Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Alaina Barlock embodies the strength, work ethic, and perseverance that Pittsburghers are known for. She works tirelessly spreading goodwill throughout her community and beyond while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule and pursuing her many passions.  

Winning the title of Miss Teen International 2023 has given Alaina the opportunity to pursue what God has called her to do. Expanding her efforts with her personal platform, Alaina’s Power Up Project, Alaina shows teenagers how to rise above their hardships by embracing their authentic selves. After experiencing bullying for several years by her supposed school friends, Alaina came to the realization that she wanted to surround herself with people who genuinely supported and uplifted her. She created a 3-step process to rise above the hurt that the bullying caused, and better herself in the process. After surrounding herself with positive people, she dove into activities that she loved, and set new goals for herself, with a game plan on how to achieve them. Slowly, but surely, she rose above the bullying and grew into the confident young woman she is today. Alaina believes that everyone will face adversity in their lives. She wants to ensure other young girls that they can overcome anything by finding their power within. 

Since being blessed with the prestigious Miss Teen International crown and sash, you can find Alaina spending time at schools nationwide, sharing her story and initiative with students of all ages. She partnered with the International Bullying Prevention Association to reach a broader audience and is working to create the “Power Up Ambassadorship” to get more teenagers involved with her mission. Alaina also hosts events to raise funds for the Empowerment Over Adversity Charity.  

When not pouring her heart into her community, as a Junior at Bishop Canevin High School, Alaina maintains High Honor Roll while involved in various school-related activities. She is a member, Creative Writing Club, International Club and the president of her own Spark Club. She is currently involved in her church youth group which she attends on a weekly basis. Alaina loves staying active and healthy as an award-winning figure-skater, a passion of hers since she was just a child. She is also on her school’s Varsity Cheerleading Team and a member of the track team, winning a WPIAL Section Championship for track.

Alaina plans to attend the University of North Carolina to obtain a degree in business management. She hopes to work her way up through the ranks of the business and fashion industry to one day become a business owner in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.