Marissa Teijo has made headlines as the oldest contestant to compete in the Miss Texas USA pageant, held over the weekend in Houston. Her participation marks a significant moment in the pageant’s history, showcasing inclusivity and challenging traditional beauty norms.

The recent changes by the Miss Universe organization, which eliminated age restrictions for contestants over 18 and allowed married, divorced, and pregnant women to participate, paved the way for Teijo’s entry. Hailing from El Paso, Teijo expressed her excitement on Instagram, stating her hope that her participation would inspire women to strive for physical and mental well-being, regardless of age.

The Miss Texas USA competition commenced at the Hilton Houston Post Oak hotel and unfolded over two days, with Teijo among the diverse group vying for the title. Her presence underscores a broader shift within the pageant world towards embracing diversity and promoting empowerment across all age groups.

The pageant has not been without controversy, particularly following the resignation of Noelia Voigt, who cited mental health concerns and accused pageant CEO Laylah Rose of fostering a toxic work environment and mishandling sexual harassment allegations. In response, Rose pledged to investigate the allegations seriously, emphasizing the well-being of all involved.

Following Voigt’s resignation, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned Miss USA 2023, succeeding Voigt until the next winner is announced in August. The upheaval also led to resignations within the pageant’s leadership, reflecting broader challenges within the industry.

Teijo’s bold participation at 71 years old symbolizes a broader cultural shift towards celebrating beauty in all its forms and ages. Her journey in the Miss Texas USA competition serves as a testament to resilience, courage, and the evolving standards of inclusivity within beauty pageants. As the competition continues to evolve, Teijo’s story resonates as a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages striving to embrace their beauty and pursue their dreams.