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Miss La Mesa: Passionate about Blood Donation
USOA Miss La Mesa, Michaela Barney, has chosen to dedicate her platform to educating people about the importance of blood donation. We caught up with her to learn more about why blood donation is a cause close to her heart.
What inspired you to want to support San Diego Blood Bank?
I was motivated to start supporting San Diego Blood Bank after I began donating blood and researching the organization. I was looking for a platform that I could really be involved with, where I could spend time making a difference. I think blood donation is so awesome because it is a way people can give back without needing to donate money (even though financial contributions are also super important to SDBB)!
How will your position as USOA Miss La Mesa help you to promote blood donation?
I hope that I can promote and advocate for blood donation and encourage others to donate blood. I plan on volunteering with many different blood drives and at the centers, and I want to hold my own blood drive! I think education on the importance of blood donation is critical—to show how one donation can make such a huge impact.
What are your hobbies?
I have a lot of hobbies. I love volunteering, but I also love spending time with my dog, knitting, hanging out with friends and going to the movies.
What do you love most about La Mesa?
I love La Mesa because it is such a tightknit community. I think it’s awesome how I can walk through downtown and see familiar faces and everyone is so friendly.
Who are the biggest influencers in your life?
The biggest influences in my life are my best friends. We have been best friends for the last 10+ years and honestly I am not sure where I would be without them. They are my rocks and they are my biggest motivators. They push me to be my best self and they just want me to be the best I can be. I am so incredibly grateful for their support and love.
Tell us about your experience as USOA Miss La Mesa – any particularly memorable moments? What’s the best part?
I haven't been USOA Miss La Mesa for long, but I cannot wait for more opportunities to be active in my community and give back! I am really looking forward to the blood drive at Grossmont Center on August 31.
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I am a tap dancer! I have danced since I was 5, and tap will always be my favorite.
