A Bronx woman will be representing the state of New York at the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant in Washington, D.C. next week.

Shannon Alomar was selected to represent her state after her first time entering a pageant. She says she admires Miss Black USA because of how it dismantles stereotypes of woman of color.

Alomar also says she admires how the organization promotes serving the community. She says community service is a major value of her family.

Alomar has her own program called Trampleee the Pipeline, which focuses on juvenile justice reform.

Next week, Alomar will head to Washington, D.C. to compete in the nationals. She says it is an honor and privilege to represent her borough and state.