Miss Fla. Organization Program Mentors Young S. Floridians

DORAL (CBS4)-A South Florida university student is making her mark in the pageant world and donating her time for a good cause.

Kourtney Gallego, who is an intern with CBS4's special projects team, competed for a title she said seemed to always be just out of her reach.

"I competed in January," she said. "I competed in February. I competed in March again."

But perseverance won.

"It was finally just my time," Gallego said.

Now Kourtney is making use of her title as Miss Suncoast through community service.

"When you have a title, the crown doesn't make you, but it also helps you be heard," she said.

Gallego works closely with Women in Distress, an organization dedicated to helping abused women and their families.

"They house these women (and their families) and take them out of those abusive relationships," she said.

Gallego's platform hits close to home. Years ago, one of her friends was abused by her boyfriend.

"I didn't know how to help her," she said. "We were in high school. We were young."

But Gallego said she's making sure that never happens again.

"I had a friend who I didn't know how to help, and now I have the tools to help someone else," she said.

Gallego, along with the Miss Florida Organization, also mentors young children. Her "princesses," Mylena and Makenna, are part of the Sunshine Princess Program. They are among the many young girls and boys who are teamed up with Miss Florida contestants.

"Just having these little girls who want to follow in your foot steps and follow you around…it's just amazing," Gallego said.

Gallego said that for now she will continue working with CBS4's special projects, but come July it's time to reach for another crown.

"That's the next goal, to be Miss Florida and advance to Miss America,' she said.

For more information on Florida's Sunshine Princess and Prince Program or to have your child become a part of the mentorship program visit MissFlorida.org.

The program is for both boys and girls ages 5 to 12-years-old.

"Just having these little girls who want to follow in your foot steps and follow you around…it's just amazing," Gallego said.

Gallego said that for now she will continue working with CBS4's special projects, but come July it's time to reach for another crown.

"That's the next goal, to be Miss Florida and advance to Miss America,' she said.

For more information on Florida's Sunshine Princess and Prince Program or to have your child become a part of the mentorship program visit MissFlorida.org.

The program is for both boys and girls ages 5 to 12-years-old.