In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini speaks with Ava Manuel, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Tribune and Mrs. Enterprise America 2025. They discuss how one conversation and one belief shift changed everything for Ava, reigniting a decades-old dream and launching her on the road to the Mrs. America stage. This episode explores reclaiming joy, breaking up with perfectionism, and finally saying yes to yourself at any age, size, and exactly as you are. Ava V. Manuel is a Pulitzer Prize–nominated journalist, award-winning media executive, bestselling author and speaker impact strategist, and Mrs. Enterprise America 2025—serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Los Angeles Tribune, CEO of The Legendary Makers and Founder of EmpowHer Economy, a national platform uniting women, media, and small business for collective prosperity.          

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Ava's Journey

  • Competed in pageants at ages 14-16 in the Philippines
  • Had her first child at 17, putting her pageant dreams on hold for 31 years
  • Rediscovered her passion after her children moved out in 2022
  • A high school teacher sent her a photo from her pageant days, reminding her of her dream

The Turning Point

  • While working with Dr. Cristina on a lead magnet about "5 habits that are secretly sabotaging you," Ava had a revelation
  • Recognized that she had been voting herself "not ready" and "not good enough" in many areas of life
  • In April, Ava filled out the application for Mrs. America, taking the first step toward her dream
  • This decision shifted her from a mindset of hesitation to one of possibility

Impact of Saying "Yes"

  • Made better choices about sleep, nutrition, and self-care
  • Shifted from a vibrational energy of hesitation to one of possibility
  • Inspired to champion other women through her platform "Empower Her Economy"
  • Won the title of Mrs. Enterprise America 2025

Upcoming Projects

  • Ava will compete in the Mrs. Nevada pageant on June 6-8, 2025, at Alianza Hotel in Las Vegas
  • People's Choice voting begins May 1st
  • Dr. Cristina's upcoming program "Beyond Perfect" was previewed

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
  • 02:16 Ava's Journey to Self-Discovery
  • 04:21 The Impact of Dr. Cristina's Program
  • 07:47 Reigniting Old Dreams
  • 11:36 The Power of Saying Yes
  • 16:10 Preparing for Mrs. America
  • 23:36 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
  • 33:41 Empowering Women and Final Thoughts

HOW TO CONNECT WITH AVA TO LEARN MORE:

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Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.