Miss South Dakota International: St(Art) Healing

Story by Yuharelly Comparan & Theodore Frid

USF Sophomore Alecia Martinez is now rocking a crown and sash, but not as a Halloween costume. Martinez has recently been crowned Miss South Dakota International. Her motivation to win was not the title, instead, what the title had to offer her.

Martinez says, “Being crowned Miss South Dakota International gives me the opportunity to promote my personal platform called St(art) Healing. The mission of start healing is to give underserved youth the same opportunities I had. To express themselves through art workshops that promote confidence, healing, and service.”

Every person has a story that motivates their dreams. Alecia goes further into detail by explaining what personally motivated her to establish her personal platform.

“About 6 years ago. I was basically ready to give up on myself… Hospitalized for Anorexia Nervosa which is an eating disorder and I was getting to the end of my rope. And when I was in treatment I took an art therapy class… I just truly believe the arts are what helped me through that process. And that they have the power to heal and I just want to give that same opportunity to others,” Martinez explains.

Given that the University of Sioux Falls is known for its community Alecia encourages fellow cougars to artistically support her personal platform.

Martinez says,” To facilitate some of these workshops I will need supplies, art supplies, different things of that nature. So students, faculty and Staff, if there is anything at all that relates to the arts or relates to something that I could possibly work with to promote my platform, and to serve. I’m willing to sit down with anybody to talk about ways that we can work together to get some things rolling. To use the arts to start healing.”

Alecia’s next competition will be next July in Jacksonville, Florida in hopes of winning the title Miss International. Watch out Florida because this Miss is on a mission.