Casting spotlight on Lydia Reynolds

 

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—Beauty and brains is how best to describe Lydia Inez Reynolds who’s representing Charlotte, North Carolina in the beauty competition sponsored by Fiesta Mo Sa USA 2026 in Florida. 

Standing 5’5 barefoot, Lydia or Dia to family and friends turned 19 several days ago and she spends most of her time with nature at their farmland at Marshville instead of partying like other growing teenagers do. 

Lydia, who won as Miss Teen Charlotte, is the daughter of Dexter and Dorena Reynolds. Dexter is from Savannah, Georgia originally while Doreen is from the Philippines. 

Doreen describes her daughter as ‘like my little mama. She is very helpful assisting her siblings when they were little. She loves babies, is obedient and reliable and loves spending time with family.’

And mom’s description of her daughter rings true as Dia loves babysitting kids in the Filipino-American community. Her favorite hobby is spending quality time with her younger sister Lindsey whom Lydia describes as her ‘best friend, my safe place and my biggest source of joy.’

Dia showed her leadership skills as she attended the first Youth Summit of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) in 2017 and then again in 2025. 

Dia is into culture dance as she learned Filipino cultural and traditional dances and showed her dancing prowess in events held as far as Virginia. 

She is a member of the Kultura Filipina of Beth Kremer and occasionally dances with the Philippines Cultural Dance Troupe of Charlotte headed by Florami Cordero Lee. 

Here is my Q and A of Lydia:

Are you excited to join this pageant?

Absolutely. Joining this pageant feels like stepping boldly out of my comfort zone and into a space where I can grow, connect, and truly put myself out there. It’s a new chapter filled with possibility, and I’m excited to embrace every moment of it.

What made you join? Who prodded you?

Since I was little, my mom always told me I could and should be Miss Universe. That dream sat quietly in the back of my mind for years, waiting for the right moment. 

My mom — along with many people who’ve watched me grow — consistently encouraged me to join pageants. Their belief in me finally pushed me to take this first step toward something I’ve always imagined for myself.

What do you want to gain from this competition?

I want to gain experience, confidence, and lifelong memories. I’m hoping to learn lessons that will shape me not only as a competitor, but as a woman. This pageant is more than a crown — it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and evolve.

Why did you decide to join?

I decided to join because I’m ready to challenge myself. I’m ready to show up fully, embrace new opportunities, and honor the dream that’s been with me since childhood. This pageant is my first step toward a future I’ve always envisioned.

Your influencer in life? Your model?

My greatest influencers are the people who raised me — family, mentors, and loved ones. I carry traits from each of them: humility, beauty, grace, strength, and compassion. I am a reflection of the community that shaped me, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of.

The Fiesta Mo sa USA 2026 event is organized by the Fil-Am Movement International Inc. which is the first Filipino group in Orlando, Florida.

This event scheduled on July 31 at the Gaylord Palms Hotel is held cooperation with ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata Foundation.  Special guest will be actor Piolo Pascual.