Meet Miss Chula Vista 2024: Isabel Caballero’s Journey of Inspiration

Article shared from the Towne Local Bonita
With grace and confidence, Isabel Caballero has stepped into the spotlight as Miss Chula Vista. A student at SDSU with big dreams, Isabel embodies what it means to be a community leader and role model. Her heart, resilience, and passion for change truly make her shine. Let’s get to know the story behind our very own Miss Chula Vista, Isabel Caballero.

Growing Up in Chula Vista

Isabel grew up right here in Chula Vista, the child of two educators who instilled in her a love of learning and community involvement. She attended CVLCC Middle School and Bonita Vista High School. During her time there, she was active in a variety of clubs. She participated in the award-winning Sound Unlimited, ASB, Junior Optimists, and served as President of the Robotics Club. One of her favorite memories was participating in the Bonita Library summer reading program, which sparked her early love for knowledge.

But Isabel’s journey hasn’t always been easy. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck during her senior year, she experienced the challenges of missing out on key moments—an experience shared by many. Despite the difficulties, she emerged stronger, using those hardships to shape her understanding of mental health. Isabel gained insights into the importance of accessible mental health resources, the impact of isolation on emotional well-being, and the need for open conversations about depression, especially among young people. Isabel is vocal about the need for better support systems for young people struggling with depression, especially during times of crisis.

Embracing Her Identity

Middle school was a time of introspection for Isabel, where she began to realize her differences, such as her emerging understanding of her sexual orientation, and what they meant for her identity. She faced the challenge of coming out as queer in a community that didn’t always understand her. She is proud of her identity and advocates for others to listen without judgment. She believes in creating spaces where people can truly feel heard and respected. Isabel’s preferred pronouns are both “she” and “they,” and she chooses the term Latinx as a gender-neutral identifier, celebrating her heritage in an inclusive way.

Why She Became Miss Chula Vista 2024

For Isabel, running for Miss Chula Vista wasn’t just about wearing a crown. It was about representing her beloved hometown, giving back, and using her platform to make a difference. Inspired by former titleholders, she applied, showcasing her leadership skills, academic accomplishments, and a platform dedicated to helping others. After an interview process that tested her poise and dedication, she received the news during a family dinner—she was the new Miss Chula Vista. Now, Isabel looks forward to using her position to be a source of comfort and strength for other young people who may be struggling with their identities.

Isabel Caballero’s Vision for the Future

Isabel isn’t stopping here. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, with a focus on researching substance abuse and its effects on prenatal development. She’s not just interested in lab work—Isabel wants to take her knowledge into schools and communities, helping to educate young people about the dangers of drug use. She’s passionate about de-normalizing the use of cannabis among teenagers and highlighting the real risks, including the potential hazards of laced substances, such as cannabis being mixed with fentanyl or other harmful drugs, which can lead to severe health consequences or even fatalities.

A Bright Future for Chula Vista

Isabel’s enthusiasm, intelligence, and compassion make her an incredible role model. She is proud to call Chula Vista home and is committed to making it a better place for everyone. Whether she’s wearing her crown at public events or speaking out on important issues like mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, Isabel Caballero is ready to make an impact. Thank you, Isabel, for your courage, vision, and dedication to our community.

Do You Want To Get Involved?

If Isabel’s story inspires you and want to be a part of the next Miss Chula Vista pageant, or if you’d like to support her platform, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to build a community that celebrates everyone’s unique journey. For more updates and to see Isabel Caballero in action, follow her on Instagram for her latest photos and inspiring moments.

Don’t Forget We Also Highlighted Miss Bonita Alicia Ontiveros

The newly crowned Miss Bonita, Alicia Ontiveros, embodies courage, compassion, and community spirit. Raised in Bonita, Alicia’s life has been rooted in tradition, faith, and a love for giving back. From playing softball to leading church activities and now working for the San Diego Padres, her journey is full of resilience and passion. As Miss Bonita, Alicia is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and inspiring her community to step out of their comfort zones. Follow Alicia on Instagram to join her inspiring journey and stay connected with her efforts in the community!