In Part Two of our conversation with Miss Colorado for America Strong, Vanity Johnson, we look ahead to the next chapter of her journey: taking the stage in Las Vegas on September 1 to compete for the title of Miss for America Strong.

Vanity gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of what it takes to prepare for the national competition. With two packed days in Vegas, the experience is sure to be exciting, glamorous, and probably a little exhausting, but, for Vanity, it's about so much more than the competition. It's about embracing every moment, celebrating how far she's come, and being surrounded by an incredible group of women and people who make the experience unforgettable.

From Colorado to Vegas, Vanity is ready to step onto the national stage soak it all in, and see just how far this next adventure can take her.

In this episode, we sit down with Vanity Johnson, the newly crowned Miss Colorado for American Strong, whose journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and choosing hope.

After the devastating loss of her son's father to suicide in her late 20's, Vanity made the difficult decision to leave Chicago and move to Colorado to be surrounded by family while raising her young son and navigating unimaginable grief. As part of her healing journey, she found comfort and support by joining a grief group at Judi's House, where she was surrounded by others experiencing similar loss and discovered the strength that comes from sharing life's hardest moments with a community that truly understands.

Vanity is a woman who refuses to be defined by her hardships. She's a talented hairstylist, a barre instructor, and someone who believes growth comes from continually challenging yourself and embracing new opportunities. That mindset ultimately led her to compete for - and win - the title of both Miss Congeniality and Miss Colorado for America Strong.

Now, with her sights set on the national stage, Vanity is preparing to compete for Miss for America Strong in Las Vegas on September 1st. Her story is a reminder that our greatest challenges can become the foundation for our greatest impact.

In the second half of our conversation with the Colorado Ballet, we explore the exciting opportunities available to dancers both on and off the stage. We discuss the internationally recognized performances in Vail and how participating in these productions helps dancers build their resumes and advance their careers. We also take a closer look at the season ending MasterWorks performance - a stunning showcase featuring three distinct works that challenges the company's artists and can open doors to future featured and solo roles. Whether you're a longtime ballet enthusiast or simply curious about the world behind the curtain, this episode offers an inspiring look at the artistry, dedication, and career paths of professional dancers.

Step behind the curtain with the Colorado Ballet as we explore how they're making the arts accessible to everyone. From busing students in from surrounding communities to live streaming performances beyond the Denver metro area, we discuss their commitment to expanding access to ballet. We also dive into the many roles that bring a production to life, what audiences can expect when attending a performance, and why ballet truly has something for everyone - regardless of age, background, or experience.

In Part Two, we explore Tony Ramos' deep love for his adopted country, reflecting on his patriotism and his belief in leading by example. He shares how teamwork and supporting those around you - whether in the Navy or the workplace - has shaped his life philosophy. Now, in retirement, he's embraced a new passion: living life on the golf course full-time with that same drive and camaraderie.

This week, Lanet interviews her dad, Tony Ramos, whose journey embodies the American dream. After immigrating from the Philippines in his early 20s through the U.S. Navy, Tony helped create opportunities not only for himself but for his parents, eight siblings, and their families. Tune in as he shares the lessons, perseverance, and competitive spirit that always pushed him to strive to be number one in everything he does.

In this second part, we explore Kayla's dad's career journey - how he applied his welding expertise, his active role in the American Welding Society, and we discuss the many career paths a welder can take. He also highlighted what the field looks like for women, showing how diverse and inclusive the profession can be.

This week on ElevateHer, we sit down with a welding engineer who knew at just 17 years old that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. A lifelong learner, devoted family man, and member of the American Welding Society, he shares the lessons, opportunities, and experiences that shaped his career. We also discuss the growing opportunities for women in engineering and the unique perspectives they bring to an industry built on innovation and problem-solving. Please welcome Kayla's dad, Mr. Kevin Hayes!

Join while chaat healing and the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energy with Heceliza Perez.

At just 15 years old, Valentina immigrated to the United States from Kyrgyzstan with her family, unable to speak a word of English. Join us as she shares her inspiring journey of overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, earning her MBA while working full-time as a Private Wealth Advisor, and empowering women to take control of their financial futures through smart saving, investing and money management.