Miss America 2024

January 18, 2024

A strong woman stands up for herself.

A stronger woman stands up for everyone else.

From medical school classmates to pageant queens and now doctors, @watson_sarah and I had the best time at Miss America and Miss America's Teen this past weekend.

The crown was shining bright as it brought the magic back at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.

As a forever Miss America state titleholder, Sarah inspired me to compete in Miss America pageants during medical school. Not only did the scholarship money help pay for my tuition but the experience helped shape me into the woman and doctor I am today.

From personal and professional development, to interview and networking skills, community outreach, public speaking, and wardrobe building, this system prepares participants for their future. Learn more about how to compete in pageants HERE.

Everything came full circle when I got to meet up with my pageant sister who won the state title during my year competing - @megancooleyirving!

The four points of the crown are service, style, success, and scholarship. Recently a fifth one was added and I could not agree more: sisterhood. There truly is a lifelong bond that forms between these incredibly talented, smart, beautiful women who are trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and game-changers.

We sat next to one little girl who saw her photo on stage during a slideshow. She shouted in disbelief “it’s me” and her eyes lit up with pure awe to see herself next to Miss America like that. The joy in her face absolutely melted my heart and further showcased the impact pageants have on others, especially young girls. I'm so happy we got to attend the pageant with Sarah's daughter as well.

There was so much beauty, brains, and talent on one stage, from passionate discussions on topics like education, politics, and healthcare, to opera singing, Latin dancing, and more. Congratulations to your new Miss America, Miss Colorado Madison Marsh, 2nd lieutenant Air Force Pilot and Harvard graduate student who just made history as the first active US soldier EVER to be crowned Miss America. Her monologue about earning a pilot's license at 16 years old was so powerful and I am excited to see what she accomplishes next in her new role.

And to your Miss America's Teen, Miss North Carolina's Teen Hanley House. In addition to being the first North Carolina delegate to win the national title, she also received the Miss America Ladies Who Launch Scholarship for her Passion to Profit business empowering young entrepreneurs.

I cannot wait to step into my pageant shoes again as I compete for Miss Virginia USA as part of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageant system.

Proving you can serve beyond the uniform (or in my case white coat), with crown, sash, and stethoscope in hand, I’m ready to break down barriers and dismantle stereotypes. Here's to inspiring all the little girls out there with big dreams to become even stronger women with powerful vision.