2022 Miss Chinatown Hawaii Program Book

Courtney Choy
2020 MISS CHINATOWN HAWAI‘I
Anna Davide
2020 MISS CHINESE JAYCEES
Two years ago, I could have never pictured
running in a pageant - much less envision I
could ever be Miss Hawai‘i. As I pass on the
incredible honor and privilege that is being Miss
Chinatown Hawai‘i, there are so many individuals,
organizations, volunteers, and sponsors that made
my two years with this title memorable and above
all, life changing. To everyone involved with the
Miss Chinatown Hawaiʻi Festival, thank you all for
being my reminder of what it means to lead, love,
and grow everyday. Your dedication, time, and love
for this organization is appreciated and valued.
Most importantly, to my parents, Chibi, and Koa -
thank you for your sacrifices, love, and guidance
even on my hardest days. I know that none of this
would be possible without you.
No word count can fully summarize my
journey as Miss Chinatown Hawai‘i. From being
crowned in my second year of law school, to
earning one of the first spots to compete at Miss
Hawai‘i, to an amazing San Francisco trip, coming
home to a pandemic was not what I imagined for
my 24th year – the Year of the Rat. However, I
used these past two years – sometimes full of
disappointment and sadness – to reflect on myself,
what it means to be an Asian American woman, and
finish my law school education. After the initial
Miss Hawai‘i competition was postponed for a
year, the path to competing for Miss Hawai‘i 2021
the day before I was set to graduate law school
was daunting and challenging. There were moments
where I wanted to give up, but this journey made
me stronger, ready, and prepared to be the next
Miss Hawai‘i. Everyday has been a blessing, and
being Miss Chinatown opened the door to a life I
never dreamed possible.
To the next Miss Chinatown Hawai‘i,
remember that this title is more than just a sash
and a crown – it presents an opportunity for you
to grow, learn, and connect with the world around
you. Embrace this journey with all that you have!
With love and aloha,
Courtney Choy, Miss Hawai‘i 2021
Miss Chinatown Hawai‘i 2020
The Miss Chinatown Hawai‘i program has
transformed the trajectory of my life. Until
joining, I was a young woman with enough selfconfidence
but not enough self-esteem. Being
trapped in such a contradiction, almost made me
lose the ability to realize my potential. Although
I never sought out to join the pageant, I stayed
to embrace the new experience and engage with
the women around me.
What came next has been an amazing series
of events. Under the consistent support of
the MCH team, I blossomed. By earning
the title of Miss Chinese Jaycees, I became
of a member of the Honolulu Chinese
Jaycees and joined their board of directors
the following year. I have been able to
represent Hawaii in the novice Speak Up
Competition at the JCI USA Celebration
of the Century. I have made lifelong
connections and received an abundance of
encouragement to chase my dreams. Most
importantly I have found the courage to
lift my voice and serve my community.
My motto is “Be your own myth,”
and the narrative of one’s life is not written
alone. The greatest gift this pageant offers
is mentorship to young women. There is
endless aloha in my heart for those who
run and support this program. They have
cultivated a space for women to embrace
their strength and continue walking
through life with grace. The team that
runs this program allowed me to feel so
safe enough to grow into the woman that
I always hoped to be.
Mahalo to everyone who continue
to make this opportunity happen. Thank
you for Aunty Georgianna for signing me up
then telling me after the fact. For Amos Kotomori
for challenging to acknowledge my beauty. For
Doug and his friends for being so generous. For
Ross who adopted me as family and introduced me
to disco balls. For Stephanie, Renee and Jennifer
for their patience and guidance. To the 2020
Court whose gave time to make the most of this
year. Finally, I also give thanks to my mother for
trusting me to surprise her with all the places I go.