We recently had the chance to connect with Lizeth Morales Tena and have shared our conversation below.
Lizeth, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Every day brings a new opportunity to learn—whether it’s from a news article, a meaningful conversation, or the incredible people I work with. Since stepping into my role as Public Relations Coordinator for Soto Academy Modeling and Pageantry, I’ve been constantly expanding my knowledge and perspective thanks to my team.
The modeling and pageantry industries are intricate, fast-paced, and constantly evolving. I’ve been fortunate to learn directly from the Soto brothers, Ruben and Jovani, whose experience and leadership have been instrumental in shaping my growth. With over 25 years in the industry, Ruben Soto has been an incredible mentor, sharing invaluable insight into the business side of modeling and pageantry. Jovani Soto, on the other hand, is a true expert in preparing our queens for competition—his mastery of runway techniques, fashion styling, and photo movement has elevated how I approach my own work and coaching.
These two remarkable individuals have not only taught me the technical aspects of the industry but have also inspired me to approach everything I do with passion, discipline, and purpose. I’m deeply grateful for their mentorship and the lessons I continue to learn from them every day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lizeth Morales Tena, I am a 33 year old Mexican fashion creator, stylist, model, actress, presenter and now public relations coordinator and coach for a modeling and pageantry academy. I teamed up with Soto Academy this year because of what they do. Soto academy focuses on teaching girls of all ages and sizes confidence, attitude and trust in themselves. We teach the skills needed to embark the girls on their modeling and pageantry careers. Emphasizing things like runway walk techniques, public speaking and communication, photo movement, stage presence and many more. Soto Academy is unique because we not only teach our girls but actually giving them the opportunities to put themselves out there and succeed.
My name is Lizeth Morales Tena, and I am a 33-year-old Mexican fashion creator, stylist, model, actress, presenter, and currently the Public Relations Coordinator and Coach at Soto Academy—a modeling and pageantry academy dedicated to empowering women.
I partnered with Soto Academy this year because of its inspiring mission. The academy focuses on helping girls and women of all ages and sizes build confidence, develop a strong sense of self, and trust in their abilities. Through our programs, we teach the essential skills needed to launch their modeling and pageantry careers—covering everything from runway technique, public speaking, and photo movement to stage presence and overall professionalism.
What makes Soto Academy truly unique is our commitment to not only teaching but also creating real opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and grow within the industry.
In my role, I teach our beginner modeling classes and manage public relations for our crowned queens. Whether it’s coordinating television appearances on Univision, arranging meetings with international consulates, or developing strategic partnerships, I oversee all external communications for our 16 crowned queens—an honor that reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team.
Currently, we are focused on supporting our Mexicana Universal USA, Layla Herrera Saucedo, as she prepares to compete internationally next year in Mexico. It’s an exciting journey, and our team is working tirelessly to bring home an international crown. Wish us luck!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is definitely the first time that I stepped foot on a stage where there were bright lights shinning up at me, filled with people in the audience, with live cameras streaming the show. It was exhilarating! Knowing that I was up there doing what I most love made me feel joy. Thinking about how long it took me to get there and how hard I had to work to be there. In that spot. It made me feel deserving. Like the blood, sweat and tears shedded in the trajectory of it all were 100% worth it. In that moment I felt powerful. Like all my dreams had come true. Like I could do and be anything I ever wanted. Ever since that day every time I step foot on a stage I get the same feeling. It never goes away you just learn to control it.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Growing up without my father was certainly defining in my life however I do not consider it a wound. Yes, it was complicated to grow up without him but I always had my mom. She was the woman that turned into father and mother for both my sister and I and like many other things she slowly taught us how to deal with that emotionally and physically. I think that, that was one of the first “wounds” I ever learned to heal. I theorize that it prepared us for the real deal. When I was 26 my mom passed away from ovarian cancer after battling it for a little over 2 years. When we talk about “defining wounds” this is mine. Losing my mother was like someone pulling the rug up from under my feet. It flipped our world upside down in a way my sister and I never expected. Being Mexican and having grown up with our culture deeply rooted we learned that death is eminent, the only sure thing we have in this life yet, when we lost our mother it was hard to accept. She was the woman who managed out entire lives, she was our caretaker up until the day she got sick. It was hard to grow up and learn to be an adult -in a sense- in a matter of seconds. It will be 8 years this Valentine’s Day and something I can say is that this is a wound that will never heal but one I have to learn to live with.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Well, as a PR professional, I can’t help but view it through that lens. In our industry, very little that’s presented to the public is ever completely ‘real.’ As public figures, we carry a responsibility to our audiences and fandoms—to be mindful of how our words and actions are perceived. While it’s important to preserve our authenticity and stay true to who we are, we must also recognize the influence we hold. Our statements and opinions can inspire, but they can also unintentionally harm. That’s why it’s crucial to uphold our values and beliefs while communicating them thoughtfully and with intention.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Since I was a little girl, all I ever dreamed of was being part of this industry. Selena Quintanilla was my greatest inspiration—not just because she was an incredible singer, but because she embodied everything I aspired to be. Her fashion sense, her poise in front of the cameras, the way she commanded the press, and the love she inspired in people—all of it captivated me. At six years old, I knew that was the world I wanted to be a part of.
When my family and I immigrated to the United States in 1998, we lived in an apartment building with sidewalks that formed a courtyard resembling a runway. My friends and I would spend hours hosting our own mini fashion shows, strutting down those makeshift runways until the streetlights came on and it was time to go inside.
Life growing up wasn’t always easy, but my dream never wavered. I wanted to become a high-fashion model or an actress in Hollywood. Over time, that vision evolved into something even more meaningful—becoming a presenter and public relations professional who helps others find their own confidence and voice in the spotlight.
Today, I can genuinely say that I am living my dream. I am doing what I was born to do—not what I was told to do—and that, to me, is the greatest success of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sotoacademyus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizethx.mt?igsh=dGYyb3AwbWl6b2dp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ga8z22F3M/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lizethmoralestena?si=TYJ1zEir0QBHE7NA
- Other: https://beacons.ai/lizethmoralestena
Image Credits
Jovani Soto – took the one in the pink skirt
