MEN IN PAGEANTRY: WITH DR. RAFAEL GALLEGO

BEAUTY AND FASHION

MEN IN PAGEANTRY: WITH Dr. Rafael Gallego

Dr. Rafael Gallego is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University where he holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Management, specializing in Healthcare Administration. He holds a certification from the Florida International University in Human Resources Administration. On May 30, 2020, Gallego received his Honorary Doctorate in Ministry from Trinity Theology Seminary of South Florida. He was born in Havana, Cuba and migrated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1970. Gallego recently relocated from Plantation, Florida and now lives in Big Spring, Texas. He is employed by Steward Healthcare as the Administrative Director of Patient Access/Business Services in Texas.

Dr. Gallego is a proud father of three beautiful daughters, Kymberley, Kourtney and Kayla. He is listed in the Manchester Who’s Who, Madison Who’s Who and Biltmore Who’s Who for Executives and Professional in Healthcare. He is also the former Chief Elder at Christian Worship Outreach Center in Miramar, Florida for 12 years.

Dr. Gallego’s pageant experience is varied. He has experience judging local, state, national and international pageants such as the Miss America Organization, National American Miss (NAM), American Coed, Miss Florida Teen America, and much more. He is also a Producer for Miss Supernatural, former Executive National Director of Production for Miss Plus America, Mr. & Miss Gospel International, and Miss Florida Excellence. He was the Preliminary Director for Miss Florida USA for the past six years and had over fifteen preliminary pageants under his belt. He uses his ministry for caring, inspiring and encouraging woman to be all they can be through pageantry.

He is the National Co-Director for Man of Distinction and former Mr. Man of Distinction 2016- 2017 representing the State of Florida. In 2015, Prestige Pageantry honored Gallego with a Lifetime Achievement in Pageantry. He is a former President of the Board of Directors for the Miss Plus America Pageant 2016-2018. Currently, Gallego is the CEO/Founder, Crowning in Excellence, Producer of Beauty Pageants.

His Motto: For everything disappointment, there is an accomplishment!

QSM: How did you get started in pageantry?

Rafael: I get into it myself after my daughters competed in pageants.

QSM: What were the responses when you told family and friends you were competing?

Rafael: They were very supportive. They encouraged me and told me that I should go for it.

QSM: Do you believe there is a stigma against men competing in pageants? If so, how have you combated that stigma?

Rafael: There is but, I don’t worry about that. I know who I am, and I am very confident in myself. It’s a great opportunity for men to compete and even win!

QSM: What would you say has been your biggest achievement in pageantry?

Rafael: My biggest achievement in pageantry was being selected as the Executive Producer for Miss Plus America.

QSM: Do you think men competing in pageants will become mainstream?

Rafael: I believe so, we are having an opportunity to change the view of one’s perception, one pageant at a time! Kings have Crowns too.

QSM: What would you tell a man looking to explore pageantry?

Rafael: I would tell them to Go for it! It opens doors for you, you network with people, you get to learn the business and you get the opportunity to serve your community. But most of all wearing that King’s Crown!

QSM: What are you working on now?

Rafael: I am the new Director for Texas U.S. United pageant and the Co-National Director for Man of Distinction under All World Beauties. I am also former Man of Distinction 2016-2017.

QSM: Have you ever considered creating your own pageant for men?

Rafael: Not yet, maybe in the future. Maybe I will call it Mr. Excellence.

QSM: Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your work producing pageants?

Rafael: Mostly definitely, it slowed down the industry to the max as far as producing, directing and judging. But I am praying for a change in the next few months.

QSM: What kind of legacy would you like to leave in pageantry?

Rafael: My passion towards pageantry, C.I.E. Caring, Inspiring and Encouraging Women and Men to be all they can be in pageantry. You can do it!

by Dr. Janelle “The Curvy Doc” Simmons