A Conversation with 2021's Miss Arizona Amber Barto and Roger E. Magowitz About Pancreatic Cancer  Episode 15  Barto’s journey in pageants started when she was 15 years old. She first served as Miss City of Maricopa’s Outstanding Teen in 2013 and went on to serve as Miss Arizona's Outstanding Teen in 2014. After competing in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition in 2014 and serving as Miss Scottsdale in 2019, Barto aspired to represent the state on an even bigger scale.  “Stepping on that stage was a dream come true. Competing for Miss Arizona was something I waited for for about seven years,” Barto said. “When my name was announced as Miss Arizona, it was surreal and just felt like such a full-circle moment to be there and standing on the Miss Arizona stage. It's an experience unlike any other, being given that opportunity.”  In addition to winning the Miss Arizona title, she also won the preliminary talent and red-carpet evening wear awards as well as the quality of life award for her social impact initiative, Leadership Through Service, which encourages youth to become involved in community service by bringing awareness to different causes and nonprofits. As part of this initiative, she has helped raise over $300,000 to benefit local charities and has volunteered more than 1,000 hours annually. As Miss Arizona, Barto said she hopes to continue inspiring community service participation, specifically within local youth populations.  “I would love to travel the state of Arizona and do a full school tour to talk about the importance of community service,” Barto said. “With younger kids, it's really about instilling that concept of empathy and selflessness while teaching that giving back is something really incredible. I also want to help people find causes that they’re really passionate about.”  The 23-year-old has lived in Arizona since she was 5 years old, growing up in the city of Ahwatukee. She has been an avid dancer since she was 2 and has won many awards, including an Olympic-recognized gold medal with the Arizona State Dance Team.  Barto serves as the communications director for the Phoenix affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, where she coordinates local media coverage and social media and advocates for funding and research initiatives.

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