Navy officer named Ms. New Orleans

Navy Counselor First Class (NC1) Latonya Robinson was crowned the 2012 ‘Ms New Orleans’ in a ceremony held on Dec. 4, 2011.

“It was an amazing honor just to be able to compete. When my name was announced, I was overjoyed because I knew it was a result of my hard work and determination,” Robinson said.

Robinson started competing in pageants as a teenager while living in Houston. At 13, she competed in the Miss America Co-ed Pageant, and at 17, she was third runner-up for the Miss Sweetheart Pageant. More recently, she was named the 2010 Miss Santa Clarita Valley in California before reporting for duty at NRD New Orleans.

The same drive and determination that helps Robinson compete in pageants is what she brings to her daily job in the Navy. Inspired to join the military by a motivational guest speaker at her high school, NC1 Robinson has been enjoying the career of her dreams since 1992. As a Sailor in the United States Navy, Robinson has been able to travel throughout the U.S., compete on the All-Navy Track and Field team through the Navy Sports program, and most importantly, impact the lives of others.

As a Navy counselor, Robinson uses her thorough organizational knowledge of the Navy to offer career guidance to Sailors aboard ships and at shore facilities, and to civilians who are considering enlistment in the Navy.

“As someone how loves interacting with the public, this job gives me the opportunity to showcase all the wonderful personal and professional benefits offered by the Navy as well as support my fellow shipmates as they continue down their own career paths,” Robinson said.

Another way NC1 offer support to others is by embracing the Navy’s motto – “A Global Force for Good.” She has participated in numerous community service projects throughout her time in the Navy – including animal rescues and Habitat for Humanity – and is currently in the process of organizing community service projects in New Orleans.

“The Navy has given me so much in terms of travel, education, career advancement, friendships and the opportunity to give back to my community. By living the Navy’s motto, I am able to share my positive experiences with others make an in impact in this great city,” Robinson said.