With a genuine passion for empowering young girls and women to breaking barriers she is, Gissell Bahena Before competing at Miss Illinois Teen USA, Gissell worked with a Non-Profit organization called AmbassadorQueensUnited for three years, where she developed her best qualities as a spokesperson. During her time there, she learned the importance of mentoring the youth and began her journey through the organization. Gissell has now mentored all over Chicago, Illinois, and hosted 1- on 1 zoom sessions in Colombia and Mexico. During her rein, she plans to continue working with young girls throughout the world to guide them to a path of success by giving them the self-confidence, communication skills, and education they need to spread awareness within their communities. Gissell is a great believer that to make a difference in our communities, we must learn to be great leaders and educate ourselves to guide others.

Gissell will begin her studies at the University Of Illinois At Chicago in pursuit of entrepreneurship and working in the Real Estate Business. With this, she wishes to continue making her mark on pageantry and modeling professionally.

Born and raised in Chicago, her love for the city will never go away. The diversity of ethnic foods, inclusivity, and one-of-a-kind experiences with friends and family has brought her joy like no other. Gissell’s seen the importance of volunteering and hosting fundraiser events to support those in need during the cold months of Chicago. Have Created her yearly project: Helping Hands, teaming up with other organizations in providing hundreds of warm meals/clothing and sanitary items in Chicago. Along with a toy drive that brought school supplies and joy to kids in underprivileged communities in Colombia. 

She encourages everyone, especially those around her, to get active in their communities and take action in helping out. Gissell’s perseverance in serving underprivileged communities during her rein is a priority to her. And guiding young girls and women to fulfill their best selves through social awareness on social issues is what she believes will make our generation full of empowering leaders and moving forward.