Pageantry
From a young age, I knew my heart was meant to serve—and I dreamed of standing on stage. What drew me to pageantry was how it empowers women and girls to work hard and unlock the best versions of themselves. This industry isn’t just about competition — it’s about growth, community, and shining your own light to inspire others to do the same.
Where it all began...
When I was a little girl, my dad took my sisters and me downtown Baltimore for a photo shoot. Now, I wasn’t the type of girl who loved dressing up — but that day? I was excited. We spent hours exploring the city, snapping pictures, just soaking it all in.
While we were waiting for the train home, I noticed a long line of girls checking in for a pageant. I begged to go inside, to sign up, to compete… but of course, that’s not how it works! Still, from that moment on… pageantry quietly snuck its way into my heart.
Resurfaced
I was 21 when I stepped into my very first pageant. It was the Miss Virginia Union University 2018 pageant — our college competition. I had zero experience… but somehow, I walked away as 2nd runner-up.
That experience was so much more than just walking across a stage. It was a marathon of campaigning, hosting events, leading rehearsals, managing a court — all while figuring it out as I went. But the biggest thing I gained? Real leadership, community, and the kind of confidence and poise I didn’t even know I had in me when I first signed up.
Turning Point
In 2021, I finally made the decision — I was going to compete in the Miss USA system.
After living through the height of COVID, I had the space to rediscover parts of myself I hadn’t tapped into in a long time… and I felt pulled to explore them. So, I made the choice to silence the doubts, quiet the insecurities, and step into this new chapter with confidence. I knew I had so much to learn — so that’s exactly what I did. I became a student of pageantry.
Miss Maryland USA 2021
After watching the Miss USA prelims and finals all the way back to 2015, I decided it was time to take my research in person. So, I grabbed tickets to Miss Maryland USA 2021 — and to my surprise, my old dance captain from college was competing!
With a heart full of support, I walked into that venue… and was completely in awe. The energy, the confidence, the walks, the fashion, the way they answered those final questions — I soaked up everything. I spent those two days studying as much as I could, determined to apply it all toward my own preparation for Miss Maryland USA 2022.
2022 Pageant Prep
From all my research, one thing was clear — there’s a lot that goes into preparing for a pageant… and most of it happens all at once. Honestly? I still didn’t fully know where to start. Knowing I had to start somewhere — I pulled together a team of friends, each with different strengths and backgrounds. We focused on (what I learned to be) the key areas: fitness, mindset, wardrobe, and interview. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a starting point — and that’s all I needed.
Heartbroken Graduate
Between working and wrapping up the last semesters of my master’s program, I was also deep in pageant prep — cleaning up my eating habits, building a gym routine, making space to heal parts of myself and of course, some wardrobe shopping.
A few weeks before I planned to submit my application, the pageant dates dropped: May 14th–15th. I was so excited — I locked those dates into my calendar immediately.
But just one week later… I got an email with the date for graduation: May 14th. Heartbroken but, I already knew what I had to do.
Miss USA 2022
Reno, NV — I had the chance to experience Miss USA 2022 in person!
I met so many incredible women — all from different walks of life, and even a few with stories that felt just like mine. I made real, genuine connections… but more than anything, I finally got to see that this dream I’ve been chasing? It’s tangible. The women I had only ever seen on TV — they’re ambitious, driven, and capable of extraordinary things… just like me. It was just the perspective shift I needed to continue to push for this dream of mine.
Overdrive
The moment my feet hit the ground back in Maryland, something shifted. I had this level of determination I’d never felt before.
I dove even deeper into everything — realizing I had only scratched the surface. From nutrition and healthy habits to perfecting my walk and building my personal brand, I knew there was so much more to master. I revamped my entire social media, binge-watched YouTube videos, and filled my days with pageant and mindset podcasts.
Because deep down, I knew… that Miss Maryland USA 2023 stage had my name written all over it.
2023 Pageant Prep
After about a month of soaking up nonstop information, I realized it was time to bring in some expert help — an official pageant coach. I needed someone who could help me make sense of everything I was juggling.
I wanted the chance to have in-person lessons, so I started searching for local coaches. When I found the right fit, we talked through my goals and mapped out a game plan — an eight-month timeline to get me ready to shine.
Not Quite Yet
I didn’t make it to the stage that year — thanks to a series of unfortunate events. But there was no way I would’ve missed the chance to support the event and the incredible women competing for Miss Maryland USA 2023. Watching those women was inspiring. I saw firsthand how all the lessons I’d learned over the past two years were reflected in their confidence, poise, and intelligence.
It was a powerful reminder of what this journey is really about — standing strong for causes that matter, and owning your voice every step of the way.
2024 Pageant Prep
I decided it wasn’t too late to start over — or as I like to say, start from experience.
This time, I focused on finding a coach who matched my personality, approach, and the specific skills I needed to build. I also put together fundraiser plans to bring this goal to life. I fully committed, diving deep into all the behind-the-scenes work to set myself up for the official grind ahead. This preparation felt different, it felt more of an opportunity to really tackle my mental and emotional state for this dream.
The Dark Months
The unexpected whirlwind of grief and depression took its toll on the preparation I was so excited about. From September 2023 to January 2024, I wasn’t in the right mental or emotional space to chase my dreams.
Instead, I had to focus on healing — grounding myself in light and hope. I recommitted to therapy, building the foundation I needed (dreams aside) to live a healthy, happy, and full life.
2025 Pageant Prep
After a lot of therapy and self-reflection, I’m proud to say my goal hasn’t changed — I’m still aiming for that stage! I know I’ve said that for a few years now, but I’m more ready than ever to reach the goal I set back in 2021.
I’ve got an amazing coach by my side, a strong support system all around me, and the tools I need to make this happen. Now… all that’s left is to wait for the dates!
The Time Has Come
August 23rd & 24th — the official dates for Miss Maryland USA 2025!
I’m beyond proud to say I’m an official contestant. After four years of growth, hard work, road blocks and dedication, I’m finally stepping onto that stage to put everything I’ve learned to the ultimate test. See you there!