Life & Work with Layla Herrera-Saucedo of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Layla Herrera-Saucedo.

Hi Layla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and ever since I was a little girl, I loved everything about modeling, but I never really thought it was something I could do. At the age of 3 I moved to Denver, Colorado and it wasn’t until I was the age of 14 that I decided to go into modeling school. At that time I was still a very shy person and decided to put a pause on my modeling journey. Years later in early 2021, Jovani Soto, one of the founders of Soto Academy, found me on social media (@laylaherreramx) and honestly pushed me into something I never saw coming, pageantry. Along the way, Rubén Soto and Moises Vásquez also became a huge part of that journey, coaching me and helping me grow within this world I never imagined I’d be part of.

Through it all, my family has been my biggest support system. They’ve been there for every step, cheering me on, keeping me grounded, and reminding me to stay authentic to myself.

What started as a “let’s just see what happens” moment turned into one of the best decisions of my life. With their guidance, I grew so much, not just on stage, but as a person. I went from being Mexicana Universal Colorado in 2021 to now representing as Mexicana Universal USA 2025, and it still feels surreal.

Pageantry taught me confidence, discipline, and purpose. It gave me a voice, one I now use to represent women who love their culture, and work hard for their goals. I look back and can’t believe the Layla that was once shy is now walking runways and giving presentations at work.

Outside of pageantry, I’ve built my professional career in education. I originally studied International Business and Economics, but somewhere along the way, I discovered a deep passion for education, helping students and families feel seen, supported, and capable. I started as a High School teacher and now work as a Community Engagement Manager in Denver, where I get to combine my business background with my love for people, community, and impact.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change it. Balancing my professional career, my studies, and pageantry has definitely been a challenge. There were moments where I questioned myself, especially when I felt like I had to prove that I could do it all, work full time in education, represent my community, and still show up confidently on stage, while still making time for my personal life.

One of my biggest challenges was learning to truly believe I belonged in these spaces. As a first generation Latina, there’s this quiet pressure to do everything perfectly, but pageantry taught me that perfection isn’t the goal, growth is. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace, to keep showing up even when things don’t go as planned, and to trust that my path has purpose, even in the hard moments.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always felt like I live in two different worlds that somehow balance each other out education and modeling/pageantry. During the day, I work as a Community Engagement Manager in Denver, connecting with families, hosting events, and helping students see what’s possible for their future. Recently I was able to collaborate with non-profit organization The Campos Foundation, along with the Denver Broncos and Xcel energy to provide a STEM exploration day to our students. Projects like these really fill my heart, it’s where I see the impact of representation and opportunity up close.

Then there’s the other side of me, the girl who grew up loving modeling, and who never imagined she’d one day be Mexicana Universal USA 2025. Pageantry has given me a platform to celebrate my culture, my story, and the beauty of being able to share that you can be career driven, community focused, and still love a good glam moment. And education gives me the purpose behind it all. What I’m most proud of is being able to merge both sides of who I am I see beauty, purpose, and leadership in both, and I love showing others that you can do it all, as long as you do it with heart.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, finding the right mentors has always started with just being myself. When I first connected with Soto Academy, they saw something in me that I didn’t fully see in myself yet and gave me the guidance I needed to grow, not just in modeling and pageantry, but as a person.

When it comes to networking, what’s worked best for me is being genuine. I don’t try to “network” in a forced way, I just show up, connect, and stay curious. Whether it’s in education, community work, or pageantry, I’ve learned that people remember how you make them feel, not how perfect your intro sounds.

And honestly, you can’t be scared to put yourself out there. Some of my best opportunities came from just saying hi, sending that one message, or walking into a room alone with confidence. The right people will always find their way to you, but it starts with you being brave enough to show up as you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @laylaherreramx

Image Credits
Jovani Soto