About Us

To celebrate the joy that accompanies the Age of Elegance and inspire women to stretch beyond their reach, give back to their communities, and share their unique gifts with the world. 

Under the direction of Elvia Harris, the Ms. Senior California Pageant is operated by Ms. Senior America Pageant, the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” It is in search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience, and resources that the younger generations has the opportunity to build a better society. 

A self-starter in business, Elvia, has the background and skill to create, organize, and manage a successful organization. Ms. Harris has held leadership positions throughout her lifetime. Elvia has spent her career preparing women for major events in their lives. Nicknamed, “The Energizer Bunny,” she is always up for the job or challenge. Elvia was selected by the Ms. Senior California of America Board of Directors, to assume the leadership of the Board and CEO for the California pageant program and performance troupe, Classic Divas 12 years ago.

Internationally trained in the beauty industry, Ms. Harris owned her business, “Panache,” a high fashion salon/spa. Elvia’s impressive knowledge and leadership qualities in the world of fashion and marketing earned her a position to serve on the prestigious New York-based, “Clairol Presidential Council”. Ms. Harris was one of six expert industry leaders in the field of beauty to be selected from all over the USA. Her career in the beauty and fashion industry prepared Elvia to master the art of competitive runway modeling, music, and choreography. She received an award for “Outstanding Latina Woman in Business” from the pageant “Señorita Amistad Latina, association.

Elvia serves as Administrator/CEO of the Ms. Senior California of America Pageants and director of the California Cameo Club. The Cameo Club is the support arm of the Ms. Senior California pageants. It includes, Senior America Queens, California Queens, Title Holders, and contestants. The Classic Divas are the exclusive Cameo Club entertainers, whose sole purpose is to promote the “Age of Elegance” pageants, bring honor and recognition to senior women, and raise money to help fund the pageants. Currently, California is the largest senior pageant in the nation.

With Elvia’s boundless energy the pageants will continue to grow and prosper. Her motto, “Give a Lady the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.” Ms. Harris is the Founder/Executive Producer of “Sounds Divine” Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Passionate about singing and performing, Elvia has an impressive 25-year career in special private performances, community theater, and runway productions. Her vocal ensemble, “Sounds Divine” has been featured at major venues in Southern California. Her first Sounds Divine CD was produced by Alan Paul, singer/producer of the Grammy award winning, Manhattan Transfer singing group.

Passionate about giving back to her community, Ms. Harris held the position of “Family Faculty Association” President for her daughter’s private school, and President of her professional organization. Elvia spearheaded fundraising events to raise awareness and money for battered and abused children’s agencies. Here in her community of San Diego, she chaired an event, “Festival Amen” to raise money for Polinsky Children’s Center, Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family Services. Elvia and her husband Eddie, sound engineer for the California State Pageants, Classic Divas Entertainers and her professional vocal jazz ensemble, Sounds Divine, have been married for 50 years. They have two beautiful daughters, two grandsons and one great grandson.