For the young women who participate in the Council for Youth Empowerment’s CYE pageant program, the crown is only the beginning.
Founded in June 2003, the Alpine-based nonprofit was created to recognize, reward and showcase young people while encouraging education, community service, leadership and personal growth. Its programs include the CYE Miss El Cajon title and other ambassador opportunities that can lead to state-level competition.
CYE has contributed thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes to California youth and is an official certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Karen and Don De Mars have been involved with CYE since 2012, when their daughter, Alexandria, entered her first CYE pageant at age 14. Karen is now co-president with CYE founding co-member Julie Crawley, while Don serves on the board and works as the organization’s official photographer, webmaster and stage manager.
The De Mars family has seen firsthand how the program can extend well beyond a pageant.
“We believe that young people are our greatest natural resource, and that their education and commitment to service is the cornerstone of a strong and successful nation,” Don said, quoting CYE’s guiding philosophy.
CYE is governed by a volunteer board whose members come from business, education, civic and service organizations, entertainment and law. The organization says its members and volunteers serve without compensation.
Its pageant program is designed to provide young women with opportunities to promote issues within their communities while developing leadership skills and confidence.
“Our competing ambassadors enjoy one day of on-stage glamour and excitement — followed by a year of commitment and service to their community,” Karen said.
Participants are mentored by women who are established in their communities. The program emphasizes leadership, community service, academic excellence, teamwork, volunteerism, integrity and diversity, while also offering opportunities for scholarships, recognition and friendship.
CYE also has a Diamond Girl Ambassador Program. Newly crowned CYE ambassadors have the opportunity to advance to the organization’s CYE Miss California or CYE Miss Southern California competitions. Only CYE titleholders and CYE Diamond Girls are eligible to compete in the annual CYE Miss California pageant.
The 2026 CYE Miss California Pageant is scheduled for Nov. 7-8.
For the De Mars family, Alexandria’s experience is one example of where that journey can lead.
She began competing with CYE as a shy 14-year-old in 2012 and eventually was crowned CYE Miss El Cajon in 2019 before becoming 2019 CYE Miss California. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2021 before earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Alexandria is now a licensed occupational therapist. She has worked with children, teens and young adults with special needs, served as a special education teacher at Valhalla High School and worked for the San Diego Gulls.
“As Alexandria’s Dad, I’ve had the pleasure of watching her start her journey back in 2012 with CYE as a very shy young lady,” Don said. “With the majority of her mother’s help, the mentorship, and guidance of many caring, loving, and wonderful ladies, she blossomed into the strong, confident, and accomplished woman she is today.”
The current CYE Miss El Cajon, Natalie, was crowned in June 2026 and will serve as the 2026-27 titleholder.
For CYE, the goal is not simply to crown a winner. It is to give young people opportunities to develop confidence, serve their communities, pursue their education and build skills that can follow them long after their year wearing the crown is over.