WHO WE ARE
The Amazing Girl and Miss Model Search and Miss USAmazing are programs of
Thelma Clarke Organization for Youth Advancement (501C3).
Thelma Clarke Organization for Youth Advancement (TCOYA) is our non-profit organization that services youth and young adults across the state of Michigan and surrounding states. Named after former US Senator, Hansen Clarke's mother, TCOYA strives to provide programs that help youth succeed in education, performing arts, pageants, modeling, and career development. TCOYA has been an award winning organization servicing over 300 youth across the mid-west.
The Amazing Girl and Miss Model Search and Miss USAmazing
The Amazing Girl & Miss Model Search (TAGM) is a model development program that produces seasonal fashion shows, classes, workshops and an online magazine. We fuse the modeling and fashion industries, creating a unique experience for young women with an interest in the industry. Our mission is to provide a safe and professional environment for young women interested in the modeling industry. Models that come through our program are given opportunities such as photoshoots, on-camera interviews, walking courses, and exposure that helps to build their portfolios and resumes. TAGM follows the current industry standard. We are the only non-profit model development program in the Mid-West with a structured model curriculum, partnered with working industry professionals. We are very happy to serve young women ages 16-28.
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TAGM's Miss USAmazing pageant is a pageant for girls and women ages 8-28. An Amazing Queen is a young lady that embodies elegance, glamour, and is accomplished. She is smart, confidence, respects herself, values diversity, and strives to be a role for others. The mission statement of the MIss USAmazing Pageant is to give girls a unique pageant experience, providing them with opportunities for development in community leadership, public speaking, and public relations. Miss USAmazing welcomes all girls and miss from across the United States.
Meet Your Directors
ANGELA BENITEZ
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, CEO
Ms. Benitez holds a BS in Community Development and a MSA in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. Ms. Benitez has received numerous awards for her community leadership to include the Pine-Sol Unsung Hero award and Spirit of Detroit Award. Ms. Benitez has mentored girls for more than 30 years. She is the recipient of the University of Michigan's "Mentor of the Year" Award. She is the owner of Angie's Jewels Pageant Jewelry & Accessories, providing high quality jewelry and costumes to pageant contestants across the US. Ms. Benitez is the proud grandmother of one grandson and enjoys cheering on her favorite Detroit sports teams.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TERESA ALVAREZ
Teresa Alvarez is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Film & Broadcasting Journalism. She is a professional actress, model, and entertainment specialist currently touring the country with Ford & GR Connex. Teresa has worked with major brands such as Disney, Wal-Mart, Invisalign, and is a published model seen in numerous magazines including Seventeen and Cosmopolitan magazine. She is the owner of TJ Alvarez Media, which is a company that oversees Teresa J Alvarez Photography and Royal T Pageant Coaching. As an award winning photographer and national winning pageant coach, Teresa continues to elevate her brand with new clients across the US. She is the proud mom of one son.
