Biology student Caroleena Mancilla has been named one of the five finalists for Miss Fiesta 2026, a titleholder who serves as a goodwill ambassador for one of San Antonio’s most cherished traditions.
As a finalist, she joins an ambassador program that represents more than a century of San Antonio heritage and supports more than 100 nonprofit organizations across the city. Miss Fiesta recognizes young women committed to education, service, cultural leadership, and advocacy.
A friend convinced Mancilla to apply for Miss Fiesta, and much to her delight, she made it through the first round. She was then invited to an orientation, along with about 20 other hopefuls.
During orientation, Mancilla met the 2025 Miss Fiesta, Kylie Rodriguez, and completed the interview process—an experience she describes as surprisingly joyful.
“I told myself I just needed to be confident and be myself,” she said. “The interview felt like a flowing conversation. We were cracking jokes and talking about my passions. When I walked out, I felt so good, like I had really shown them who I am.”
When she got the call informing her she had been selected as one of the five finalists, it was a moment she will never forget. “I just fell to my knees and started crying,” she said. “It was unbelievable.”
The Miss Fiesta program—part of the Fiesta San Antonio Foundation—is one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious ambassador programs. Established in the early 20th century, Fiesta began as a parade honoring the heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinto and has grown into one of the nation’s largest cultural celebrations, drawing millions of visitors.
Miss Fiesta serves as a goodwill ambassador, promoting charitable efforts, educational initiatives, health programs, and cultural events. Finalists receive training in public speaking, etiquette, and media engagement, and they represent the Fiesta San Antonio Foundation at parades and community gatherings throughout the year, including A&M-San Antonio’s Festival de Cascarones. The fun-filled culmination of the Fiesta season, scheduled for April 26, attracts thousands of guests with live music, games, carnival rides, and delicious food.
It’s easy to see how Mancilla, a junior, made it this far in the competitive Miss Fiesta process. A first-generation student, she serves as the 2025-2026 Student Government Association President and is involved in the University’s Honors Program and the President's Leadership Class Program.
“Being student body president is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” she said. “I love being able to connect with students, hear their stories, and try to address their concerns as much as possible.”
In addition, she serves as secretary and historian for the Student Advisory Council, which represents over 140,000 students in the A&M System. She also founded EcoScholars, a student club focused on sustainability and environmental issues.
Her commitment to service extends beyond campus. Mancilla works as a sales associate for The DoSeum, San Antonio’s innovative children’s museum, where she helps manage social media and ensures families get connected to the resources they need. Before joining the staff, she spent more than a year volunteering and mentoring other volunteers.
She is also a mentor with Unity37 Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty on the West Side by helping middle school students envision a future that includes higher education.
“I help mentor and empower the kids and connect them with the resources they need to succeed,” Mancilla said. “It feels meaningful because so many of them remind me of myself at that age.”
The Fiesta San Antonio Foundation will officially crown Miss Fiesta on January 29. Until then, Mancilla said she’s embracing every moment of the journey.
“Being a finalist is an honor,” she said. “But it’s also a responsibility. I want to represent A&M–San Antonio and San Antonio with pride. I want people to see that anyone—especially first-generation students—can lead, can serve, and can make a difference.”