Lindsay Gaines Fincher is in Connecticut this week, preparing for the Miss America competition. As Miss Alabama 2022, Fincher is one of 51 women vying to become Miss America 2023. The title comes with scholarship money and a yearlong reign.
Preliminary events are planned for Dec. 12-13, along with scholarship judging, a breakfast, a talent showcase for fans and more. The Miss America finals are set for Dec. 15 at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville. (Tickets are $50-$200 via Ticketmaster.)
Competition preliminaries and the finals will stream on PageantsLive. Start times are 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. CT for preliminaries; 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m CT for the finals. (There’s a pre-show on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. CT, featuring performances by the current Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen.) The pageant will not be on television this year.
Miss America 2022, Emma Broyles, will crown her successor at the finals. Miss Alabama 2021, Lauren Bradford, was one step from a win last year, and finished as the first runner-up.
RELATED: Miss Alaska wins 2022 Miss America; Miss Alabama is first runner-up
Fincher, the current Miss Alabama, is from Wedowee, a small town in Randolph County. She’s a dancer, an arts philanthropist, the author of a children’s book and a graduate of the University of Alabama. She’s also one of three finalists for Miss America’s Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Award. Fincher’s initiative is Catalyst: Arts for All, a program that aims to bring arts programming to schools throughout the country.
The winner of the Bartel scholarship award will be announced this week during the Miss America competition.
Another woman in the running for Miss America this year -- Miss Montanta 2022, Alexa Baisch -- has a tie to Alabama. She’s a graduate of the University of Alabama, with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Let’s take a closer look at all 51 candidates for Miss America 2023. (The information below comes from the candidate pages on the Miss America website.)
MISS ALABAMA 2022, LINDSAY FINCHER
School: University of Alabama.
College major: Political science and dance.
Scholarships winnings: $31,925.
Career ambition: Professional dancer/singer and attorney.
Talent: Jazz dance.
Social impact initiative: By creating educational arts curriculum, advocating for pro-arts policy, fundraising for scholarships and sharing my children’s book, Catalyst aims to ensure that all children, especially those in rural and low-income communities, are able to experience an arts education and discover their own creativity through artistic exploration.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? One of my favorite college professors, Dr. Jacqueline Morgan, told me to “live a eulogy life, not a resume life.” This advice reminds me to live a life of service, impact, and fulfillment rather than simply adding accolades and accomplishments to my resume. My decision to seek adventure, serve others, spread joy, and create a lasting legacy is far more rewarding than any title or award I could receive.
MORE ON MISS ALABAMA 2022:
- Miss Alabama 2022: ‘Absolutely, I’m a feminist,’ Lindsay Fincher says
- Miss Alabama 2022: Lindsay Fincher, Miss University of Alabama, takes the crown
MISS ALASKA 2022, JESSICA REISINGER
School: University of Alaska Anchorage (undergraduate), University of Washington School of Medicine (graduate, MD).
College major: Undergraduate: chemistry.
Scholarship winnings: $3,700
Career ambition: Alaskan physician working with underserved populations.
Talent: Acrobatic dance.
Social impact initiative: Raising awareness to the epidemic of sexual assault in the United States and creating better access to medical resources for survivors such as crisis counseling and sexual assault response teams (SARTs).
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I had a really hard time my first year of medical school. A mentor of mine, Dr. Leinicke, told me that I was making a choice to pursue this career every day that I showed up to class and that I could walk away at any time. Hearing that was the first time I felt like pursing medicine was my choice, rather than something I was trapped into doing because it was too late to change my mind. It solidified how much I truly want to be a physician and confirmed I was on the right path.
MISS ARIZONA 2022, MELODY PIERCE
School: Arizona State University.
College major: Journalism and mass communications
Scholarship winnings: $16,000
Career ambition: Publicist and recovery coach present in all 50 states.
Talent: Power tap dance
Social impact initiative: S.T.E.P.S. Toward Eating Disorder Recovery and Awareness has become a curriculum, a community impact presentation, legislation, my business as an eating disorder recovery and body acceptance coach and more. My social impact was created after I personally struggled with an eating disorder after being diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 10 after the loss of my father. Now, I use my story of hope to make sure that no one has to face their mental illness alone.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I’ve received so many valuable pieces of advice but one that stands out to me the most would have to be from my best friend Lauren. She told me one day when I was stressed about school and life in general: “Believe in yourself to the degree that your younger self believes in you.” I always keep that image in my mind whenever I am going after new goals or trying new things to try them in a way that would make little me proud.
MISS ARKANSAS 2022, EBONY MITCHELL
School: University of Central Arkansas and John Brown University.
College major: Business administration.
Scholarship winnings: $73,500.
Career ambition: Become a hospital administrator for a non-profit health system.
Talent: Tap dance.
Social impact initiative: My social impact initiative is about teaching children how to be safe online and how not to fall victim to online predators. There has been a rise in online activity on children’s devices during the pandemic. This is why my social impact is so crucial. It is my goal as Miss America to teach children and parents how to be safe online and to make the digital world a safer place.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have received was from my mother. She told me that I had the power to change lives and the world, and could do so all by myself if I set my mind to it. Growing up in a single-mother household, I learned independence from a young age. Since telling me this, I have taken the world by storm and set my mind to many things. I have accomplished many goals just by setting my mind to them.
MISS CALIFORNIA 2022, CATHERINE LIANG
School: University of Southern California.
College major: International relations global business.
Scholarship winnings: $26,500.
Career ambition: Chief strategy officer of a Fortune 500 company.
Talent: Classical piano.
Social impact initiative: A mentorship workshop designed to cultivate future leaders by providing them emotional intelligence skill sets, tangible action plans and branding resources to transform personal passions into an advocacy platform.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Something my mother has always taught me is: Have an open heart … have an open mind … and strive to be the sunshine in other people’s life.
MISS COLORADO 2022, SAVANNAH CAVANAUGH
School: University of Texas at Austin and Vanderbilt University.
College major: BBA, MBA.
Scholarship winnings: $11,250.
Career ambition: Become the chief marketing officer of a consumer products company and a university professor.
Talent: Country vocal.
Social impact initiative: Promoting Lung Health and Increasing Awareness of Tobacco’s Detrimental Side Effects.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My parents have always supported me in all my endeavors, and one thing they’ve told me over the years is “luck comes from hard work.”
MISS CONNECTICUT 2022, SYLVANA GONZALEZ
School: Planning to attend Brown University and New York Film Academy.
College major: Intended major: bachelor of arts in humanities, master of fine arts in film and media production, concentration in cultural and social impact.
Scholarship winnings: $12,900
Career ambition: Nonprofit director and founder, author and film director.
Talent: Latin dance.
Social Impact Initiative: We cast a light on the many faces of abuse and through education and compassion, help people become trauma informed to see the patterns that exist in intergenerational abuse so they can “Protege tu Paz” and be the change in their family’s lineage.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Something I often take into consideration while watching my nieces grow is my late Abuela Ana’s words “Children are like sponges, don’t make a mess you wouldn’t want them to clean.” ... I held onto her words to remind me of the impact we have on the children in our lives.
MISS DELAWARE 2022, GRACE OTLEY
School: New York University (master’s degree).
College major: Public relations and corporate communications.
Scholarship winnings: $15,000.
Career ambition: Own my own entertainment/events company, in addition to being a touring musician.
Talent: Electric violin.
Social impact initiative: My social impact initiative breaks the stigma surrounding the process of adoption. It also includes fundraising to help lower costs of adoptions, as well as support birth moms in a number of ways.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? One day I was having a conversation with my high school piano teacher, Mrs. Badger, when I asked her, “How are you always happy and excited to talk to your students every day?” She said, “The most important thing is to treat each student like they are the most important person in the world. When I talk to them, they are the only thing that matters in that moment”. Ever since then, I’ve tried to be the person that makes others feel accepted, valued and heard.
MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 2022, ALIVIA ROBERTS
School: Mississippi State University; George Washington University.
College major: Bachelor of Arts in communication; Master of Arts in public administration.
Scholarship winnings: $29,800.
Career ambition: To serve as the social secretary of the White House.
Talent: Ballet en pointe.
Social impact initiative: This initiative focuses on the prevention and reversal of the youth becoming involved in risky behavior that could be a detriment to their success.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Dr. David Beckley, the former President of Rust College, once said to me, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do because you come from a small town. Let it be your choice, because only you will have to live with that decision.”
MISS FLORIDA 2022, LINDSAY BETTIS
School: University of Central Florida and Louisiana State University Shreveport.
College major: B.S. business administration – marketing and currently obtaining MBA.
Scholarship winnings: $58,000.
Career ambition: Director of business development for a behavioral healthcare company.
Talent: Lyrical dance.
Social impact initiative: As someone who grew up in a home with substance use, I aim to reverse the addiction crisis in the United States by addressing this epidemic from every angle and stage of the individual’s journey.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? When I was 8 years old, I visited a therapist for the first time for my obsessive compulsive disorder. The best piece of advice I have ever received was when she told me to ask for help. It was hard for me to ask for help, no matter how simple or complex the task. Once I realized I needed help and could ask for it, I realized I wasn’t alone and didn’t have to be! I carry this same message with me when I go to speak to patients who are struggling with addiction, and it has been eye-opening to see this message come full circle in my life.
MISS GEORGIA 2022, KELSEY HOLLIS
School: University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
College major: Journalism and electronic media.
Scholarship winnings: $45,450.
Career ambition: Become a sports psychologist and open a firm of traveling sports psychologists, offering a plethora of skill-based techniques.
Talent: Contemporary vocal.
Social impact initiative: My social impact initiative aims to promote inclusivity through teaching awareness, acceptance, and advocacy of the autism community and their families in order to spread ways for everyone to cohesively exist, while feeling appreciated and understood within different environments.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Anytime I question myself or my purpose, my mom asks me, “Are you going to trust Him or not?”. This advice has served as the perfect reminder throughout my life that God has already given me the tools to reach my fullest potential -- my job is to simply execute and have faith in His plan for my life.
MISS HAWAII 2022, LAUREN TERUYA
School: University of Southern California.
College major: B.A. of journalism and theater, M.A. in specialized journalism.
Scholarship winnings: $14,000.
Career ambition: Travel multimedia journalist for National Geographic.
Talent: Broadway song and dance.
Social impact initiative: Inspiring a love for learning through artful teaching. Arts for All is a comprehensive plan that provides classroom resources, community art activities and fulfills the unmet need of incorporating art in education.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “You’ll never know, unless you try.” — mom. Without these words, I wouldn’t understand that it’s OK to fail. There’s beauty in working hard and picking yourself back up when you fall.
MISS IDAHO 2022, SARAH JENSEN
School: Washington State University.
College major: Education.
Scholarship winnings: $13,500.
Career ambition: Eventually, I would like to teach for the Department of Defense on military bases overseas.
Talent: Piano solo.
Social impact initiative: The purpose is to show kids why math is important, both inside and outside the classroom.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My college professor, Barbara Ward, stressed the importance of teaching kindness and empathy. In her words, “My job as an educator is to teach people how to be good people.”
MISS ILLINOIS 2022, MONICA NIA JONES
School: Arizona State University.
College major: Interdisciplinary studies - business and special events management.
Scholarship winnings: $16,350.
Career ambition: To be an area developer for HOTWORX, opening two more locations in Chicago and to have my own public relations/image consulting firm.
Talent: Violin.
Social impact initiative: My social impact initiative is an initiative that brings people together of all backgrounds through music. It promotes the value of music education, exposure, and diversity. By providing resources and opportunities for people to be inspired and cultivated in the classical music industry, M.U.S.I.C can truly be all around us. I plan to bring classical music to underserved communities, having hard conversations with the industry’s greatest, creating scholarship fundraisers, and implementing workshops.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have received was from my parents which is “do what you have to do now, so you can do what you want to do later.”
MISS INDIANA 2022, ELIZABETH HALLAL
School: Ball State University.
College major: Musical theater.
Scholarship winnings: $19,500.
Career ambition: To pursue professional performance from local theaters to Broadway and to pass on my passion to the next generation of aspiring artists
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: Committed to making artistic opportunities more available to all individuals, regardless of their age, ability or socioeconomic status
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Trust the process.” My voice teacher has stressed this since the moment I began working with her, and it has applied to so many areas of my life. Now I know that I will be put exactly where I need to be in perfect timing. Trusting my plan will always help me find confidence and gratitude for where I am now.
MISS IOWA 2022, BAILEY HODSON
School: Grand View University.
College major: Secondary education and English.
Scholarship winnings: $16,400.
Career ambition: Secondary principal or social-emotional learning curriculum director.
Talent: Musical theater vocal.
Social impact initiative: Advocating for bullying prevention with the encouragement to accept other, be kind and care for all.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad always gave me the best advice. Since passing away in 2018, I am not able to call him when I need advice in the moment. Now, I try to hold tight to the advice he always came back to: “you were born for this.” He would tell me this when I was trying to achieve a new goal or even get through a difficult time. It helped me to remember I can do whatever I set my mind to, and I can and will get through anything.
MISS KANSAS 2022, AYANNA HENSLEY
School: Fort Hays State University.
College major: Biology.
Scholarship winnings: $16,000.
Career ambition: I plan to be a physician assistant (PA) specializing in pediatric oncology.
Talent: Modern contemporary dance.
Social impact initiative: Being a voice for those experiencing or for those who have experienced adverse circ*mstances through advocacy, outreach programs and promoting the importance of mentorship and human connection.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received was to always make it a point to talk to strangers. The initial discomfort is worth it when your network and ability to connect with others is strengthened. I was given this piece of advice at the Fort Hays State University’s spring 2022 commencement ceremony by the school’s president, Tisa Mason.
MISS KENTUCKY 2022, HANNAH EDELEN
School: University of Kentucky.
College major: Doctor of Philosophy in education sciences.
Scholarship winnings: $20,000.
Career ambition: To be the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Talent: Clogging to “Banjo Fantasy.”
Social impact initiative: Our goal is to equip a students with the power to change the world through reading. When we equip a child with the tools to read, we equip an adult to change the world. Together, let’s create a Read Ready America!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My family and consumer sciences teacher changed my life. She changed the way I looked at myself and my circ*mstances. She invested in me emotionally and financially at times when my family could not. She would always tell me to “write my own story” and that my future was mine to define. With her encouragement, I’ve gone on to be the first in my family to graduate college, publish two children’s books, be recognized for my work as an educator, and continue boldly write my story.
MISS LOUISIANA 2022, GRACIE REICHMAN
School: Louisiana Tech University.
College major: Kinesiology and health sciences.
Scholarship winnings: $80,600.
Career ambition: My career ambition is to one day work as a physical therapist with advanced certification in sports physical therapy
Talent: Contemporary clogging,
Social impact initiative: My social impact initiative incorporates the concept of thought challenge and replacement simply by the act of challenging and then replacing a negative thought with a more helpful or positive one. The replacement of negative psychological messages with ones of encouragement can build self-esteem and confidence leaving individuals happier and mentally healthier.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received is to celebrate the little victories along the journey to achieving a big goal. This advice was given to me by my elementary school librarian who had a heart for encouraging her students to take small steps every day that will positively impact their future goals and aspirations. That advice was something I took to heart and impacted my ability to look at each new day with the mindset of being intentional and appreciative of the new opportunities that day could hold.
MISS MAINE 2022, MADISON LESLIE
School: Franklin Pierce University.
College major: Communications, journalism and media production concentration.
Scholarship winnings: $8,500.
Career ambition: Become an empowerment speaker with the brand I founded, “Time to Shake Your Beauty.”
Talent: Vocal performance.
Social impact initiative: An Empowerment Movement: Claim your confidence! Own your space!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “It is all about what you do with the 3 seconds after …”. This was what my former travel lacrosse coach, Lauren would always say. When a mistake is made or something doesn’t go your way on the field, it is what you do right after that really counts. Are you hanging your head and telling yourself how you aren’t good enough? Or are you getting back up and running as fast as you can forward? This is true in life. When life knocks us down or we fail. What are you doing with the “3 seconds after?”
MISS MARYLAND 2022, KAYLA WILLING
School: Lancaster Bible College.
College major: Double major in Biblical studies and communications.
Scholarship winnings: $14,200.
Career ambition: After experience in the field of journalism, I plan to teach communication theory as a professor in the public university.
Talent: Vocal performance.
Social impact initiative: Based on the premise that writing is a practice for critical thinking, building a society of leaders who comprehend broadly, who think critically, and who advocate persuasively begins with a pen and paper.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? While I am unsure of the context or the exact time this was said, my mentor/best friend, Joscelyne Swift, said “do the hard things.” Those silly four words became our anthem, our catchphrase, and our motto. During my senior year of high school, I played the role “Jo” in an theater adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Little Women.” In that play, there was a quote that encompassed perfectly what those four words implied,”I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” It seemed at first glance like an insignificant four words, but rest assured they have motivated me more than any four words ever have.
MISS MASSACHUSETTS 2022, KATRINA KINCADE
School: American University.
College major: Broadcast journalism.
Scholarship winnings: $17,550.
Career ambition: National morning news anchor.
Talent: Vocal
Social impact initiative: Representation Matters: Embracing Diversity encourages youth from marginalized communities to pursue career fields that they may not typically see themselves in and educates on the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “You learn something new every day.” Growing up, my dad would say this to me every day before school. It taught me to go into every day with an open mind and be willing to learn.
MISS MICHIGAN 2022, MELISSA BEYRAND
School: University of Michigan, College of Engineering.
College major: Biomedical engineering.
Scholarship winnings: $12,825.
Career ambition: To become a craniofacial reconstructive surgeon, using my knowledge of biomedical engineering to provide my patients with innovative healthcare solutions.
Talent: Violin.
Social impact initiative: STEAM is a natural progression towards a more holistic educational model that integrates the arts into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as an additional access point to develop student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking skills. By giving students, especially young women, exposure to STEAM education, we can go full STEAM ahead in preparing them to become the innovators of the future.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Growing up, my aunt always told me “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” As a child, I thought that sounded ridiculous, as I strived to be the most intelligent, the most knowledgeable. Now, I know that she meant for me to be humble and to learn as much as I can from others. There are so many lessons that can only come with life experience, and people are usually willing to share if you are willing to listen. With the job of Miss Michigan, I have truly embraced this advice and I try my best to learn from people around me each and every day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel the state of Michigan and meet people I would never interact with otherwise, and I have gained a much more profound awareness of the world around me.
MISS MINNESOTA 2022, RACHEL EVANGELISTO
School: University of Minnesota and Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
College major: Political science, BA and Native American law, JD.
Scholarship winnings: $26,750.
Career ambition: Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) legal advocate and legal counsel for a federally recognized tribe.
Talent: Jade Forest Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Social impact initiative: To illuminate the vibrancy of Native voices and break through the dominant negative narrative and erasure of Native peoples through education, engagement and empowerment for all.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “The worst thing they can say is no.” grew up hearing this from my dad and it has influenced who I am today. Whenever I feel apprehensive or nervous about a big decision, I always hear his voice saying this to me as a little girl. As I continue down the road of legal and Indigenous advocacy, I know my dad prepared (me) to be brave in and out of the courtroom. Thank you dad!
MISS MISSISSIPPI 2022, EMMIE PERKINS
School: Mississippi State University.
College major: Public relations.
Scholarship winnings: $21,800.
Career ambition: To serve as the CEO of Music is Medicine as a franchised company.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: I bring the healing arts of music to individuals of all ages. By bringing music therapy to schools, hospitals and the elderly, I am using music to empower, educate and heal those I meet.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? When I first entered college as a worried and overwhelmed freshman, I was given advice from an older student. She told me “What is meant for you won’t pass you by.” After hearing those words, I have gone into all of life’s opportunities with vigor and hard work, but also carrying the peace with me that if it is meant to be it will happen and if not there is a different path or plan greater than the one, I could imagine for myself. God has a beautiful story written for all our futures.
MISS MISSOURI 2022, CLARE MARIE KUEBLER
School: University of Missouri.
College major: Bachelor of science in education
Scholarship winnings: $16,000.
Career ambition: Educational leader.
Talent: Dance.
Social impact initiative: Clare Marie’s mission is to help children with cancer continue to experience the joy of childhood while they are undergoing treatment. She actively supports fundraising efforts and innovative research for childhood cancer while partnering with organizations across the state and nation who serve those, and their loved ones, affected by pediatric cancer.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My grandma, Mimi, always reminded me to be as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. These words have become the mantra in which I strive to live my life. Mimi was a very influential person in my life. She had a heart of gold and made everyone around her feel special. In my daily actions, I always make sure my intention is right in honor of Mimi.
MISS MONTANA 2022, ALEXA BAISCH
School: University of Alabama.
College major: Business management.
Scholarship winnings: $3,650
Career ambition: I will utilize my background in psychology, human resources and management to serve companies as an organizational development consultant.
Talent: Tap dance.
Social impact initiative: There are an estimated 24.9 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. On behalf of those victims, I have created and implemented a 3-point plan of prevention, education and action to end child trafficking.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “People forget what you say but remember how you made them feel.” This piece of advice, originally from Maya Angelou, inspires me daily. Our words are impactful, which is why I value the importance of treating others with kindness.
MISS NEBRASKA 2022, STEFFANY LIEN
School: University of Nebraska.
College major: Juris Doctor in law.
Scholarship winnings: $14,550.
Career ambition: I aspire to become a family law attorney representing children in court and a Nebraska state legislator.
Talent: Dance twirl.
Social impact initiative: Promoting strategies to overcome adversity by guiding individuals across the dimensions of physical, mental and social wellness.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom taught me, ”be who you say you are.” She instilled the importance of approaching the world as my authentic self and aligning my actions to my words.
MISS NEVADA 2022, HEATHER RENNER
School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
College major: Theater (stage and screen acting) major, double minor in political science and voice performance.
Scholarship winnings: $23,500.
Career aAmbition: Performing artist with a focus on musical theater and opera.
Talent: Operatic vocal.
Social impact initiative: My performing arts program empowers kids with the confidence to break out of their shells and take center stage!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom taught me that I have no choice but to pursue the career that sets my heart on fire, even if that career is full of uncertainty. She inspired my love for performing and can’t wait for me to become a famous entertainer so she can get free front-row seats!
MISS NEW HAMPSHIRE 2022, SARAH WHITE
School: Graduate student at Franklin Pierce University.
College major: Master of science in nursing and leadership.
Scholarship winnings: $51,600.
Career ambition: Practice as a family nurse practitioner and nurse educator focusing on advocacy for holistic health.
Talent: Tap dance.
Social impact initiative: Promoting mental wellness for all through personal connection, education, awareness and resources
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My sister, Kayla, shared with me that authenticity is the root of all happiness. Radiating authenticity creates a space for yourself and others to feel safe, secure and content. Implementing this piece of advice into my life has helped me to grow, heal and accomplish more than I ever thought possible.
MISS NEW JERSEY 2022, AUGOSTINA MALLOUS
School: Hofstra University.
College major: Journalism.
Scholarship winnings: $40,000.
Career Ambition: Magazine editor.
Talent: Dance.
Social impact initiative: Human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry in the world, and too many people are unaware of the dangers and prevalence that it plays in our own communities. It is my mission to educate everyone that I encounter about modern-day slavery, and to advocate and lobby for stronger legislation that supports victims and survivors.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Just do it.” – my Nike sweatshirt.
MISS NEW MEXICO 2022, KAITLIN KERL
School: University of New Mexico.
College major: Master of architecture student.
Scholarship winnings: $8,450.
Career ambition: Architect and business owner.
Talent: Acrobatic jazz dance.
Social impact initiative: The purpose of my social impact initiative is to teach women of all ages how to work on projects and restore things on their own, skills that are valuable for all areas of life. It is my goal to help boost economies across the U.S. by increasing communal well-being, housing and educational opportunities for women through my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was to always have an open mind and to go about everything in life with kindness. This advice has truly led me to discovering some of the things I love most in life and allowed me to build lifelong relationships. Although the person who gave me this advice has since passed, it has got me through some of the most difficult times in my life and helped me experience life to the fullest and that means everything.
MISS NEW YORK 2022, TARYN DELANIE SMITH
School: Saint John’s University.
College major: Masters of Science; international communication and intercultural studies.
Scholarship winnings: $20,000.
Career ambition: Write and host a weekly segment on “Good Morning America” as a media personality. Establish and run a nonprofit that works to support women experiencing homelessness.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: For six years, I have worked to promote within communities volunteerism, donation and the support of local shelters and the variety of programs they provide. This, paired with continued advocacy for compassionate legislation, as well as increased federal funding for rental assistance, and homelessness grants are necessary actions to change the way we address housing insecurity in America.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I was intensely bullied growing up. I used to tell my mother how much I wished I were “beautiful.” I’ll never forget, she’d say, “You are beautiful. But it’s important you recognize that it’s the single most uninteresting thing about you.” Society seeks to condition girls to believe being pretty is a priority, it’s not. Be smart, be strong, be kind. Be you.
MISS NORTH CAROLINA 2022, KAROLYN MARTIN
School: Appalachian State University’s Honors College.
College major: Communication studies.
Scholarship winnings: $28,500.
Career ambition: To empower female leaders as a business lawyer.
Talent: Vocal performance
Social impact initiative: Promoting nourishing habits while taking the focus off of weight and appearance.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad always says that we have to “adapt and overcome.” I have used this piece of advice in every area of my life. Adapting to the circ*mstances around us and learning how to be our best selves regardless of external challenges is essential for long-term success.
MISS NORTH DAKOTA 2022, SIDNI KAST
School: University of North Dakota.
College major: Doctorate of physical therapy.
Scholarship winnings: $16,000.
Career ambition: My dream career is to be the physical therapist for a professional sports team!
Talent: Vocal and piano performance.
Social impact initiative: I want to use this opportunity to educate others on the importance of investing in their total body health including all dimensions of wellness; mind, body, and spirit. Society can use this to adapt from focusing on how they look and instead prioritize how they feel.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received is from my mother: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
MISS OHIO 2022, ELIZABETTA NIES
School: Miami University of Ohio.
College major: Business marketing.
Scholarship winnings: $15,000.
Career ambition: To be the motivational figure of my generation, traveling the world encouraging and giving people the tools to unlock their unique potential.
Talent: Classical piano.
Social impact initiative: “One big difference between successful people and all the rest is that successful people take action.” I remember hearing this quote when I was younger, and feeling inspired. Until I realized that it’s taking action that’s the most difficult part. I began to search and eventually found specific tools and strategies that would help me achieve goals that I would have otherwise never dreamed of accomplishing. This quote is why I started my social impact initiative, Project Purpose, because I believe that everyone should have access to the tools and resources that allow them to take action towards success and pursuing their potential.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I’ll never forget the patience with which my mother sat with me for hours at the piano reminding me that “quitting’s not going to make it any easier.” Building the “discipline muscle” isn’t easy. I quickly learned that no amount of screaming, crying (or even on one occasion pretending my finger was broken), was going to let me escape that daily piano practice. Quitting was not an option. Through moments like these, I learned the valuable skill of sticking to a commitment and realized that there is no substitute for hard work.
MISS OKLAHOMA 2022, MEGAN GOLD
School: University of Oklahoma.
College major: Major: meteorology. Minor: broadcast journalism.
Scholarship winnings: $39,075.
Career ambition: Broadcast meteorologist in a top 5 market.
Talent: Flute.
Social impact initiative: Older adults are among the fastest growing food insecure population in the United States. I bring attention and resources for the millions of seniors struggling with hunger and social isolation and promote involvement, especially among younger volunteers, in mobile meal programs.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? As a meteorology student in college a peer mentor encouraged me to ask successful people how they achieved their success and to never doubt that I could do the same.
MISS OREGON 2022, SOPHIA TAKLA
School: Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
College major: BFA musical theater.
Scholarship winnings: $19,350.
Career ambition: I aspire to become a professional actress for film, television and stage.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: I’m on a twofold mission: Sustain and enrich the lives of kids in medical crisis. Some days it’s via advocating for public policy changes in Washington D.C. Others, it’s bringing play therapy and music to children’s hospitals.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad has always told me to live with “No Plan B.” This means to chase your dreams fearlessly and relentlessly. If you have a backup plan, you’ll end up using it.
MISS PENNSYLVANIA 2022, ALYSA BAINBRIDGE
School: Saint Joseph’s University/Cabrini University Graduate School.
College major: B.A. in communication studies/M.S. in leadership.
Scholarship winnings: $43,000.
Career ambition: To host my own lifestyle/entertainment show in a major media market
Talent: Lyrical dance.
Social impact initiative: I work to empower people living with mental health and substance use disorders and to end the stigma that surrounds them. My nonprofit organization provides assistance to people in recovery and educates the public on how to talk about mental illness with compassion.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My late brother, Tyler, always stressed to me the importance of failing gracefully and never letting a mistake define you. He told me that mistakes happen, but that the comeback is even greater than the setback.
MISS RHODE ISLAND 2022, ABBY MANSOLILLO
School: Roger Williams University School of Law.
College major: Dual degree in English and women/gender studies.
Scholarship winnings: $6,600.
Career ambition: After acting as a criminal prosecutor, I hope to become the Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island.
Talent: Dramatic monologue.
Social impact initiative: Trust Your Gut is designed to encourage medical patients to advocate for themselves and to encourage open and honest communication with healthcare providers in order to reduce the occurrence of misdiagnoses.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? At my high school graduation from Moses Brown School, the guest speaker encouraged us to show up, be present and be good –- in all aspects of our lives.
MISS SOUTH CAROLINA 2022, JILL DUDLEY
School: Coastal Carolina University and University of South Carolina.
College mjor: English, minor in political science.
Scholarship winnings: $70,000.
Career Ambition: To become a prosecutor focused on ensuring crime victims have as many rights as perpetrators
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: As a rape survivor myself, I know firsthand that America has a problem with sexual assault. My goal is to shatter the cycle of silence surrounding rape culture.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My grandmother always told me, “Never pass up tiramisu if it is on the dessert menu!”
MISS SOUTH DAKOTA 2022, HUNTER WIDVEY
School: Des Moines University.
College major: Doctor of osteopathic medicine.
Scholarship winnings: $23,650.
Career Ambition: Trauma surgeon.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: I seek to increase awareness of pediatric cancer through education and advocacy. My ultimate goal is to influence legislation and increase funding to help children live long and healthy lives.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Go big or go home.” My dad has always taught me to shoot for the stars and follow my dreams no matter how big they are. He instilled this advice in me at a young age, which helped me believe I could do anything. Whether it is just completing a project at school or competing at Miss America, I will always give 100% because there is no reason to waste your time if you aren’t going all in!
MISS TENNESSEE 2022, LAUREN DICKSON
School: Graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin; current graduate student at Union University.
College major: Master of business administration with a concentration in leadership.
Scholarship winnings: $45,000.
Career ambition: As a licensed financial advisor, I aspire to continue leading my clients to a future of financial freedom and security.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact initiative: “Heart for the Hungry: Overcoming Food Insecurity” seeks to expose the underlying causes of food insecurity and to assist people out of the cycle.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My best friend, Morgan, has diligently encouraged me to be present in the moment and have fun, give yourself grace and keep putting in the work. Crushing your goals will naturally happen and you will enjoy the ride on the way there.
MISS TEXAS 2022, AVERIE BISHOP
School: Southern Methodist University Law School.
College major: B.A. human rights and sociology, Juris Doctorate 2022.
Scholarship winnings: $50,000.
Career ambition: Professor of law and media.
Talent: Musical theater.
Social impact initiative: Stemming from my personal experience of discrimination, I advocate for diversity and inclusion through policy writing, school programs, my international nonprofit and digital representation.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Suck it up, buttercup!” – Jan M.
MISS UTAH 2022, LINDSEY LARSEN
School: University of Utah
College major: Bachelor of fine arts in ballet performance and minor in kinesiology.
Scholarship winnings: $20,450.
Career ambition: Professional ballerina, artistic director and health educator.
Talent: Classical ballet en pointe.
Social impact initiative: A movement inspired to equip individuals with the integral resources needed to improve mental, physical and emotional health through daily movement-based activities.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dear friend, Alyssa, passed away in 2020. She taught me to never miss an opportunity to share your talents with the world and always tell your friends how much they mean to you. She made everyone around her feel included and loved, and I honor her by including and loving like she did.
MISS VERMONT 2022, ALEXINA FEDERHEN
School: Cornell University, BS 2019; Boston University, MFA anticipated 2024.
College major: Design and environmental analysis; graphic design.
Scholarship winnings: $11,600.
Career ambition: Expand my creative brand studio, Designs By Alexina, so that I can help more women-owned businesses find their voice and reach their dream clients. I would also like to be able to pay it forward and offer employment and mentoring opportunities to aspiring young designers.
Talent: Vocal.
Social impact Initiative: I have developed partnerships with national, regional and state mental health organizations to share my lived experiences with anxiety and depression and encourage students to utilize mental health resources through school appearances and social media. My “Speak Out, Reach Out” Instagram program, social media posts and reels, TheFeelBetterWay.com website, and my teen mental health book, “Feel Better Way,” offer resources, blogs, and tools to both students and schools with a national reach.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t perform it, feel it.” This is advice I got from my vocal teacher. I think about this every time I go onstage, but I also apply it to every aspect of my life. Don’t go through the motions or try to be what someone else wants you to be; revel in the moment, be authentic and do it for yourself, not for anyone else.
MISS VIRGINIA 2022, VICTORIA CHUAH
School: University of Pittsburgh.
College major: Master’s in computer science, bachelor’s in computer science.
Scholarship winnings: $35,175.
Career ambition: Become the chief technology officer of a Fortune 500 company.
Talent: Ballet en pointe.
Social impact initiative: Inspired by my younger brother Luke, who is on the autism spectrum, it became very clear to me how few resources there are for adults on the autism spectrum. I am dedicated to raising awareness for the resources that do exist as well as the realities of autism, while also advocating for support systems and programs that allow adults with autism to live secure and purposeful lives.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “A ship at port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” – Grace Hopper, one of the first female computer scientists. I received this advice while attending the Grace Hopper Conference, a conference for Women in Tech. It taught me to live life with no regrets and without fear of failure. I keep this with me, as a force of empowerment, especially being a woman in the technology industry.
MISS WASHINGTON 2022, REGAN GALLO
School: University of Washington-Seattle.
College major: Law, societies and justice.
Scholarship winnings: $25,500.
Career ambition: Become a television broadcaster/corporate media host and become a master of storytelling!
Talent: Lyrical dance.
Social impact initiative: Regan grew up overcoming numerous health challenges after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an auto-immune and chronic disease, at just age 4. With 20 years of experience as a patient, Regan is teaching other patients how to advocate for themselves in daily situations, educating the general public about the chronic disease community, and promoting preventative measures to support healthy lifestyles for all.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom, Kay Gallo, always taught me to be kind and gracious to everyone. You never know what impact or impression you make on others’ lives.
MISS WEST VIRGINIA 2022, ELIZABETH LYNCH
School: West Virginia University.
College major: Masters of science, food and nutritional science.
Scholarship winnings: $16,000.
Career ambition: My plan is to become a professor at a land-grant university with a three-way split appointment in teaching, research and extension.
Talent: Motivational monologue.
Social impact initiative: In your lifetime you may or may not need a lawyer or a surgeon, but you will always need a farmer. Growing Up, Growing Ag promotes American farms and farmers’ markets, bridges the gap between producers and consumers, educates on agricultural careers and practices, and reminds Americans to always thank a farmer.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A very close friend and mentor reminds me constantly that I should “doubt my doubts but never doubt my faith.” I shouldn’t doubt the faith I have in myself and my capabilities as I have put in the time and effort to get to where I am today.
MISS WISCONSIN 2022, GRACE STANKE
School: University of Wisconsin – Madison.
College major: Nuclear engineering.
Scholarship winnings: $16,400.
Career ambition: To produce efficient, clean, zero-carbon energy for America through nuclear energy in a core design position.
Talent: Violin.
Social impact initiative: America needs to convert to zero-carbon energy sources, and I’m helping to make that happen by breaking down misconceptions surrounding our most powerful source of zero-carbon energy: nuclear power. I advocate for nuclear power and improved communication about nuclear science with both the general public and nuclear engineers to bridge the gap of the unknown between the two groups of people.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Impunctuality breeds disorganization” is a phrase I grew up with, thanks to my dad. In Wisconsin, we’ve always believed in what is called “Lombardi time,” which is if you are 10 minutes early, you are on time. If not, you are late. My dad reinforced this with his bumper sticker phrase, and it lives with me to this day as I believe that being on time is the one of the best ways to show respect!
MISS WYOMING 2022, HAZEL HOMER-WAMBEAM
School: University of Wyoming.
College major: Theater and dance performance, American political science.
Scholarship winnings: $8,000.
Career Ambition: Political news anchor on a national network.
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Talent: Musical theater performance.
Social impact initiative: Building self-confidence and a love for our bodies through the gifts of music and dance by using movement as an outlet to celebrate people of all sizes, shapes, colors, ages, genders, abilities, cultures, identities and backgrounds.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Since I was a young girl, my mother ingrained in me that kindness is one of the most important qualities a person can possess. She has taught me that while it is important to be intelligent, successful and pursue leadership roles, that I should use those positions of leadership to uplift others, make them feel genuinely valued,and include them in my journey.
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