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In the heart of this movement stands Tennessee America Pageants, the official division of David and Elaine Marmel’s Mrs. America Pageant in the great state of Tennessee. This new home for Tennessee America Pageants has captured the attention of pageant enthusiasts and participants alike, becoming a symbol of empowerment and representation in the Volunteer State.

Previously known as Miss Chattanooga, local girl, Claire Portilla brought home the gold as she was recently crowned the newest Miss Tennessee for America after her move back from Dallas, Texas. 

Mrs. Tennessee America, Amy Rottero, is on a mission to make other women feel beautiful, too. “Queen's Closet was born out of the idea of boosting young women's self-esteem by giving them a sense of who they are and what they're about and instilling confidence so that they don't make decisions that lead them down the wrong path,” she says.

“I am not a spotlight person, so I really had to get out of my comfort zone to achieve this. I went into the experience with no expectations other than a way to grow myself. I wanted to stay true to myself and not fit a mold,” shared Portilla. 

Watch your #TeamTennessee on Today in Nashville morning news!

Miss Tennessee Claire Portilla, from Chattanooga, along with a few local celebrities were the judges of Monday's competition.