Big Sister program (optional). Judging guidelines are based on program involvement, leadership, group service project completion, preliminary interviews, an introduction in cultural attire, a talent, and on-stage interview questions.
The program culminates in an evening of diverse cultural exchange, entertaining performances, confident speeches and the crowning of Miss Asian American Colorado. The event presents the rich ethnic diversity of our society by giving a glimpse of the many different cultures that surrounds us today.
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Previous Candidates:
We are very proud of our 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 candidates who are now off doing exciting things, which include: serving as a Tri-Executive (President) at the University of Colorado-Boulder, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; working for a top-tier military defense contractor on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon; serving as the President of Asian Student Alliance; volunteering in Africa; working at Fortune 500 companies; dancing in hip hop teams; studying abroad; obtaining nursing degrees; volunteering for political campaigns; and graduating college! Visit our alumni blog to see what the past participants are up to!
