Welcome to my empowering women segment, I’m very very excited to share this lovely lady with you! I know I always say this but I truly love this young lady, not only is she strong, smart, phenomenally talented, and beautiful but she also has a special place in my heart because she’s my little cousin! Azia is the daughter of my first cousin Joel and his wife Ericka who were high school sweethearts and have 4 sweet children, Azia being the only girl! I can remember visiting them on the west side of Detroit when I was a teenager when Azia was about 4 yrs old, and yes she was just as much of the little ray of sunshine that she is today! It’s no secret that Azia comes from a line of strong Latina women, but she took her dreams and made them her own reality. I’m so unbelievably proud of her and all her accomplishments… this is only the beginning of her amazing journey and she is just getting started. So world watch out for Azia Hernandez from Detroit, MI!!!

Azia is of course the princess of her family, but she is also a strong independent go-getter, you have to be if you want to accomplish things such as modeling in huge fashion shows, being in magazines and commercials, writing your own book to support Autism and becoming Ms. Michigan World. Yes that’s her resume so far and she’s just begun to scrap the surface of success!

M. Congratulations on winning Miss Michigan World this past August! I know you come from a background of pageantry from your mother and aunt. Your journey started years ago and this is a huge accomplishment in your “Pageant” career to achieve. Can you tell me about this entire “Ms. Michigan World” experience and the goals and charities you plan to help in your reigning year ahead?

Azia: Not only as Miss Michigan World, but as a young woman I truly want to touch and help as many lives as possible. I would like to spread acceptance of the special needs community and remind all, no matter what disabilities or challenges you might face, your dreams and goals are still valid. You have an infinite amount of possibilities to succeed and an infinite amount of possibilities to achieve those goals. I partnered with the Michigan Humane Society in order to talk about the importance of animal therapy and the benefits of rescuing an animal. I also launched the “I am Infinite Campaign” to bring not only autism awareness but autism acceptance!

M. Personally I know you have to be the most amazing sister to all your brothers Joey, Andres and Lorenzo, and your mom and dad Ericka and Joel are beyond proud of the young lady you have become! Your heart is honestly the biggest part of your beauty. Tell me about your family and your special connection to your youngest brother Lorenzo and the book you wrote that was inspired by him?

Azia: When I became a big sister, it was a role I took extremely seriously. It is the most important job I have ever had and will ever have for the rest of my days. That little boy not only inspired the book I wrote, but everything I do. He inspires me to be and do my best. If he can beat the odds since his toddler years and continue to be strong, then I as a young woman can too.

M. So your pageant/modeling life has been beyond successful. You have traveled to New York and Chicago and have been in commercials and ads for so many companies! When did you decide to start in this journey, what was your inspiration and a few of the highlights you had in your career thus far? Because I know there are so many more to come.

Azia: I sort of fell into modeling when I was 16. I was inspired and motivated by not only the success to come, but the journey and knowledge I was going to gain along the way. I feel as if I’ve gained so much in such a short period of time. Every shoot and show is another opportunity to grow. My favorites have always been Bridal gowns. I remember one time in particular, when I was 17 years old and modeling a $35,000 stunning wedding gown.

M. So not only do you have a successful pageant life but you are also helping other young girls that are interested in pageantry and coaching them into a successful and positive future. Tell me about the young ladies you are helping and what type of things are your helping/teaching them as they enter their pageant journey?  

Azia: I’ve always been very competitive in all areas of life, including coaching my pageant girls to win. I give my girls not only the skills needed to be strong competitors, but I also implement a strong work ethic and mindset to help them succeed in all aspects of life for decades to come. They learn how to win graciously and grow from a loss.

“I recently launched that I Am Infinite campaign. It promotes a positive outlook on special needs with a message which reminds everyone no matter what disabilities or challenges you might face you have an infinite amount of possibilities to succeed and an infinite amount of ways to achieve those goals. In order to help spread the word, I am asking participants from all over the country to take a picture holding my symbol to show their support and acceptance of the special needs community. Photos will be posted on the Healthost website. Photos do not need to be professional, however photos with a white background and white outfit will be featured and assist in the traffic of your photo. If you are interested please email me with the title box as “I Am Infinite Campaign” and I will send you a PDF of the I Am Infinite symbol.”

M. I honestly can’t wait to see what you do next, I know our entire family is beyond proud of you. Tell me your future goals, personally or the amazing career path you are on? What type of work would you like to do in the future, do you want a big family, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Azia: I want to make an impact on the world. I’d like to be 90 years old and think I did everything exactly the way I wanted to, helped as many people as possible, and have strive to reach every goal I had. One day I would absolutely love to be married to a handsome sweetheart, have children, and be the best mom I can be. But that’s not happening anytime soon, so I’m not going to worry about that part. In the next 5 years, I would like to be a rock star and kick life’s butt!

Get to know Azia and follow her Ms. Michigan World journey on Facebook!

How empowering is Azia , I encourage you to take a moment and follow her amazing journey, she is really making a difference in this world! Azia is also giving away a copy of her book that is not even available publicly to one luck winner! If you know someone with Autism, then you know what a big help reading a book about their own story will be!

To enter the contest, just follow Azia at Ms. Michigan World on Facebook

and leave a comment below on this blog post!

[ctt template=”4″ link=”YB7Jb” via=”yes” ]Empowering Women featuring Azia Hernandez, an advocate for #Autism awareness & acceptance and a story that is truly empowering! @meximoments[/ctt]

Thanks for stopping by !