Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalya Knoke.
Hi Natalya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, my mom got me involved with volunteering. This built a sense of community to me and I fell in love with the idea of making a different and being the best version of myself possible. This really took off my sophomore year of high school when I won my first local pageant through the Miss America Organization. From there I got involved in numerous organizations in my community as well as in my school. Throughout high school I held leadership roles in the following organizations: VP of Community Service for National Honors Society, Greenhouse Coordinator and Community Service Organizer for Spanish National Honors Society, VP of Community Service for KEY Club, JAY Crew member for LINK Crew, and Executive Council Member for Breakfast Club. I was also on the dance team at Liberty High School and served as a senior captain, community service organizer, public relations representative, team choreographer, clothing designer, communications representative, and clinic organizer. Outside of school, I was involved with Ronald McDonald Charity House, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Bridging the Gap, Heartland Tree Alliance, Masks for Millions, Days for Girls, Inclusions Connections, and many more organizations. Being involved is who I am and I worked hard to share that with my community. In June 2021, I was second runner up to Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen. I will be headed back to the Miss Missouri stage in June 2022 as Miss Kansas City International and I am so excited to represent KC. Currently, I am a freshman at The University of Mississippi pursuing my degree in accounting. I am heavily involved in Oxford within my sorority, as a board member of RebelTHON, a volunteer at The Pinnacle, and an active fundraiser for CASA Foster Organization.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, one of the biggest challenges I faced was my sophomore year of high school. I was volunteer at National Pancake Day raising money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network when a group of girls decided to physically assault me and tear my crown out of my hair. This was a hard time for me because I lost focus of who I was. I didn’t understand how that could happen at a day meant to celebrate sick children. I was so lost. After I recovered from that, I became even more active in the community trying to make a difference. I worked to show more good in our society rather than bad.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently a student at The University of Mississippi working towards my Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting with an emphasis in Forensics. I am double minoring in Spanish and Intelligence and Security Studies. I hope to one day pursue a job with the FBI or CIA as an International Forensic Accountant.
Currently, I am a server at Texas Roadhouse using my money to pay for my college degree. I have worked here almost two years. I am also the assistant to a Wedding Planner at Trinity Events, KC’s #1 Wedding Planner and Designer. Here, I help design weddings and facilitate the logistics of different events.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is so important for people to know how to do because it helps to build the foundation for a successful career and involvement within a community. For me, I network best by being out in the community meeting new people, making those connections that will help me in the future. One of the best ways to network is getting involved with bigger organizations and simply getting your name out there. For me, I was a part of the first-ever ReThink Ed Youth Conference that was sponsored by the Kauffman Organization. This was a huge networking experience for me and I would recommend things like this for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Email: natalyaknoke@gmail.com
- Website: https://natalyaknoke.wixsite.com/missouri
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalyaknoke/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalyaknoke/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/natalyaknoke
