Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Vernon
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was honored to be crowned the Centennial Miss California this past June and am thrilled to represent our state as I prepare to compete for Miss America in January. My journey has been driven by a deep commitment to the arts and my passion for giving back to the community through education.
After graduating magna cum laude from California State University, Fullerton, with a double major in Theatre and Cinema Television Arts, I returned home and have worked with various arts non-profits along with working in Marketing with a tech start up. My community service initiative, “Arts For All,” focuses on making arts education accessible to Title 1 schools and underserved communities across California.
During my senior year of college, I interned with Center Theatre Group LA, working with Title 1 schools and helping send two high school students to New York for the national monologue competition. After college, I collaborated with nonprofits like Starting Arts and Audacity Performing Arts, teaching dance and theatre to K-12 students in Santa Clara, San Jose, and surrounding areas. As a Performer Educator with Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre, I traveled across California delivering educational assemblies, and I’ve performed with Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose to help raise over $100,000 for youth performances.
I’ve held the titles of Miss Santa Clara County in 2020, 2021, and 2024, and Miss Santa Clara in 2023. Now, as the 100th anniversary Miss California, I’m excited to represent our state and share my passion for the arts on the national stage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it took me four attempts to finally win the Miss California crown. One of the biggest challenges was the inner work required. Competing in pageants isn’t just about perfecting outward appearance or performance; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, mentally and emotionally. Each year, I grew not only in skill but also in self-confidence and resilience. Timing truly is everything, and looking back, I believe each setback prepared me for the ultimate moment. Winning on the 100th anniversary year feels like it was meant to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always been driven by a heart of service, and I spoke about this during my final question at the Miss California competition. It’s something I truly live by. Over the years, I’ve logged hundreds of volunteer hours, and my goal this year is to be the Miss California who visits all 58 counties in our state, making an impact wherever I go.
What I’m most passionate about is working with arts programs and nonprofits, particularly in underserved communities. Through my initiative “Arts for All,” I’ve been able to bring arts education to Title 1 schools across the state. One of my proudest moments was when I served as the theatre director at LUCHA Elementary, where I helped establish the school’s first-ever theatre program. Many of my students came from low-income families, had incarcerated parents, or struggled with learning challenges. But through the arts, I saw them find a space to express themselves, grow in confidence, and thrive.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love Los Angeles! I spent so much time here during college, so every time I return, it feels like a second home. My favorite thing about the city is the energy—there’s always something exciting happening, and the opportunities here are endless. Whether it’s for the arts, culture, food, or new experiences, LA is always buzzing with possibilities.
Of course, my least favorite thing has to be the traffic (which I’m sure I’m not alone in!).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://misscalifornia.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/missamericaca
- Other: https://misskimberlyvernon.com
Image Credits
Image Society Sac (Crowning Photo)
Mak’s Vision Media (Beach Photo)
