Meet Elizabeth Alvarado – CanvasRebel Magazine

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Alvarado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is myself: truly embracing my authentic self and pursuing my dreams.

Late in 2023, my brother’s life hung in the balance after a sepsis diagnosis and the urgent need for heart valve replacement surgery. During this agonizing time, I was in a constant state of fight-or-flight, compelled to remain strong as his medical advocate. My nervous system was in survival mode, forcing me to suppress my emotions.

Months of intense caregiving, with little time for self-care, left me feeling depleted. I knew I needed to do something for myself. Suddenly, I remembered a childhood dream: to participate in a pageant.

In the summer of 2024, I finally joined my first pageant. The experience was transformative. It pushed me to embrace my authenticity, challenging the common misconception that pageants are solely about superficial beauty or the pursuit of a “queen” title.

Pageantry has become an outlet for self-expression. It encourages setting ambitious goals, not just for the competition itself, but for personal growth and self-improvement. This journey has helped me define who I am and what truly matters to me, leading me to find immense joy in volunteering with organizations like Broadway West and the Alzheimer’s Alliance.

I believe it’s crucial to embrace your authentic self and pursue your dreams at any age. This pursuit of self-discovery is the most rewarding project you will ever undertake.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In April 2024, a chance encounter with the Universal Petite pageant ignited an unexpected passion. Winning Ms. Universal Petite Mexico 2024 was more than just a crown; it revealed the true essence of pageantry – not just outward beauty, but a platform for inner strength, self-growth, and making a difference.

Inspired, I began volunteering with Broadway West, a non-profit revitalizing historic theaters in downtown Los Angeles. This experience underscored the power of collaborative efforts towards a shared goal. Additionally, I became an Alzheimer’s Alliance advocate, a cause deeply personal to me due to my family’s history with the disease.

My pageant journey has unfolded with incredible opportunities, including participation in Galaxy Goddess 2025 (virtual) and The Los Angeles Fashion Pageant 2025. Embracing my authentic self has not only brought me joy and meaningful friendships, but also opened doors to new experiences and solidified my purpose: to be seen, heard, and a voice for others.

I believe that when you are authentic, life flows more easily. By silencing that inner critic (“what will people think?”), I stepped outside my comfort zone and entered the pageant world, fulfilling a childhood dream. Now, winning the Ms. Universal Petite title in June 2025 is not just a goal, but my purpose – to inspire others to embrace their authenticity and follow their dreams. Doors will open when you follow your heart, and along the way, you will discover your true purpose.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Knowing that authenticity is key, I launched an Instagram page dedicated to pageantry while also showcasing my professional side through platform involvement, volunteering, and advocacy. Using my real name, “The Elizabeth Alvarado,” ensured recognition and, fortunately, it was available on Instagram.

My background in branding, marketing, and promotion, which included promoting nightclubs, DJs, and even pitching ideas to magazines, proved valuable. I strategically outlined a marketing and branding plan to attract opportunities.

Beyond Instagram, I created a presence on TikTok and Facebook, and built a simple website using Wix. To consolidate my social media links and contact information, I utilized Beacon.AI, a platform similar to Linktree designed specifically for content creators. The website address was then linked on my Instagram profile.

While creativity thrives, I acknowledge the importance of structure to maintain focus. Therefore, I keep a notepad handy to capture content ideas as they arise. Researching my niche is essential to inform my social media strategy, but building connections is equally important.

Ultimately, I prioritize quality over quantity. My goal is to create content that resonates with my audience and fosters a genuine connection. In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial, regardless of whether you’re promoting yourself, a brand, or a company. Making yourself easily accessible is key to attracting and engaging your target audience.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In late August 2023, my brother was struggling with a serious kidney infection. On the day of the tropical storm in Los Angeles, I offered to go out and get him some food.

I was only gone for about 15 minutes when I received a text from him stating that someone was in the house. I was immediately confused and concerned when he stopped responding to my messages and calls. I tried calling my parents, but they didn’t answer either. A sense of dread washed over me – something was definitely wrong. I rushed home to find a chaotic scene: about 15 police cars were surrounding our house, and officers had their guns drawn.

I approached my parents and asked, “Where is my brother?” I was terrified, knowing he was ill and alone during the intrusion.

Thankfully, my brother, despite his illness, had remained remarkably calm. He had even tried to de-escalate the situation by offering to help the intruder put away the dog, hoping to prevent any further panic or violence. The police were able to apprehend the intruder, and my brother was unharmed.

Days later, my brother’s condition worsened. I took time off work to take him to the doctor, who immediately referred him to the emergency room. After a grueling seven hours of tests, he was admitted to the hospital.

Over the next few days, the hospital conducted further tests and delivered a devastating diagnosis: sepsis. The infection had spread to his heart, requiring three urgent heart valve replacements. The 18-hour surgery was incredibly complex, and the surgeon couldn’t close the wound due to the severity of the infection. My brother endured two more heart cleanings before the surgical site could finally be closed. His recovery was a long and arduous journey, spanning a month in the hospital. For two weeks, I dedicated myself to his care as his medical agent, followed by a demanding schedule of work and hospital visits. Even after his release, I continued to care for his wounds for months.

This harrowing experience taught me a profound lesson: the importance of perseverance. If my brother could endure such immense physical and emotional pain, so could I. I realized the preciousness of life and the importance of creating beauty and purpose in the world.

Inspired by the need for self-care after this challenging period, I began participating in pageantry. It provides an outlet for me to express my authentic self and contribute to the community through volunteering with Broadway West and advocating for the Alzheimer’s Alliance.

Resilience is paramount. When life throws curveballs, we must learn to rise above them. This experience has strengthened my resolve to live a life of purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

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Cristen Geller, Matty Jacobsen, Allan M