Complaint Review: Dawn Rochelle Productions - Miss Latina World

Miss Latina World 2008 sued Dawn Rochelle d/b/a Dawn Rochelle Productions in 2009 in Bexar County for fraud after she did not receive her $25,000 scholarship as promised. She won that lawsuit and then went to trial in May of 2014 in federal bankruptcy court, so she could prove the judgment was awarded to her because Dawn Rochelle committed fraud. In July of 2014 she won that case too. These two court cases are all public. 

Yes, it is true. This company is horrific when it comes to what they say they do. I can't believe I've missed all of this for all these years.

I was a participant in the pageant in 2005. They gave away sashes when they didn't make enough. They didn't have some for some of the girls so they said, "Just pick one out." A pageant doesn't do that when they are legit. If they are truly keeping track of all their contestants in the right, fair way, they should have had everyone's sash according to who they actually were set to be. They didn't even have regions or states to make it fair. They just took everyone that was suckered in to pay and made up random names for locations they would represent.

Now, I paid for a bathing suit. I am very "gifted" in the top portion of my body, like many Latinas. They specifically asked what our sizes were so that they would "have the right size for us to wear in the bathing suit competition." Well, they handed out the pieces to their favorites first and I ended up with one of the directors trying to hand me a two small sizes. I truly believe they got all those bathing suits for free and didn't even order our bathing suits keeping the money. But that's my assumption.

Not only that, the 2004 winner stated that she never recieved anything and had to fly herself in for the pageant to give back the crown. She said she never received any scholarship money, photos, contracts, help "getting into the business" as they promised, or anything that they promised for that matter.

Besides that, we were sent information on the hotel we were going to be staying in by the San Antonio River walk. Not only did they scam us there (it was a very nice hotel), they kept the money by booking us at a Holiday Inn Express with a similar name, they also made us waste money on cabs taking us the wrong hotel.

The photographers you people are speaking of are also false. I still to this day talk to the cinematographer that filmed the pageant, of which I was one of the main subjects in as well. He never gave the footage to Dawn "whatever her name was that year" because she not only scammed him but he noticed how she was scamming every one of these women as well. Those videos were sold and I'm sure were never received either since he never gave her the footage.

I actually ended up getting disqualified. I was most definitely not a sore loser. I didn't mind it at all. I did the right thing. Women were having to go to the bathroom in empty bottles of water in a room that was about 140 degrees with no ventilation or air conditioning. The directors would not let us go out to go to the bathroom or to get air. I'm not sure why but they kept us in there. Girls' dresses were tearing because they were sticking to their sweating bodies. Soon, one of the girls passes out. She was vomiting white fluid and everyone was very scared. One of the directors refused to get her help. She needed an ambulance. She could have died. Fortunately for Dawn What's her bucket, she didn't. I think they offered her a job in Kansas so she's been quiet with the hopes of getting more deals through them. She is an amazing woman too! One that could have been gone because of the horrible conditions they kept us in. The reason I was disqualified was because I yelled. I yelled and said she needed an ambulance. I was crazed. I was in a hot sticky room going crazy with no way of going to the restroom and watching girls slowly deteriorate. It was a horrifying experience.

After I was disqualified, I left and have the time of my life in San Antonio. I was far from a sore loser. It was the best thing that could have happened to me. There were a few girls that were getting all the attention, all the photoshoots, etc. I wasn't one of them and I was ok with it. Some of the most amazing women I had ever met were getting some great attention so I was happy for them. Thus, I was happy to not have to eat the crap food they fed us, very infrequently I might add.

Speaking of food, they gave us such small amounts of crappy food that most of the women were probably so malnurished by the second day. I can easily see why so many of the women were falling over from heat and hunger. 

The transportation to all the locations were in a small vans packed with women sitting on top of each other. There was never a time when we all were able to have a seatbelt.

Now all of this was part of what we paid for. Rip off? Definitely. And you women have the nerve to step up and try to defend this company? You should be ashamed of yourselves. How do you sleep at night knowing that you rip off amazing Latinas that just want to make something of themselves. Or women like me that want just one more pageant before they "retire" to add to their amazing adventures. It's so unfortunate that I had to see this on the way out of my pageant career. I would have never wanted to finish my "career" with such horrific memories.

Shame on you all for trying to defend this company. May Karma come back and bite you in the butt. 

My name is Catherine. I am a 19 year old, University of Toronto student, in the Arts and Science program. My father is Canadian and my mother, a Chilean-Canadian. I have decided to file this report because I hope that to help bring the scandals of the pageant industry to the public, so that young ladies and men can be aware of their rights and can prevent mistreatment. I would like to save in particular young Latin individuals, with my personal experience as evidence, from The Miss Latina Canada World Organization, who throughout my reign in 2006, mistreated my family and I, and continue to charge a ridiculous amount for pageant tickets, over-price registration fees ($300 registration + $300 sponsorship), lie and exaggerate regarding their organization and events in order to make them appear more appealing. Most importantly I would like to link the reports that have come forward towards the international pageant, Miss Latina World, to the national (preliminary pageant) Miss Latina Canada World.

About one year ago, my title as Ms Teen Latina Canada 2006 was taken away from me by the The Miss Latina Canada Organization. Although in the eyes of the general public, it is only a pageant title, however I feel it is something I accomplished. I worked hard throughout my reign to help make a difference within the Latin community of Toronto, while coping through the pressures of the Organization. Many people within the community still recognize my hard work, my charity party, donations to a school in Chile, and what I accomplished for a girl of 16 years.

During the rehearsal week of the Miss Latina Canada 2007 pageant, I was told to sign a document before I left for my home for the day. By signing this document I would be saying that I received all my prizes throughout my reign and the Organization had no further obligations to fulfill their promises. I disagreed that I received most of the prizes listed, however, I was not allowed to leave the room until this document was signed. Knowing that the document was not legal until a parent or guardian signed with me (as I was under age), I signed it and left for home to tell my parents.

My parents spoke with my managers and requested to look over the document themselves and then afterwards sign. After much hassle, Stefany and Elizabeth Singh (Miss Latina Canada President and Vice President, Executive Producers) relentlessly let us take the document home for the night only to return it the next day, before the 2007 pageant.

We looked over the document, and we did sign it, however we commented on each prize listed being specific as to what I did and did not receive. We also acknowledged, that I would be passing my responsibilities as Ms Teen Latina Canada 2006 to the new winner for 2007. We made every effort to bring the document back to the management before the pageant, as requested, however my mother was not let backstage the day of the 2007 pageant, even though they knew she was coming. Therefore, my mother brought the document to another staff member, Stefany Singh's boyfriend, Dave W. (who now has the title of Associate Producer). Dave was in the audience at the time, so my dad requested him to bring the document backstage as he would surely have permission. Dave did not hand the document to the management, and twenty minutes went by. Meanwhile backstage, I was being literally yelled at by management and I was ordered not to step foot on stage or else my crown would officially be taken away. Seeing that I was not on stage for the opening number, my dad confronted Dave, and asked him to go backstage immediately. Finally, Dave left for the backstage, and handed the document to Stefany.

Because of the bad humour that existed between us the last few days of the pageant and during the 2007 pageant, the Organization used their power to twist my words written on the document signed by my parents and I. The Organization stated that I was renouncing my title, and in order to shame me for it, they sent out press releases the next week, even though the day of the 2007 pageant was to be last day as Miss Teen Latina Canada, in any case.

Although the revoking of my title is a large chunk of what I've spoken of, it is not the only thing I will talk about. It is merely the trigger that has helped me put many documents together for your review if requested, in hope that you too can see the horrible things that have happened to me and might happen to others.

After having read several reports on scams, mistreatment, and bad quality, brought up in the United States from many participants and even a former staff member of the Miss Latina World pageant, I realized that the complaints were so similar to what was happening in Canada. My immediate questions after reading the reports were, Why haven't those who have had problems with ES Team Productions, producers of Miss Latina Canada, brought up their complaints and reports as well? Why haven't girls who participated in the pageant complained about the un-organized and misleading events they have taken part in? I feet it is my duty, as a former winner of the pageant, to expose what happens behind the scenes, and show that the organization is not all glamour and beauty.

Within their terms after revoking my title, they clearly stated that I was not to use my title, pictures, or anything that referred to my reign or their Organization, for personal, commercial, or advertisement use. Meanwhile they shamed me as having my title revoked, to the point that I have been erased from their pageant history. However, the Miss Latina Canada Organization continues to use my publicity (press releases and international newspaper articles) and important pictures of events on their website, as well as use my name in model agency based websites to enhance their public appearance.

It has also come to my attention, on the newly renovated website, that within the New Year, they had promised many new exciting activities, such as a television show to be aired this past summer on Rogers. With their record of breaking promises, how can the Latin community of Toronto, let alone Canada believe that the television show will come through? As I expected, the show was to be aired on a private channel that you can only receive through paid television, and for those with regular cable interested in watching the show, a DVD is being sold on their website for $80 Canadian, as well as the season finale for an additional price of $40. In a document I have collected, a job posting for photographers at the Miss Latina Canada World 2007 pageant. They were offering this position, and promised to compensate full credit on photos, an announcement on the website and an article in their e-mail newsletter. As a result there were many complaints from photographers, such as: Watch out for weirdo's like these or Unless the calendar is distributed free', why should one expect free' photography?.

Now they are recruiting people who work in the television industry to get involved with their upcoming show, claiming that the compensation is on a lo/no payment basis, with a contract. Miss Latina Canada World has followed the same pattern that Miss Latina World, produced by Dawn Warner has been accused of.

Although in large part I would like to warn-off the girls who are excited and willing to spend their money on the Miss Latina Canada World and Miss Latina World pageant, it is apparent to see that other people who get involved with the Organizations, such as small businesses hoping to move forward, and freelance models, photographers, clothing designers, among others are also affected by this Organization.

Stefany and Elizabeth Singh, alongside Dawn Warner, claim to promote the Latin community. The Ms Latina Canada pageant is designed specifically for Latin Canadian women, to showcase their culture and talent. It was designed for young women who had dreams of modeling and acting, and also for those who were interested in bettering resumes and educational opportunities. (ES Team Productions) However, in reality they have exploited the pageant contestants, winners, the Latino community and the pageant industry. The majority of events I attended were nightclub parties, where at times, I was under-aged. I was never taken to any cultural or charity events that took part during my reign. The only charity during my reign was my own fundraising party, organized and hosted by my parents and I, without the support of Es Team Productions. Whether or not Stefany, Elizabeth and Dawn are not of Latin decent, their motives in promoting the Latin community don't correspond to what they claim.

I feel Stefany and Elizabeth Singh are also guilty of lying to the public in order to make their organization look better. After returning to Canada after the 2006 Miss Latina World competition in Dallas Texas they announced and sent out press releases proclaiming that their adult participant (I was the teen), Miss Latina Canada 2006 placed in the top ten, when in reality she did not place because there was no top ten placing - only top 5. This was a blatant lie to the public, which was used only to enhance their appearance as an organization. I was apart of this pageant along with my family who attended. Another lie, which very much ties into the faults committed by the international pageant, is the use of Dawn Warner's Alias, Ashley Garcia. In an announcement made July 2007, ES Team Productions published an article, written by Ashley Garcia as to why the 2008 Miss Latina Canada pageant was postponed (The pageant never actually happened, instead they selected a past participant to be the 2008 winner). The problem with the article is that Ashley Garcia is not part of ES Team Productions or even exists, she is a fictional character that Dawn Warner also uses when publishing important articles. This is a clear use of fraud, which was used to protect the organization, along with Dawn Warner herself, to protect themselves from public accusations.

The documents I have collected include Miss Latina Canada World (MLCW) online chat groups, pageant brochures, old website pages, new website pages, e-mails, contracts, job postings, among others.

My goal in collecting these documents is to link the accusations against Dawn Warner and the Miss Latina World Pageant, to the ES Team Production and the Miss Latina Canada World Pageant, as their modus operandi are very similar. Along with these faults, I have included personal notes on how my family and I were mistreated during my reign. Most importantly I hope that with providing you this storyline, it can be taken to a further level, so that together we can prevent other young ladies getting involved with this particular organization, and other organizations that use girls for their benefit.

Sincerely,
Catherine

Now, in the last 7 years - I can't imagine why no one knows who you are, since Dawn's pageants are the best you have ever been part of?

It is our hope that Dawn takes someone to court, because slander and libel are only able to stand in court if you can prove that it is false. So it would be very interesting for her to prove how everyone made all of these things up because they were "sore" losers.

Everyone knows that when there is a competition of any sort, that there is always a few people that are not pleased with the results. But here is the thing Jean - there are more than just a few, there are more than 1 year, there are past directors who have filed or are filing lawsuits.

I would encourage you Jean, to contact the directors on her preliminaries page, and find out if they are sending a winner to her. It would appears that maybe Canada and Texas are sending someone. For a fact Ecuador no longer works with the organization for failure to receive prizes, of which there are phone records and e-mail.

Kansas and Missouri? Well their myspace page is strongly indicating that they are not affiliated with anyone at all and are an independant production company, Canada and Puerto Rico make very little mention of her event at all.

Would you like a list of the names of the photographers who have worked with her for this event in the last 7 years for this event? Why don't you find out what they have to say about the event?

Actually I have a better idea....why don't you actually be there in San Antonio in September, and I would like to see your follow up report. Unless you have been part of the 10 people that show up in her audience every year for the last 7 years - you have NEVER been part or parcel of this organization or event.

I am a pageant mother. My daughter has been doing pageants since she was a pre-teen.

I have seen my share of sore losers, those who try to tear a pageant down and trash the pageant owner just because they or their contestant didn't win.

Some of what "Jimmy" says borders on slander and libel. All of it is nothing but trash talk.

"Her current directors I was not able to contact, and their winners seemed hesitant to discuss or answer questions."

Translation: "I couldn't find anyone to agree with me."

"no confirmation if the complaintants ever followed through with civil action."

Translation: There was no basis for their complaints.

Losing comes with the territory. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but to trash the contest with lies only shows the what a bad sport the author is.

The Latina pageants promoted by Dawn Rochelle Productions are some of the best I have had the pleasure to be a part of. I have no absolutely no complaints.

Knock it off "Jimmy". People like you give pageants overall a bad name. I hope Dawn hires a good attorney and hauls you into court.

Unfortunately I am not an employee so I cannot really and truly get into any banter about that, but I can talk about what I know.

I actually am a pageant fan, of all pageants - and stumbled across this report when I was searching for Latin pageants, as I myself am Hispanic. I became curious and started to look things up on the internet - while not all sources may be valid, I am only going to refer to things that are court related, or having shown up on her website, or on newspapers/media websites.

If they above defenders want names of people- than I propose this....visit the misslatina.com site and contact her past winners -out of all of them ask who did get their prizes?

As a pageant follower this particular pageant does have its history of contreversey, and the odd thing is that all of this information is totally verifiable. If her photographer up there seems to be confused and needs some convincing than perhaps he needs to do some research himself - since he claims to know Ms Warner/Ramos so well.

Fact: This company got into a legal dispute with another pageant which resulted in litgiation over the "miss latina" trademark. Ms Warner did win this battle as she did in fact register the trademark, and the other pageant had created a malicious website. You can search this information online and it will provide you with news coverage of the issue.

Fact: There are at least 2 verifiable directors that left the organization since they were not able to obtain prizes for their winners when Ms Warner failed to come up with her prizes.

Fact: Contact the directors of the current winners to find out whether or not they received their prizes, last years website advertised a trip to swim with dolphins - if what is being propsed seems to be crazy than the public can check for themselves. Her website does not indicate any kind of promotion aside from the site itself - but it does not actually show supportive evidence that she is promoting her winners. If you search the current winners names, nothing really comes up aside for the Ecuadorian winner, which primarly focuses on her national win - NOT her international win. There is no news footage, or news coverage anywhere excpet maybe their own countries. If you check her media section on her site, everything seems really dated and there is nothing current or uptodate regarding media coverage of her event or her winners. The ironic thing is only one of her winners somewhat made a name for themself - and I highly doubt she was the reason they entered those other competitions. Secondly if you look at her success section - it shows NO SUCCESSES OF HER WINNERS (except the one above mentioned.)

Fact: This organization does indeed have INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS. I have personally checked their websites, and it would appear that these producers have different names than her production company, her logos are not on their websites (except maybe the Miss Latina Logo). And from checking out her directors websites it would appear that their events seem to be far more prestigious than hers! Imagine that a state or a local pageant has 10 times more audience than her international event. Her state directors have better sites, better images, and probably more hits.

Fact: Internet searches show that alot of other pageant websites rank higher than hers.

Fact: Not only do participants pay their own way, they also have to pay their own hotel costs (you can check this on her official website) - it indicates that it covers SOME meals. They are staying for 3 days and 2 nights, and covering their own room paying $900 in entrance alone. If Miss Warner is not paying their hotel stay - then please explain where $900 over 3 days is going - why are SOME meals covered...for $900 if you wanted to have an extremely expensive meal lets say $20 a plate for one person, $20 x 3 meals a day = $60, $60 x 3 days = $180.00. We all know that these hotels- ESPECIALLY if they are High end hotels - usually offer some type of breakfast so that would automatically deduct $60. So if she felt like going bonkers on meals at $20/person per meal - that still doesn't make ANY sense where the rest of the money is going, or why SOME meals would be covered for that price.

Fact: There is a newspaper article that can be located online (when I find the link I will place it here) - that PROVES that this pageant never EVER had a contract or aired on TeleMundo. When the reporter contacted TeleMundo, their spokesperson indicated that they had never had Ms Warner contact them about anything.

Fact: Ms Warner has another complaint on this site. Search "Miss Latina" and you will see that Miss Warner took two payments from a delegate with the promise of a refund for one - which she never did. The site does not show any rectification or resolution.

I am not here to make her directors or her staff look bad - but her directors and staff seriously need to question this organization. How can she be considered an international pageant when the only international director she has is Canada - seeing as how Puerto Rico is somewhat considered a state of the US?

My advise is this. If you want to enter this pageant, firstly contact Miss Warner and ask her about the organization, and ask her for REFERENCES from her WEBSITE. This photographer guy up there - no where on her staff or anything. The Canadian and Kansas Director are on her website, contact them and get a reference. But don't stop there, remember they are part of her family and most likely will either avoid your questions, or stop talking to you - YOUR MOST IMPORTANT REFERENCE - is always the past winners. If the winners truly got what they were promised they will tell you themselves, if Miss Warner has a good relationship with her past winners than she will not have a problem having you contact them or them contacting you. If she claims she doesn;t know what happened to her winner from last year or the year before, or even the year prior to that - that would be a good indication that she has not kept in contact with them, does not have a relationship with them, and probably had some form of conflict wtih them. Be an educated consumer, you are giving her YOUR MONEY - she needs to providing you with a legitmate service.

If Miss Warner is in denial that what she is doing is going unnoticed, than she really needs to think again. She needs to step up to the plate and realize that if she claims this to be the best pageant, with $20 000 in prizes, than why does it not reflect or behave that way. If she care about her staff and her directors, than she needs to take ownership, because her directors need to start questioning her.

Do not defend this woman to keep the integrity of your own pageants. The reality is that Dawn is a FRAUD - and you know it! She's not even a Latina and she's taking advantage of you and young Latinas across the nation. She's a scam artist and if you continue to work with this con, your production will suffer as well!

Be weary!

Adam
Houston, TX

I will only make true, factual statements about the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!! I am a former staff member.

1. It is true that when you order merchandise online, you NEVER receive the actual product -- nor a refund for any items that you have already paid for.

2. It is true that Dawn is unable to reach. "Ashley Garcia" is an alias that Dawn uses if you ever do get a hold of her. Eliset Hernandez is her assistant that works off-site part-time; be aware that Dawn may use her as an alias as well.

3. It is true that winners DO NOT receive there prizes! Dawn has recycled prizes from previous years to give to new winners. These prizes/certificates are not valid.

4. I have been contacted personally by 3 past titleholders claiming prizes. They have never received them to date!

5. It is true that there are no consistent directors, although 3-4 directorships have remained over the past 3 years. This is primarily because these directors have successful independent productions.

6. The Latina pageants have never been aired on television, namely the Telemundo network or the NBC network as adverstised online at www.misslatina.com!

7. It is true that Dawn accepts contestants at large from states that have preliminary directors. She gives these contestants other titles and cheats directors out of state pageant fees. I know 2 contestants personally that have kept this a secret.

8. It is true that contestants do not receive adequate meals/nourishment, or sleep/rest.

9. Dawn has never received any major or minor sponsorships. The majority of the sponsors that she advertizes on the website are barter agreements where she offers a adverstisement in the program book or a logo on the website in exchange for a product or service. Her disclaimer is that these are to be provided by the sponsor and are in no way her responsibility -- so she gets away with lieing!

10. It is true that Dawn does NOT use funds properly, including monies from pageant fees, ticket sales, and merchandise. She has used these funds for personal gain only. An obvious example of this are the photo-copied program books, and website which she all designs herself on her home PC.

These are just a few of some very serious issues surrounding the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!!

From personal experience, I know first hand that Dawn is a FRAUD! This is a get-rich-quick scheme where she has exploited the Latino community and the pageant industry for over 10 years!!! She must be stopped and something must be done so that more innocent youngs Latinas are not taken advantage of! Anyone with similiar details or experiences about this production company / producer should come forward! Understand that you will be aiding a cause to put an end to this exploitation once and for all!!! It's just not right.

Know it All
Milan, Italy

I will only make true, factual statements about the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!! I am a former staff member.

1. It is true that when you order merchandise online, you NEVER receive the actual product -- nor a refund for any items that you have already paid for.

2. It is true that Dawn is unable to reach. "Ashley Garcia" is an alias that Dawn uses if you ever do get a hold of her. Eliset Hernandez is her assistant that works off-site part-time; be aware that Dawn may use her as an alias as well.

3. It is true that winners DO NOT receive there prizes! Dawn has recycled prizes from previous years to give to new winners. These prizes/certificates are not valid.

4. I have been contacted personally by 3 past titleholders claiming prizes. They have never received them to date!

5. It is true that there are no consistent directors, although 3-4 directorships have remained over the past 3 years. This is primarily because these directors have successful independent productions.

6. The Latina pageants have never been aired on television, namely the Telemundo network or the NBC network as adverstised online at www.misslatina.com!

7. It is true that Dawn accepts contestants at large from states that have preliminary directors. She gives these contestants other titles and cheats directors out of state pageant fees. I know 2 contestants personally that have kept this a secret.

8. It is true that contestants do not receive adequate meals/nourishment, or sleep/rest.

9. Dawn has never received any major or minor sponsorships. The majority of the sponsors that she advertizes on the website are barter agreements where she offers a adverstisement in the program book or a logo on the website in exchange for a product or service. Her disclaimer is that these are to be provided by the sponsor and are in no way her responsibility -- so she gets away with lieing!

10. It is true that Dawn does NOT use funds properly, including monies from pageant fees, ticket sales, and merchandise. She has used these funds for personal gain only. An obvious example of this are the photo-copied program books, and website which she all designs herself on her home PC.

These are just a few of some very serious issues surrounding the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!!

From personal experience, I know first hand that Dawn is a FRAUD! This is a get-rich-quick scheme where she has exploited the Latino community and the pageant industry for over 10 years!!! She must be stopped and something must be done so that more innocent youngs Latinas are not taken advantage of! Anyone with similiar details or experiences about this production company / producer should come forward! Understand that you will be aiding a cause to put an end to this exploitation once and for all!!! It's just not right.

Know it All
Milan, Italy

I will only make true, factual statements about the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!! I am a former staff member.

1. It is true that when you order merchandise online, you NEVER receive the actual product -- nor a refund for any items that you have already paid for.

2. It is true that Dawn is unable to reach. "Ashley Garcia" is an alias that Dawn uses if you ever do get a hold of her. Eliset Hernandez is her assistant that works off-site part-time; be aware that Dawn may use her as an alias as well.

3. It is true that winners DO NOT receive there prizes! Dawn has recycled prizes from previous years to give to new winners. These prizes/certificates are not valid.

4. I have been contacted personally by 3 past titleholders claiming prizes. They have never received them to date!

5. It is true that there are no consistent directors, although 3-4 directorships have remained over the past 3 years. This is primarily because these directors have successful independent productions.

6. The Latina pageants have never been aired on television, namely the Telemundo network or the NBC network as adverstised online at www.misslatina.com!

7. It is true that Dawn accepts contestants at large from states that have preliminary directors. She gives these contestants other titles and cheats directors out of state pageant fees. I know 2 contestants personally that have kept this a secret.

8. It is true that contestants do not receive adequate meals/nourishment, or sleep/rest.

9. Dawn has never received any major or minor sponsorships. The majority of the sponsors that she advertizes on the website are barter agreements where she offers a adverstisement in the program book or a logo on the website in exchange for a product or service. Her disclaimer is that these are to be provided by the sponsor and are in no way her responsibility -- so she gets away with lieing!

10. It is true that Dawn does NOT use funds properly, including monies from pageant fees, ticket sales, and merchandise. She has used these funds for personal gain only. An obvious example of this are the photo-copied program books, and website which she all designs herself on her home PC.

These are just a few of some very serious issues surrounding the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!!

From personal experience, I know first hand that Dawn is a FRAUD! This is a get-rich-quick scheme where she has exploited the Latino community and the pageant industry for over 10 years!!! She must be stopped and something must be done so that more innocent youngs Latinas are not taken advantage of! Anyone with similiar details or experiences about this production company / producer should come forward! Understand that you will be aiding a cause to put an end to this exploitation once and for all!!! It's just not right.

Know it All
Milan, Italy

I will only make true, factual statements about the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!! I am a former staff member.

1. It is true that when you order merchandise online, you NEVER receive the actual product -- nor a refund for any items that you have already paid for.

2. It is true that Dawn is unable to reach. "Ashley Garcia" is an alias that Dawn uses if you ever do get a hold of her. Eliset Hernandez is her assistant that works off-site part-time; be aware that Dawn may use her as an alias as well.

3. It is true that winners DO NOT receive there prizes! Dawn has recycled prizes from previous years to give to new winners. These prizes/certificates are not valid.

4. I have been contacted personally by 3 past titleholders claiming prizes. They have never received them to date!

5. It is true that there are no consistent directors, although 3-4 directorships have remained over the past 3 years. This is primarily because these directors have successful independent productions.

6. The Latina pageants have never been aired on television, namely the Telemundo network or the NBC network as adverstised online at www.misslatina.com!

7. It is true that Dawn accepts contestants at large from states that have preliminary directors. She gives these contestants other titles and cheats directors out of state pageant fees. I know 2 contestants personally that have kept this a secret.

8. It is true that contestants do not receive adequate meals/nourishment, or sleep/rest.

9. Dawn has never received any major or minor sponsorships. The majority of the sponsors that she advertizes on the website are barter agreements where she offers a adverstisement in the program book or a logo on the website in exchange for a product or service. Her disclaimer is that these are to be provided by the sponsor and are in no way her responsibility -- so she gets away with lieing!

10. It is true that Dawn does NOT use funds properly, including monies from pageant fees, ticket sales, and merchandise. She has used these funds for personal gain only. An obvious example of this are the photo-copied program books, and website which she all designs herself on her home PC.

These are just a few of some very serious issues surrounding the Latina USA, Teen Latina USA, Latina Look of the USA, Teen Latina Look of the USA, Latina World, Teen Latina World -- ALL THE SAME EVENT -- produced by Dawn Ramos, Dawn Warner, Dawn Rochelle Productions -- ALL THE SAME PERSON!!!

From personal experience, I know first hand that Dawn is a FRAUD! This is a get-rich-quick scheme where she has exploited the Latino community and the pageant industry for over 10 years!!! She must be stopped and something must be done so that more innocent youngs Latinas are not taken advantage of! Anyone with similiar details or experiences about this production company / producer should come forward! Understand that you will be aiding a cause to put an end to this exploitation once and for all!!! It's just not right.

Know it All
Milan, Italy

Hi, I am the Midwest Director since 2004, and chose to be part of this organization after doing extensive research on existing pageants.

I would like to reitirate the fact that I have not been contacted by the person who posted the report, and neither has any of my winners.

Pageant organization is a tough business, and takes a lot of hard work and coordination on both sides, directors as well as the participants. Given that, I have always had the support of Dawn Rochelle and all her directors, and a glamarous and safe event to send my winners to.

As a successful businesswomen it would not make sense for me to associate myself with any organization of questionable principles, and would certainly not send my winners to such an event.

I have seen first hand that Dawn Rochelle and her organization is professional, honest, and has the connections to deliver on her promises.

I would like to suggest to the person who posted the report to come forward with verifiable facts, and shed the smokescreen they seem to be hiding behind. A full name and credentials would be a nice start.

Dawn Rochelle is more than a pageant organizer; she is a caring, dear friend, and has always been there for me, my daughter, and my winners.

Looking forward to another glamarous, beautiful Miss Latina World in July.

Gabriela
Midwest Director

Hi, I am the Midwest Director since 2004, and chose to be part of this organization after doing extensive research on existing pageants.

I would like to reitirate the fact that I have not been contacted by the person who posted the report, and neither has any of my winners.

Pageant organization is a tough business, and takes a lot of hard work and coordination on both sides, directors as well as the participants. Given that, I have always had the support of Dawn Rochelle and all her directors, and a glamarous and safe event to send my winners to.

As a successful businesswomen it would not make sense for me to associate myself with any organization of questionable principles, and would certainly not send my winners to such an event.

I have seen first hand that Dawn Rochelle and her organization is professional, honest, and has the connections to deliver on her promises.

I would like to suggest to the person who posted the report to come forward with verifiable facts, and shed the smokescreen they seem to be hiding behind. A full name and credentials would be a nice start.

Dawn Rochelle is more than a pageant organizer; she is a caring, dear friend, and has always been there for me, my daughter, and my winners.

Looking forward to another glamarous, beautiful Miss Latina World in July.

Gabriela
Midwest Director

Hi, I am the Midwest Director since 2004, and chose to be part of this organization after doing extensive research on existing pageants.

I would like to reitirate the fact that I have not been contacted by the person who posted the report, and neither has any of my winners.

Pageant organization is a tough business, and takes a lot of hard work and coordination on both sides, directors as well as the participants. Given that, I have always had the support of Dawn Rochelle and all her directors, and a glamarous and safe event to send my winners to.

As a successful businesswomen it would not make sense for me to associate myself with any organization of questionable principles, and would certainly not send my winners to such an event.

I have seen first hand that Dawn Rochelle and her organization is professional, honest, and has the connections to deliver on her promises.

I would like to suggest to the person who posted the report to come forward with verifiable facts, and shed the smokescreen they seem to be hiding behind. A full name and credentials would be a nice start.

Dawn Rochelle is more than a pageant organizer; she is a caring, dear friend, and has always been there for me, my daughter, and my winners.

Looking forward to another glamarous, beautiful Miss Latina World in July.

Gabriela
Midwest Director

Hi, I am the Midwest Director since 2004, and chose to be part of this organization after doing extensive research on existing pageants.

I would like to reitirate the fact that I have not been contacted by the person who posted the report, and neither has any of my winners.

Pageant organization is a tough business, and takes a lot of hard work and coordination on both sides, directors as well as the participants. Given that, I have always had the support of Dawn Rochelle and all her directors, and a glamarous and safe event to send my winners to.

As a successful businesswomen it would not make sense for me to associate myself with any organization of questionable principles, and would certainly not send my winners to such an event.

I have seen first hand that Dawn Rochelle and her organization is professional, honest, and has the connections to deliver on her promises.

I would like to suggest to the person who posted the report to come forward with verifiable facts, and shed the smokescreen they seem to be hiding behind. A full name and credentials would be a nice start.

Dawn Rochelle is more than a pageant organizer; she is a caring, dear friend, and has always been there for me, my daughter, and my winners.

Looking forward to another glamarous, beautiful Miss Latina World in July.

Gabriela
Midwest Director

Firstly, I would like to state that I am the Canadian director since 2005, and was also a participant in 2003. My awesome experiences in 2003 is what convinced me to move on the next step and take over the Canadian directorship.

The very obvious lie here is that her directors have NOT BEEN CONTACTED by anyone regarding any of the claims. I have not been contacted, and I just got off the phone with the Kansas director who also has not been contacted.

As with the previous comment, it does seem that the comments are very general, and I have yet to see a statement posted that supports these claims on here. If this Jimmy person really exists - please call me, and ask the proper questions.

It should be noted that in this industry, contestants that do not win - are often not the most satisfied with their experiences, and winners who do not get their way also may not be satisfied - this does not make the pageant or the producers bad or a rip off! I have met Dawn's winners and they are happy to have their titles.

As an independant producer for Dawn Rochelle Productions, I have the flexiblility to make indpendant decisions - and if I felt that I was putting my national winner in a poor situation - as a buiness person - I would not continue to send them...and I have sent for 2005, 2006, will be sending for 2007 and have prepartaions started for sending someone for 2008.

As for inconsistent directors, I would also like to note that I have been with Dawn for the 3 years, and known her since 2002, New York have been with her for 6 years, Puerto Rico for 5 years, that does not appear to me to be inconsistent. This is a tough industry, and not a lot of people have the ability or the know-how to keep a pageant running. Perhaps their leaving had more to do with the fact that their business knowledge pertinent to this industry was not strong enough to withstand the trial and tribulations that comes along with it.

I would like to congratulate Dawn for opening the door of success for me and look forward to seeing her at Miss Latina World in July.

Stefany
National Director: Canada
Toronto, Canada

Whoever wrote this bad report is obviously only trying to make Dawn Rochelle Productions and the Miss Latina World Pageant look bad. They speak in very general terms, never really giving any factual information.

I have been working with this company for several years now as a photographer. I have photographed models for magazines and catalogs in 5 countries and I can tell you that the pageants produced by Dawn Rochelle Productions are beautiful and breathtaking. They are also more organized then any major fashion magazine photoshoot.

Dawn's attention to detail and hands on approach have always made for a first class event. I have seen first hand that the girls in the pageant are well taken care of, stay in 5 star hotels and visit the best attractions in the city. I have also seen the television cameras following them, another confirmation of the beauty and interest in the shows.

Dawn is well known for her professionalism and modeling experience. She has started the modeling careers of many girls as anyone can clearly see on the misslatina.com website. The reason the producer takes credit for the work of the girls is because SHE IS THE REASON THEY HAVE THAT MODELING JOB!