​​ASU Alumna Competes for the Title of Miss North Carolina USA

By Aliyah Muhammad/ASU intern       

Alumna Kleo Torres (‘20) was crowned Miss Lake City Johnson 2021, and had hoped to add one more title -- Miss North Carolina USA 2021.

“I trained my body for 8-9 months, modeling my walk, staying informed of politics and maintaining my health for the competition,” she said.

During the two-day pageantry, Torres competed against 36 contestants in evening gown wear, swimsuit wear and the interviewing process.

“State pageants are more conservative than universal pageants. Universal pageants include a talent portion that gives candidates an opportunity to distinguish themselves,” she emphasized. 

At the end of the pageant, Torres didn’t win the crown, but her dreams of competing in pageants were still in tack.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t place, and I have no regrets about my performance. I do plan on competing again after law school wherever I relocate,” Torres explained. “Even though the crown is the goal, there’s always a bigger picture, and service to accomplish.”

During Torres’ tenure at Alabama State University, she acquired three HBCU campus queen titles, seven track and field championships, three ambassadorships, and a prestigious intern with Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.

“Coming from an HBCU we do things with a lot of emphasis and purpose.” Torres stated. “The HBCU college experience goes into how we talk, dress, and even interact socially in the word.”

Torres credits ASU for developing her skills for the real world. “My experience at Alabama State helped propel me forward.”

When Torres is not fighting for change and competing in pageants, she is dedicating her time to community service and building her businesses through her fitness program Toned with Torres and her hair care service Touched by Torres.