We began 17 sentences that each person finished in their own words. Here’s what 2009 Miss Arizona, Vanessa Rose Valero, had to say about her inspirations, family and everything in between.
Age: 23 years old in body, but an old soul
Title: Host of weekly tv show, ‘Joy in Our Town’ on TBN/Chanel 21 and Signed Model with Arizona Model and Actor Management
Married/Single: In a serious relationship for almost 2 years with Hadden Schifman, the love of my life.
Kids: Sparkle, a 4 lb Yorkie, she is my “daughter” and the sparkle in my eye. You probably won’t see me around town without her.
Live: Biltmore area. I love it.
I was born…
in Upland, Caliornia at San Antonio Hopsital on my only brother, Joseph’s 5th birthday; he was born at 12:22 and I was born at 10:22.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the green belt and our winter weather. I really enjoy taking bike rides with Hadden and Sparkle during the winter and spring here when the weather is perfect. It stretches from North Scottsdale to Tempe and is a safe way to be active and enjoy the outdoors.
I’m listening to…
Fox News. I like to stay well informed and have aspirations to be a Fox News Host one day… =) and who knows, possibly a political office is in my future, if God willing.
My family…
puts the fun in dys’fun’ctional. My dad, Joe is a Chilean Immigrant and my mom, Oralena is 2nd generation Sicillian and Cherokee Indian. We lived in California, El Salvador, and Miami before moving to Arizona in October 1999. We ate dinner together every night (no tv or phones) and were raised to be respectful, God-fearing, grateful, hard working, patriotic citizens. Christmas was a big deal in our house and that along with deep sea fishing and hunting are some of the best memories I have with my family.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
John Adams (if he were still alive), I would love to hear his story first hand about what inspired and motivated him to fight against all odds to create our Great United States of America.
One thing I cannot live without…
God. His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a jazz singer (I still can dream) and an international business attorney. I grew up listening to Frank Sinatra and all artists from that genre and have always had a deep appreciation for jazz and good music (and performing). On the other note, my father was in international import/export and that always intrigued my interest… I love traveling and experiencing different cultures.
I’m inspired by…
life. I realize that we only get one shot at this life and living with purpose is our choice. We may not always get an easy hand, but we have to choose to learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Every day is a new day with no mistakes in it, so I choose to start every day with joy, optimism and focus.
The one person who motivates me is…
Margaret Thatcher. She said “If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing”, I loved her sense of conviction, purpose and fearlessness. She was a powerful woman and to me, a sense of inspiration.
If could change anything in the world, it would be…
no child or animal would be abused, it turns my heart and stomach. Both are innocent and helpless and we should do everything in our power to protect them and let them know that they are loved and safe.
The perfect day would be…
on the Greek Isles. The day would begin with breakfast on the water, a massage than heading out on the water to enjoy friends and family with great wine (and cheese and dark chocolate). That night we would enjoy live jazz music and dance and laugh the night away. (I am a bit of an idealist… sometimes).
My first job was…
I started a gift wrapping business when I was 11 and would wrap presents at Christmas time and deliver them late Christmas Eve. I also started babysitting and pet sitting about the same time. My first W-9 job was with TBN Phoenix, at 15 and 7 months I began getting paid as a floor director (I volunteered for about 2 years before that).
My favorite escape…
is anywhere by the ocean. I love the smell of the clean salt air, the coastal sun on my skin and the fresh cool breeze. I love the Ocean and am so happy that Phoenix is only a 6 hour drive away.
My life…
is beautiful. It’s not perfect (or always easy), but I can truly say that I am blessed and grateful.
I’m currently working on…
continually adding to my resume in television and commercials and putting together a new demo reel (soon). Also, been doing a lot of volunteering with the Presidential campaign coming up. I did a lot of voter registration drives and am now working with some groups to make phone calls and work events. Make sure you VOTE!
Always…
Forgive. We may not be able to forget, but forgiveness will set you free from living a a life of resentment and bitterness.
Never…
“Cry over spilled milk”. One thing you can never replace is time, so don’t waste it being angry. Just remember, always make decisions knowing that what you do today will ultimately affect your future.
Thank you very much Arizona Foothills for asking me to take part in this. I really appreciate it!