Lompoc native Paloma Pacheco has won the title of Miss Grand California 2025 — and she’s using her crown to champion a powerful message of emotional wellness, cultural representation and education reform.

The 23-year-old published model and entrepreneur will represent California at Miss Grand USA on Aug. 18 in Las Vegas, where she’ll compete among state titleholders from across the nation. The Miss Grand USA competition is a preliminary for the Miss Grand International pageant, a global beauty competition focused on promoting peace and awareness of important societal issues.

For Pacheco, the platform extends far beyond the stage. She plans to spotlight her signature initiative, E.L.S.A. — the Emotional Literacy in Schools Act — which aims to integrate emotional education into California’

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