HONOLULU (KHON2) -- As the first Mexican-American to hold the title of Mrs. Hawaiʻi United States, Ashley Howell-Wasson has embraced her heritage with remarkable passion.
Her journey from a small farming town in California to the spotlight of the pageant world illustrates a deep connection to her roots and an unwavering commitment to cultural advocacy.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Howell-Wasson’s story offers a powerful example of how personal history and cultural pride can shape a meaningful public life.
Born and raised in Exeter, California, Howell-Wasson grew up in a community where Hispanic culture thrived. Exeter, located in the Central Valley, is known for its agricultural richness and a large Hispanic population.
"Growing up in a small town like Exeter, I was surrounded by people who were a lot like me," Howell-Wasson said. "My best friends were Hispanic, and we shared many of the same traditions and experiences. It made being Hispanic feel normal and part of the fabric of our everyday life."
However, her transition to Brigham Young University (BYU) was a stark contrast.
"At BYU, I found myself among only a few fellow Mexicans. It was eye-opening," Howell-Wasson reflected. "I went from being surrounded by my Mexican family to being in a minority. It humbled me and gave me a new perspective on what it means to share my culture."
At BYU, Howell-Wasson found solace and connection in the Latin Dance Club.
"Participating in Latin Dance Club was a way to celebrate my heritage and connect with others who had similar backgrounds," she explained. "During Culture Night, we danced our hearts out, showing the audience who we were. It was a moment of pride, and it made me feel very proud of my Hispanic identity."
Her experiences in pageantry also highlighted the role of cultural bonds.
"In the pageant world, almost all of my pageant sisters spoke Spanish," Howell-Wasson noted. "We would chat in Spanish, and it created a strong sense of community among us. Despite our different backgrounds, we connected over our shared language and culture."
Howell-Wasson’s advocacy extends beyond personal experiences. She has been vocal about the struggles faced by immigrants and the importance of cultural appreciation.
"A lot of immigrants come here with fear, whether they are here legally or not," she said. "They escape difficult situations and face challenges navigating a new world. I try to use my Spanish to ease their fears and help them feel welcomed."
Her approach to cultural appreciation is inclusive.
"I believe there’s a difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation," Howell-Wasson stated. "If you’re engaging with a culture respectfully and with genuine interest, it’s a good thing. For instance, if someone wears a sombrero out of respect and admiration for Hispanic culture, it can be seen as a positive gesture."
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Howell-Wasson highlights the importance of celebrating and sharing cultural traditions.
"Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to showcase and appreciate our culture. We celebrate with parades, festivals, and food," she said. "It’s about being proud and showing others the beauty of our traditions. Even if people aren’t from our culture, their interest and participation in our celebrations are wonderful."
The month-long celebration, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Events across the United States feature music, dance and food from various Hispanic cultures which provide opportunities for both Hispanics and non-Hispanics to learn and engage with these rich traditions.
One of Howell-Wasson’s cherished memories is the festive spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month events.
"My favorite part is seeing everyone come together, dressed in traditional attire, dancing, and sharing their food," she shared. "It’s a time when people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate. Even if you’re not from the culture, appreciating and participating in these celebrations fosters a sense of unity."
Howell-Wasson’s personal connection to her heritage extends into her daily life.
"I love cooking traditional Mexican dishes, and I’ve taught my family and friends in Hawaii how to make them," she said. "It’s been wonderful to share my culture through food, and it’s also a way to keep my traditions alive even far from home."
Her journey through pageantry has also been a platform for showcasing her heritage.
"In pageants, there’s a lot of focus on talents and personal stories," Howell-Wasson noted. "When I competed, I wanted to highlight my heritage. I planned to sing a Spanish version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' with my ukulele. Although the pandemic interrupted that plan, I hope to continue sharing my culture in future opportunities."
In her role as Mrs. Hawaiʻi United States, Howell-Wasson is determined to break barriers and set new precedents.
"Being the first Mexican-American Mrs. Hawaiʻi is a huge honor," she said. "I hope to inspire others to embrace their cultural identity and show that it’s possible to achieve great things while staying true to who you are."
Howell-Wasson’s story is a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage while navigating new challenges. Her advocacy for immigrants, dedication to cultural appreciation, and role in pageantry illustrate how personal identity and public life can intertwine to create a positive impact.
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Howell-Wasson encourages everyone to celebrate and share their cultural backgrounds.
"Whether you’re Hispanic or not, take the time to learn about and appreciate different cultures," she said. "It’s through these interactions that we build understanding and respect. Embrace your heritage, share your story, and be proud of who you are."
In celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, Howell-Wasson’s journey reminds us that cultural pride and advocacy are integral to building a more inclusive and understanding society.
Her experiences and insights offer a powerful example of how personal heritage can shape a meaningful and impactful public life.