Tina Marie Mares: Former Miss Washington and Student at Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA

"Part of my success as Miss Washington can be attributed to the wonderful support I have received from the entire Seattle University law school community," Mares said.
 

As Miss Washington, Mares, 25, received a $15,000 scholarship and took a one-year hiatus from law school between her first and second years in order to fulfill her pageant responsibilities. Lobbying for children's healthcare, Mares traveled throughout the State of Washington, speaking to elementary school students and conveying a positive message to youth to stay in school.

"As the first Hispanic to hold the title of Miss Washington, I was in a unique position to also address the Hispanic community about children's and women's healthcare," Mares said. "I believe that my effort is demonstrating that a young woman with a passionate voice can impact the lives of those with whom she comes in contact."

Growing up as the daughter of migrant farm workers in Western Washington, Mares learned early in life that perseverance and discipline determine fate. Watching her parents overcome poverty, hunger, homelessness, and racial discrimination, Mares developed the tools to negotiate life's difficulties. Scolded and humiliated by teachers for not speaking English, Mares' parents eventually earned undergraduate degrees, and Mares' father now has a master's degree as well as a law degree. Mares' mother is currently pursuing her Master of Education degree.

"I acquired a stronger sense of right and wrong and unequivocally believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity," Mares said.

Encouraged by her parents to dream big, Mares believes the best way to use her skills and abilities is to participate in community service and legal advocacy. Having devoted a large portion of her time to volunteer activities since she was a young teenager, Mares now plans to become an attorney in order to help children.

"My passion lies in the field of children's healthcare," Mares said. "As a future lawyer, I know that I can effectuate positive change through my passion to make a difference. I have learned that improving the lives of others is best done through working alongside people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. I continue to learn even more about human dignity, respect for others, and about the essence of life through my community service."

<<Lobbying to make children's healthcare a priority on the domestic agenda, Mares has conducted research that indicates 100,000 children in Washington State do not have health insurance coverage and that that number balloons to 8.5 million nationally. With a 12-year history of volunteer work at hospitals and other healthcare facilities, Mares has become aware of the number of children fighting serious illnesses without adequate health insurance. Her volunteer efforts have resulted in awards from the Miss America Organization, the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, the Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Jaycees, the Fulcrum Foundation, and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce.

Since her year as Miss Washington ended in July, Mares has continued partnerships with the American Heart Association-Pacific/Mountain Affiliate and the Washington Health Foundation.


 

Q. What do you do for fun? A. Play soccer and tennis, watch baseball, take kickboxing classes, and make scrapbooks. Q. What CD is in your CD player right now? A. A burned CD that has everything on it from Faith Hill to Linkin Park. Q. What is the last magazine you read? A. Shape magazine. I love this magazine because it offers you helpful tips on how to eat healthy and maintain a workout schedule that fits into a busy schedule—perfect information to keep handy for a law student. Q. What is your favorite TV show? A. I still like watching Saved by the Bell reruns! Q. Who is your role model? A. My friends and my family. They have taught me how to successfully maintain a balanced existence, both in my personal and professional life. More specifically, my parents have taught me to be myself, to respect myself, and to be considerate toward others.

<<"I feel very strongly about this issue because children need health insurance in order to receive the healthcare necessary to prevent illness, identify developmental issues, and treat preventable diseases," Mares said. "There is no question that the health of children is critical to their success in school and throughout their lives. We can and should do more for all of our children."

Mares always knew that she wanted a career that would give her the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. In studying law, Mares is committed to offering clients the courage to face legal battles. Having chosen Seattle University School of Law because of its commitment to community service, Mares has served as a student ambassador and is a member of the Health Law Society and the Women's Law Caucus. Additionally, she has chaired the school's annual Children's Hospital Holiday Toy Drive. Keeping busy, being productive, and living a healthy lifestyle are all parts of Mares' personal commitment to make healthy choices and be a positive role model.

"Tomorrow is promised to no one," Mares said a friend once told her. "I always keep this philosophy in mind."

"My parents have always raised me to be humble and appreciative of what I have because it can be taken away in an instant."