#341 Lauren Salimbene Interview: Miss Volunteer America 2026

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribeSome of the biggest lessons you’ll learn from your time in pageantry are the life lessons, not just the pageant ones. In this episode, the Pageants & Tangents crew discuss some of their biggest life takeaways from their collective time in pageantry so far.--Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 [email protected] Beginner's Guide to Pageantry - Everything You Need to Compete in Your First Pageant With Confidence... Even If You’re Starting From Zero:👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0645070327 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 ABOUT LAUREN SALIMBENELauren Salimbene is the reigning Miss Volunteer America 2026, recognized for her commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence. A former Miss Utah Volunteer, she earned over $50,000 in scholarships on her way to the national title.She is a 4.0 student double majoring in finance and accounting at Westminster University and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, earning the Utah Seal of Biliteracy. A lifelong dancer with over 18 years of experience, in which she has also earned multiple state and national titles.During her year of service, Lauren has traveled over 80,000 miles as a national brand ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Salvation Army, while coaching with the Special Olympics and sharing her message: “movement has no limits; neither do you.”👉 FOLLOW LAUREN SALIMBENE* https://www.instagram.com/laurensalimbene/* https://www.instagram.com/missvolunteeramericapag/Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

The Beginner’s Guide to Pageantry - Everything You Need to Compete in Your First Pageant With Confidence... Even If You’re Starting From Zero:👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0645070327--I’m heading to Miss Universe USA!If you’re going to be there, or if you have any recommendations for things to do whilst in Miami, send me a DM or email and let me know!The real moral of the story though can be summed up in one word.Persistence.When I started this journey a decade ago, I had no idea it would lead me here.More importantly, pageantry is just like life. It has its shares of ups and downs. And sometimes, when you feel like you do things for the ‘right reasons’, it can be easy to feel discouraged at times.I feel you on that one.Here are three things that I think have helped me:* Persistence* Purpose (knowing my why)* Doing things for the right reasons (even when it’s tough)Maybe, occasionally, delulu really can be the solulu.Adrian.--Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--Looking for advice as a newcomer to pageants? We got you covered in this episode!--Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 [email protected] to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribeHow do you stay mentally healthy, confident, and resilient before the pageant, during the pageant, AND after the pageant?--Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeSPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST:Elleana Garcia:* https://www.instagram.com/ellleanaa/For all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 [email protected] to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--Not all pageants are built the same. So how do you find your perfect pageant soulmate?--Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project.Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 [email protected] to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com--This week, I had a breakthrough with one of my private clients that completely changed the way she’s preparing for her upcoming pageant.Like a lot of contestants, she had a simple to-do list.One of the items said:Practice piano.Nothing wrong with that.But it was answering the wrong question.A to-do list answers: What do I have to do today?That’s useful, but it almost always prioritizes what feels urgent over what’s actually important.And in pageantry, that’s where contestants quietly fall behind.Because the things that separate winners are rarely the loudest things on your list.They’re the important things that don’t feel urgent yet:* finalizing your talent cut* defining your brand* locking in your interview stories* choosing the right gown direction* building a social media narrative* clarifying your platform planThese are the things that never scream for your attention.Until it’s pageant week.Instead of asking what do I need to do today?, I want you to ask:What result do I want this week?When I asked my client that question, her thinking changed immediately.The result wasn’t “practice piano.”The result was:Win talent.Now the strategy changes.Winning talent is not just about getting the notes right.It’s about:* showmanship* crowd connection* emotional pacing* music cuts* creating a standing ovation momentThe real breakthrough?She realized the first step wasn’t practicing at all.It was getting the cut of the piece right, so every rehearsal was preparing the exact competition version.That never would have made it onto a normal to-do list.But it became obvious once the result was clear.This week, I want you to break your prep into categories:* interview* gown* swim/fitness* talent* branding* social media* platform* mindsetThen ask:What result do I want in this category this week?That one question will instantly make your prep more strategic.You’ll stop feeling busy.You’ll stop feeling overwhelmed.And most importantly, you’ll start building momentum in the areas that actually win crowns.Busy feels frazzled.Productive feels powerful.This week, stop managing tasks.Start managing outcomes.Adrian.--I offer a limited number of private coaching sessions for contestants who are serious about taking home the crown. Find out more:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/coaching This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--👑 ABOUT THOM BRODEURThom Brodeur is an American businessman, brand builder, and philanthropist with deep roots in the pageant world. In 2025, he stepped into the role of CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.👉 FOLLOW THOM BRODEUR* https://www.instagram.com/officialthombrodeur/* https://www.instagram.com/missusa/* https://www.instagram.com/themissteenusa/--Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com👑 ABOUT GEANNA KOULOURISGeanna Koulouris is an educator, author, and community advocate from Long Island, New York. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English and Teaching Students with Disabilities from NYU and currently works in education supporting diverse learners. As a first generation Greek-American, she also teaches Greek dance across Long Island to students of all ages and abilities, passing on cultural traditions to the next generation.Passionate about creating inclusive spaces, Geanna also founded EmpowerEd, a platform dedicated to helping young people feel confident, capable, and supported in their education and communities. Geanna uses her platform EmpowerEd to uplift young people through education, confidence building, and leadership opportunities. Through pageantry, education, and community service, Geanna is committed to using her voice to inspire other young women to lead with purpose and compassion.👉 FOLLOW GEANNA KOULOURIShttps://www.instagram.com/geannakoulouris/📖 GET GEANNA’S BOOKhttps://www.amazon.com/Team-Room-Everyone-Geanna-Koulouris/dp/B0GS9NLG6X/Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--Most contestants don’t have a talent problem.They have a coaching problem.And they usually don’t realise it until they’ve already spent months, sometimes years, doing everything they were told…Only to step on stage sounding exactly like everyone else.This week, I broke down 7 red flags to watch for in a pageant coach.This came off the back of a conversation I had with Ashley Gonor, where we went deep into what’s broken in pageant coaching and what actually needs to change.If you want the full interview, you can watch it here:👉 Watch the full interview with Ashley GonorBut here’s the short version.👀 The Pattern I Keep SeeingA contestant comes to me and says:“I feel like I sound too pageant.”“I feel like I’m saying the same thing as everyone else.”“I’ve been doing everything my coach said… and I’m not improving.”And within minutes, it’s obvious why.They’ve been taught:* The same opening lines* The same structure* The same “safe” answersDifferent girl. Same script.🚩 The 7 Red FlagsIf you’re working with a coach right now, or thinking about hiring one, watch for these:1. They rely on outdated credentials Coaches who trade on having won a state title “5,000 years ago” or being a “sponsored/official coach” without showing how their methods have evolved. The world changed dramatically even just since COVID — if their coaching hasn’t, that’s a problem.2. They teach a formula that can’t possibly work The “do A and you win” model is logically flawed. If you teach 10 contestants the same formula, only one can win. A coach selling certainty of outcome is selling something they can’t deliver.3. Their entire toolkit is “think positive and be yourself” That’s not coaching — that’s a bumper sticker. If a coach can’t go deeper than surface-level positivity, they’re not equipped to help a contestant at a meaningful level.4. They bring their client down instead of elevating them When a contestant outgrows a coach or challenges them, a bad coach turns it around on the girl — calling her “too pushy” or “expecting too much” rather than acknowledging the fit isn’t right.5. They answer for the contestant Your example of the mom coaching answers during a mock interview session is a version of this. Any coach who doesn’t protect the contestant’s voice and authentic expression is doing damage, not development.6. They focus entirely on strategy and ignore mindset Walk technique, interview scripts, stage routines — these are strategy. A coach obsessed with strategy while ignoring state and story is only ever going to get 10–20% of the result they could.7. They don’t know when to refer out or let go A good coach admits when they’re not the right fit. A red flag coach holds on to clients they can’t serve, or worse, holds them back.🙈 The Uncomfortable TruthA lot of contestants don’t need more coaching.They need to unlearn what they’ve been taught.Because if you’ve been trained to:* Follow the same structure* Use the same phrases* Deliver the same polished answersYou’re not being prepared to stand out.You’re being prepared to blend in.🎯 What Actually MattersNot more scripts.Not more memorisation.What matters is:* Your state: how you show up under pressure* Your story: what you believe about yourself* Your strategy: yes, it matters, but it’s not the driverIf your coach isn’t working on all three, you’re leaving results on the table.✅ A Better Question to AskInstead of asking:“Is this a good coach?”Ask:“Is this making me more me… or more like everyone else?”Because if you want to win, you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing.You need to do what they’re not.If you want the deeper breakdown, including the full conversation that sparked this, watch the interview with Ashley here:👉 Watch the full interview with Ashley GonorThen take a hard look at who you’re learning from.It matters more than you think.Adrian.--Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe