Miss Swainsboro prepares for Miss Georgia

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Zayna Taylor is the 18-year-old daughter of Rafael and Shanna Santamaria. She is a 2022 graduate of Emanuel County Institute and plans to attend Georgia Southern University in the Fall. Earlier this year, Zayna was crowned Miss Swainsboro and she will travel to Columbus, GA in June to compete for the title of Miss Georgia. As a part of the Miss America Scholarship Organization, Zayna has been working on her personal platform, “Real Models A.R.E. Role Models.” Growing up, Zayna says she could never find a role model who looked like her. She talks about overcoming being plus size and how she finally gained her confidence. Zayna is now spreading awareness for women all across the state by encouraging influencers to be “Real Models.”

“Being vulnerable on social media can create great change. Comparison to public figures is the number one cause of lack of self-esteem in women across the nation. Comparing ourselves to women who portray themselves and their lives as perfect, is damaging to our confidence.”

In order to compete at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition in June, Zayna had to raise money for the Four Point Scholarship Fund. She did so by holding a local pageant for girls ages 0-22 to compete in. Zayna says the pageant was a success, and she is excited to make this an annual event. 

Keep up with Zayna, Miss Swainsboro, on her journey to Miss Georgia via her social media platforms. Instagram: @missswainsboro2022; Facebook: Zayna Taylor - Miss Swainsboro; Apple Podcasts: “Real Talk” hosted by Zayna Taylor.