Señorita Latina Sorda

Picture
Señorita Bregitt Jimenez 2010 - 2012
The principal objective of the Señorita Latina Sorda is to elevate the image and self-esteem of deaf Latinas throughout the United States.  The first Latinas pageant was held in 2007 at SER Conference in Washington, D.C., to garner the title of National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing Queen. The purpose of the pageant was to promote leadership, recognize role models, showcase character, and further knowledge.  In 2010,  the second pageant was held at Sordos Latinos Orgullosos Conference in Chicago, and at that time, the name of the pageant was changed to Señorita Latina Sorda (SLS).  The name change emphasized the Latino character of the pageant.  Another change was replacing the evening gown portion with Hispanic cultural wear, also to emphasize the Latino character of the pageant. The term “SEñORITA” originates from the Quinceanera event popular in Latino culture which celebrates the passage of a young girl progressing from being a nina to a señorita.  SLS is open to any young deaf and hard of hearing Latinas residing within the United States or its territories between the ages of 18 and 30.  The reigning Señorita Latina Sorda gains opportunity to develop self-confidence through enhanced networking and experience functioning as an ambassador of the Latino cause throughout the United States.