Lone Star College-Montgomery sophomore Danna Yussieth Ceron was crowned the new Miss Independence of Colombia 2015 in Houston during the Building Education Culture and Achievement (BECA) organization’s 20th annual contest this summer. Ceron, who lives in the Woodlands, was awarded with an education scholarship.

Danna Yussieth Ceron didn’t think she was pageant
material. But the Lone Star College-Montgomery sophomore is equally surprised at her recent win as she is at her mom for entering her into the pageant.

Ceron, a Colombia native who moved with her family to Texas when she was only four, was crowned the new Miss Independence of Colombia 2015 in Houston during the Building Education Culture and Achievement (BECA) organization’s 20^th annual contest this summer.

BECA is a non-profit organization that facilitates technical school scholarships for Colombian students who want to continue their education. In celebration of 20 years of cultural work, this year’s event, which helps the thousands of local immigrants retain their cultural roots, enlisted participation from Colombian actor Daniel Arenas.

Never having experience in the pageant world before, Ceron, an international business major who also works at a local accounting firm, is soaking up the limelight that comes with her crown.

“I like it so far and I would love to continue with my goal, which is to make an impact here and in Colombia. I want to start working with pageants, as they are looking for a director and I want to help the next person that takes over and with the girls that come in.”

Ceron, who lives in the Woodlands, was also awarded with both an education and modeling school scholarship. She plans to use her scholarship at the University of Houston where she will complete her business studies and return to Colombia to manage an international marketing business.

With every contestant choosing a platform, or an appeal to the public on a topic, Ceron petitions for her platform “Cali, Colombia Lives with Purpose” in the hopes to shine a positive light on the dampened reputation of what was a place she once called home. As a poor, sleepy, little town in southwestern Colombia, Cali has succumbed to the wrath of drug trafficking and cartels.

Ceron hosts events locally to raise money and awareness to help an organization in Colombia called Vidas Con Proposito, which will provide poverty stricken children with a school and supplies.

Ceron credits her school, her family, and her sponsors for her success, adding that it was “my mom who kept me sane through the whole thing with a lot of guidance.”

“My educational experience also helped me tremendously with my maturity,” Ceron said. “Classes like business speech prepared me for public speaking and how to greet and talk to people.”

As Miss Colombia, Ceron feels one of the most important things she can take from this experience is what she is doing for her platform.

“No matter rich or poor, everyone deserves the opportunity to study,” Ceron said. “I am planning charity events and raising money for the cause. Also, I appreciate the ability to go out in Houston and demonstrate what Colombians have to offer, from amazing artists to talent in sports.”  

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion.  Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation.  Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.