I know, I know, she’s not from New England, but all are welcome here. The lovely Miss District of Columbia, Allison Kathleen Farris, sat down with New England Pageant News, to talk about her time at Miss America.

What has your experience been like so far?
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s nothing like it. Just getting to know everyone and getting to experience Miss America as a group, is a great experience.

How’d interview go?
It went well. I feel like they were able to understand who I was, as a person, and what I bring to the table for the job of Miss America. They’re wanting someone who is very motivated and driven to really give back to their communities and serve. I’m a software developer and I promote women in technology. It wasn’t until I discovered using software that I realized I could turn my passion for music — growing up as a musician — into a career through technology.

Are you looking forward to the on-stage question?
I’m very excited. It’s an extension of our private interview, but we get to bring it out on-stage, in front of the audience, so they get to see who we are as a candidate a little bit more.

What about the changes going on in the organization?
We’re very flexible. We’ve always known that the job of Miss State, or wherever we represent, requires us to be flexible and adaptable. I think that’s a very useful skill in the workforce, and incredibly important to understand and know. We’re very excited. We’re eager to know how it’s going to come out on camera and for the audience to see it.

If, by some chance, you don’t win, what do you hope to get out of this experience?
There’s so much you gain. First of all, you know one person, at least, from every state, and it’s important to network.  It’s all about your network, especially in the professional world. But also, it’s about the skills that you have to learn to get to prepare for this moment, and to be at your best. It’s kind of like the Olympics, in that it’s something that you have for the rest of your life.

What do you want to say to the folks back in D.C.?
I’m full of gratitude and could not be here without their support. It’s incredibly humbling to be able to represent the District of Columbia, the nation’s capitol, and that is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.