Aileen Buri, former member of the Filipino Association, was crowned Miss Las Vegas at the Miss Las Vegas Beauty Pageant held on August 6, 2011. Along with that title, she also won for Best Evening Gown and Best Model. I recently had a chance to ask her to share some of her memories and plans for the immediate future.

What are some of the favorite memories that you have of your time in Kansas City?

My most favorite memories were from the September Affair and the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. It was where I got my start in dance and being in front of people. I remember my mom, Ethel Buri, taking me home and having me practice and practice because she wanted me to be the best. I also remember running around with my brothers and sisters at the Ethnic Festival! It was always so much fun eating the food and performing every year. After leaving the Filipino Association, I started dancing ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, hula, belly dance and Tahitian.

What have you done since moving out of the area?

Since moving out of the area, I joined the Nevada Army National Guard and am currently an E-5, which is a sergeant. I have been in for 3-1/2 years. I also worked as a lifeguard at WorldMark by Wyndham (timeshare) and went on to be the Front Desk Supervisor for 5 years, and now I am the Assistant Hotel Manager for Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas.

What inspired you to compete in the Miss Las Vegas pageant?

I worked closely with Miss Nevada State, as we are both life coaches. Seeing her raise over $100,000 at St. Jude’s Hospital really taught me that a lot can be done for the community with having a Miss Title. I also wanted to show myself that not only am I strong enough to be a sergeant in the Army, but also soft to be a beauty queen. With both I can really do something huge for the community, state and country.

What is next for Aileen Buri?

What’s next is that I am joining the Nevada Blind Center in putting on a nonprofit gala to benefit the blind and visually impaired in Nevada, which will take place September 17, 2011. I will keep you posted on other events that I will be a part of to support the community in making a big difference. I am also going to compete for Miss Nevada State next year in March, and am in the process of meeting with the Filipino Association in Las Vegas to support some events that they will be doing locally. My heart will remain with the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City because that is where I realized my potential and how much I love my heritage. Without the Filipinettes, I would not have been able to get up in front of people, and even if I messed up, to keep going and SMILE!

Looking back at my time spent with the Filipinettes, it brings me to a place of joy because I grew up with them. I remember going to the back of the house and spending time with the other dancers and pretending we had a clubhouse. We would learn about each other, the culture, and dance. It was a place we could go and experience our heritage and the love of a family.