#318 Gia Iwanec Interview: Miss Connecticut Volunteer 2026

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About GiaGia Iwanec is a 22 year old recent graduate from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor of science in Marketing with a minor in Integrated Advertising and Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Gia just started her career in June at ADP as an Associate District Manager/ CPA Centric Sales Representative. Gia has been competing in pageants since she was just 5 years old and her childhood dream became a reality this August as she was crowned Miss CT Volunteer. She is excited to make an impaCT throughout her year of service and "Get Into Action" with Connecticut.👉 Follow Gia on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/missctvol/https://www.instagram.com/giaiwanec_/⏱️ Timestamps* 1:00 First pageant at age five* 6:40 Seventeen years straight on stage* 10:00 “Get Into Action” and Impact CT 365* 13:30 Dancing on America’s Got Talent* 21:00 An untraditional crowning moment* 27:00 Landing three sponsors in one month* 33:00 Why connection matters more than perfection* 41:00 Preparing for Jackson with her Impact 365 vision* 46:30 Advice for contestants starting out* 51:45 A day in the life: sales job, teaching dance, and queen dutiesI offer a limited number of private coaching sessions per month for women serious about elevating their pageant journey. Click below to book yours.https://thepageantproject.com/coachingPageantry is evolving, and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you're ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe