Elizabeth J. Cron, an accomplished actress, model, dancer, and pageant coach, is proudly representing Romania at Miss Europe Continental 2025. Originally from the United States and now calling Romania home, she brings with her a powerful message of empowerment, authenticity, and cultural pride. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, her passion for redefining beauty, and her excitement for the international stage in Italy.
Hello! Buna Ziua! My name is Elizabeth J. Cron and I am representing Romania at Miss Europe Continental 2025, Multinational Edition. It is an honor and a joy to represent my home on the international stage in Italy. I am a professional actor, model, and dancer. When I am not performing, I work as a pageant mentor and coach for my company Pageant Lab. I am originally from the United States but I’ve lived in Romania for the last 6 years. It’s been an incredible time… I used my experience producing feature films in Los Angeles to found a production company here in Romania. I ran a cultural arts space for a few years where we hosted events from art exhibitions to workshops to fashion shows. As for me personally, I love to travel on road trips throughout Romania and Europe with my dog, Teddy. I’m excited to meet everyone in Italy in December!
1. – Welcome, Elizabeth! You’re going to represent Romania at Miss Europe Continental 2025 — how does it feel to carry your country’s name on such an international stage?
I’m always excited to represent Romania! I’ve done so in the past twice, and won both competitions. The stakes are definitely high to make it three in a row. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. Let’s be honest, Romania does not have the “sash factor” that some other countries have who consistently send winning delegates. I’m on a mission to change that! Romania has so many resources and so much talent to share with the world. That’s what I’ll be carrying with me to the stage.
2. –You’ve already participated in many beauty pageants. What has this journey taught you, both professionally and personally?
It’s true, living in California before coming to Europe in 2019 gave me the opportunity to participate in multiple pageants every year. Interestingly though I didn’t discover pageantry until I was 26 years old. I competed in one pageant and I thought that would be the end of my career because of my age. But as the industry (and world) pushed for age inclusion, more opportunities appeared for me and my career blossomed in Ms and Mrs. pageantry. This journey reinforced what I already knew: Beauty is ageless.
3. – You’re not just a contestant — you’re also a mentor and coach for other women entering the pageant world. What inspired you to take on this empowering role?
As we’ve mentioned, I’ve competed numerous times over the years. I got to a certain point and realized how much I’ve learned. An overwhelming feeling came over me… “It’s time to share what I know”. People asking for friendly advice became requests for coaching which turned into mentorship over multi-year long relationships forged through friendship, support and discipline to declare goals and reach for them. Now nothing brings me more joy than seeing a mentee experience a breakthrough (ah ha moment), carry that energy to the stage, and bring home the crown.
4. – You’re also an actress — can you tell us more about how you got into acting and what it means to you?
I was probably born performing… I actually starting dancing first. At 3 years old, my parents put me in ballet. I was a very active child with many hobbies and during my highschool years, I was not only acting in every school play but also working outside school with a touring costume-storytelling company at amusement parks, fairs and festivals. When I was old enough to move out on my own, I went to Los Angeles to really pursue the dream. Within my first year there I became eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild. The rest is history (and a list of credits you can find on IMDb). I believe some people are born to be entertainers; I personally don’t know any other way of being. I was very lucky to have the support and resources to pursue a career in it. I wish that for anyone who has a dream they want to chase.
5. – You’re very active in empowering women and mentoring young contestants. What motivated you to take on this role?
My platform is Redefining Beauty. I’m not your typical beauty queen. My height and my age has kept me out of many castings but that doesn’t have anything to do with being beautiful. It felt like we were making some progress with these stereotypes in the US before I left and when I got to Romania I realized I had to start all over again… So many height requirements and age restrictions. I met countless incredible women who simply accepted that that is how things are, so I started speaking up about Redefining Beauty here too and the response is magical. The truth is, every single one of us has the right to define our own beauty. Once we embrace that, we are empowered to show it to the world.
6. – How do you define inner beauty, and how important is it in your life and your work?
Inner Beauty is the foundation of all beauty. Its definition is personal and ever changing. But I can tell you some key elements and actions that lead to the development of inner beauty: pursuing personal development and self actualization; being of service to others and the greater good; living at the intersection of knowledge and empathy, of confidence and vulnerability; and, finally, practicing seeing beauty in everything (especially yourself because sometimes that’s harder than it seems). These principles guide me in decisions that I make and how I show up in the world.
7. – Can you share a special moment or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
I am very proud to have been involved in a very large TV production here in Romania a couple of years ago. Unfortunately the series has still not officially released but I attended its premiere at the Monte Carlo Television Festival and had the opportunity to walk the Blue Carpet with the legendary Morgan Freeman.
8. – You’re known for your sunny, positive attitude — what helps you stay so optimistic in challenging times?
First of all, let’s normalize not being 100%, 100% of the time. We all go through challenging times, so cry, grieve, scream into a pillow and throw cotton balls. It’s good; it’s ok; and, it’s healthy. So is taking your time, whatever that means to you. And finally when you’re in those reflective moments, when you find just a bit of peace in the storm, practice reframing. We have the power to shift our perspective, even if only incrementally. So I practice self compassion, grounding, and searching outside of my assumptions for that “other side of the coin”.
9. – As you prepare for Miss Europe Continental 2025, what are you most excited about? And what do you hope to learn or experience during this journey?
Every pageant preparation is unique. I’m very excited to learn more about this organization, like watching past editions and following the contestants. I love meeting women from around the world. In my experience, you can find lifelong friends at international pageants. On a personal level, I want to elevate my pageant game by implementing my most recent lessons and experiences. I am super grateful to everyone who has supported me in the past (and continues to do so) as well as the new audience I will reach through this international platform. I am grateful for the invitation to join this event!
10. –If you could showcase one cultural aspect of Romania to the world, what would it be and why?
I’m going to cheat here a bit because it’s so difficult to choose only one! I would choose to showcase the popular dance of Romania. I’m cheating because these dances include breathtakingly beautiful costumes and vocal and instrumental music, as well as traditional movements of dance. It really has it all! What’s even more is that there are dozens of variations from all over Romania, some of which are even recognized by UNESCO World Heritage.
11. – Lastly, what message would you like to share with women watching you and supporting you from Romania and around the world?
If you’re seeing me, you’re one step closer to being me. I hope my presence in the competition inspires you to believe that you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. I hope I am all the proof you need to start chasing your dreams.
Thank you so much for this interview and taking your time to get to know me! I am so grateful to have your support on my journey to Miss Europe Continental. You can follow me at @elizabethjcron and @pageant_lab.
I would love to hear from you!
Photographer: @charlotteclemiephotographer
