We had the good fortune of connecting with Karla Aponte Roque and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Working in healthcare has taught me that you need to find a moment to care for yourself. Working twelve-plus hour days and hearing stories that can tug on your heartstrings can have you feeling drained. For me, I get to recharge my batteries as Miss Connecticut USA. It seems strange to find joy and relief through competing in a pageant but it does! It allows me to be involved in my community and have a sense of normalcy, sharing my message of health in all aspects.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a registered nurse, but nursing isn’t my first degree or career. I have a degree in biology, chemistry, and nursing. I wanted to work in research or even become a doctor, but everything changed after becoming a certified nurse’s aide to gain patient experience. After obtaining my double bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry while minoring in psychology and pre-pharmacy, I applied to nursing programs. I graduated in 2022 with my nursing degree and was honored to receive the Veterans Affairs VALOR scholar award for my work with the veteran population. It was hard starting all over again and feeling as though I was failing. Watching my friends start work and go to graduate school, I felt like I was starting at level 1. Looking back I am so happy I went back to school and followed this passion for nursing. I currently am in school to obtain my MBA in healthcare management because I have seen all the work that still needs to be done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hiking is a must at my favorite place called Sleeping Gaint. After the hike, we would eat a loaded baked potato at Spuds your way. We would catch a movie on the IMAX screen, especially if a superhero movie was going to be playing. Have dinner at Brazi’s for pasta and steak. In town, we would go to the beach and have ice cream while strolling the town green. A tour of the historic town center and the architecture of Yale University would make us hungry for New Haven’s legendary pizza scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends, who have been alongside me this whole time. And my beautiful state of Connecticut, may I represent you well.

Website: Miss Connecticut USA

Instagram: @missctusa & @karlaaponteroque

Linkedin: Karla Aponte Roque

Twitter: @missctusa

Facebook: Karla Aponte Roque & Miss Connecticut USA

Image Credits
Jessielyn Palumbo Photography Rafael Feliciano Photography Spaquette Images

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.