Zarina Zerr is a performer at heart. A teen from Victoria, Minnesota, she has never shied away from the spotlight. A love of acting, modeling, and cheerleading ultimately led to a new interest — it was in the world of pageantry where she truly found her place. This summer, she’s taking the next step on her journey to the national stage as Miss Great Lakes Ambassador, ready to compete for the national title in Branson, Missouri.
Just two years ago, Zarina was invited to compete in the National American Miss (NAM) pageant. What caught her attention was the less traditional focus of this pageant. NAM emphasized self-confidence and women’s empowerment over beauty alone. It was this refreshing take that captured Zarina’s attention and sparked her interest. “I decided to give it a try, and I was hooked,” she shares. “It’s not just about the crown—it’s about growing the person you are and the person you want to become.”
Her first pageant was a whirlwind. Competing in NAM, Zarina found herself surrounded by 26 other girls, all vying for the same title. She loved the energy of the event and the new friendships that came from her first pageant. “I made so many friends, learned new skills, and felt proud of what I was able to accomplish. I ended up tying for 6th place, which felt like a big accomplishment for my first pageant.” That was only the beginning. Her passion for pageantry only grew, ultimately leading her to the Princess of America competition, where she was crowned Miss Great Lakes Ambassador.
For Zarina, hearing her name called on stage was a moment of pure magic. “It felt like time stopped,” she recalls. “I was overjoyed and genuinely proud of myself. I knew all my hard work had finally paid off.” That hard work involved months of preparation with her pageant coach, Cheri Kennedy, who helped Zarina perfect everything from her walk to her speeches. “We practiced all the details,” Zarina explains. “Practice really does make perfect.”
One of the most challenging aspects of pageantry, according to Zarina, is the walk. Transitioning from a modeling walk to the more graceful, formal walk required for pageantry wasn’t easy. But with practice and guidance, Zarina mastered it. “In the end, I was able to figure it out,” she says. “It’s all about staying patient, trusting the process, and a willingness to do the hard work.”
As Miss Great Lakes Ambassador, Zarina has been deeply involved in community service, a core element of the pageant. From packing food for kids in Columbia with Feed My Starving Children to walking in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Zarina has embraced every opportunity to give back. A project that meant a lot was collecting over 550 pounds of food for the Gather and Grow food shelf in Waconia. “Even the smallest actions can leave a lasting impact,” Zarina reflects. “Helping others makes me feel like I’m truly making a difference.”
As she prepares for the National competition, Zarina is focused on refining her skills even further. “I’m most excited about the optional competitions,” she says, particularly the “Triple Threat” event, which includes a runway walk, a commercial, and a test shoot. “They look fun, and I can’t wait to see how I do.”
Her preparation is more intense than ever, with new techniques being incorporated into her routine. But winning the title isn’t her only goal. “Pageants are about so much more than just winning a crown,” Zarina explains. “It’s about growing, learning, and continuing to use my platform to help others.”
After Nationals, Zarina plans to continue her community service efforts through her platform, Heart of Service, and inspire others, especially young girls, to believe in themselves. “I want people to know that pageant girls aren’t just pretty faces,” she says. “We’re here because we want to make a difference, and that difference starts with the example we set for others.”
Zarina’s journey is a reminder that pageantry is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for personal growth, leadership, and service. As she heads to Branson, she’s not only competing for a crown but for the chance to make an even bigger impact on her community and beyond.
For those considering pageantry, Zarina offers this advice: “Give it a shot! If you’re not sure where to start, ask for help and find a pageant that suits you. It will be a rewarding experience. I can guarantee you that!”
Zarina’s journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: her crown is only a small part of the bigger impact she’s destined to make.