Elmont’s Selene Ferdinand named Miss New York Preteen

New York has a new Queen — and she happens to be from Elmont.

Ten-year-old Selene Ferdinand has made quite a name for herself on the local and statewide levels. She is the founder of nonprofit Meera Empowerment, and was recently crowned National American Miss New York Preteen for 2023-24.

The title means a lot to her as she ventures to help others through her title and community service efforts.

“(Pageantry) teaches us how to have that confidence and that courage inside of us, which is the most important part to go about (life) on a daily basis,” Selene said.

She credited her experience with National American Miss pageantry with breaking her out of her once-shy shell and inspiring her self-confidence.

“I just say to never give up and always work hard,” she said.

During a typical week, Selene practices her speech, gets active with her Girl Scout Troop, and is involved in community service efforts throughout the Elmont region. This year, she will work towards her Silver Award as a Girl Scout.

She participated in several back to school drives in Elmont, Uniondale and Valley Stream before the start of the school year. Recently, Selene helped raffle out prizes for basketball players at the Elmont Family Day Self Awareness Event held on Sept. 16.

Meera Empowerment hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for charitable organizations such as Building Homes for Heroes and the American Cancer Society.

“My dad used to work in the city, so when I go to the city there are lots of people who don’t have homes that live on the street,” Selene said. “So that really touched my heart and inspired me to make an impact. I saw a problem in my community and I wanted to fix it.”

Her connection to the American Cancer Society is personal, as she said multiple family members have had cancer.

“It’s really dear to my heart and I wanted to make an impact for those in need,” she said.

All of the skills she has learned through pageantry with National American Miss she uses to help in her nonprofit work in Meera Empowerment. At the nonprofit foundation, she also works to empower kids to be confident.

“We use all of my public speaking skills and my modeling to put them all together in the youth,” Selene said. “So they know how to do interviews, for future jobs and such.”

Children involved with Meera Empowerment are considered ambassadors with the nonprofit. Selene said she goes to the Ronald McDonald House with the ambassadors to learn and cook for guests.

Throughout Nov. 17-26, the Elmont native will compete at the national level for the National American Miss National Queen title. The title would mean a lot to Selene, who has competed in beauty pageants since she was 4 years old.

She recently expanded her runway experience to include a New York Fashion Week show this year. Marc DeFang, a pageant, prom and bridal designer, reached out to Selene to walk the runway and model for him.

“I was really excited because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.

Her favorite part of the experience was when she heard the applause when she walked down the runway.

Before she walks down the runway, Selene prepares herself with words of affirmation to instill confidence.

“Normally I say in my head,” she explained. “‘I’m good enough. I’m worth it. I can do this. I believe in myself. I’m beautiful. I’m just wonderful. I’m my own queen, no matter if I win or not, I have my own invisible crown.”

To support Selene at the National American Miss pageant in November, community organizations Exit 13 Grooming Lounge, Meera Empowerment and Elmont Strong planned to hold an event to support her endeavors on Oct. 7. The event will be held at 240-05 Linden Blvd. in Elmont from 5-7 p.m.

“I just want to thank them so much, because none of this would have happened without them,” Selene said.

The community can sponsor Selene through Oct. 8. All sponsors names will be included in the National American Miss Magazine, and the sponsorship fee is $100 per name.

“Girl Scouts and National American Miss pageant have made her that outspoken person,” said Savitre Ferdinand, Selene’s mother.

In February, Selene will be honored in Franklin Square at the Lincoln King Visionary Awards. She was nominated by Pastor Emmanuel Asse for her civic leadership in Elmont.

She credits this opportunity to her community service in the Elmont community and work with Meera Empowerment to empower the local youth.

People can hear Selene when she appears on You’re Our Unity, a talk show that works to cultivate a spirit of peace in the community.