Age is truly just a number for Marissa Teijo, who, at 71, just became the oldest pageant contestant to participate in the Miss Texas USA pageant. But she had additional plans, as this Miss Paso del Norte competed against 75 other contestants to spread an inspiring message for women everywhere at every stage of life.
As of this year, the Miss Universe contest lifted some of its more limiting rules to be more inclusive to hopeful pageant winners. The organization had faced scrutiny over the years, and now participants can be married, divorced, and pregnant alike. But rather than addressing scrutiny, specifically, Teijo wants to inspire other women to be their very best at any age.
Marissa Teijo may not win the crown but she won the hearts of countless fans
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Ultimately, Miss Dallas, Aarieanna Ware, won the crown in shows held on June 21 through June 23. But just by competing and giving it her all, 71-year-old Marissa Teijo became the oldest pageant contestant in history. It’s a personal and historic triumph she hopes can send an inspiring message to women that resonates across their whole lifetime.
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On social media, Teijo said she was eager to “inspire women to strive to be their best physical and mental self and believe there is beauty at any age.” Hopefully, she Teijo wished, her presence on so illustrious a stage will inspire women to “just be confident” at whatever they endeavor.
Changing the narrative
“I hope that people will look at us as older women as still being beautiful in our own way,” said El Paso native Teijo. “Beauty is not just on the outside but it’s on the inside also.”
She went on to note, “Young women have dreams but older people have dreams also.”
It’s a message that not even every contestant has been fueled by in her pageant journey. KVIA reports that Teijo has competed in over a dozen fitness competitions over the years, and was finally able to add Miss Texas USA after the Miss Universe Organization eliminated age limit restrictions across all its pageants; finally, any adult woman could compete.
However, reaching this point has proven to be a troubled road. Most recently, the organization came under renewed scrutiny after Noelia Voigt announced her resignation on May 6. In an Instagram statement, Noelia said she was parting ways from the pageant for her mental health. However, NBC obtained a copy of her resignation letter, which alleges that the pageant’s CEO, Layla Rose, created a toxic work environment and failed to address a sexual harassment incident.
There is still much work to be done, but Teijo is not one to be deterred, especially if it means sending a message of empowerment and affirmation to women everywhere.
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