#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.

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👑 About Gia

Gia 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 duties

I 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/coaching

Pageantry is evolving, and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you're ready to go beyond the crown.