Miss Represented

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Teona Kbilashvili, the reigning Miss Grand Central New York, to discuss her inspiring journey from Georgia to New York and her experiences in the pageantry world. Teona opens up about the challenges she faced, the importance of body positivity, and her passion for modeling. She also talks about the supportive community within Miss...

Join host Lisa Opie in this inspiring episode of Miss Represented as she sits down with Caylie Simmons, Miss West Virginia USA. Caylie opens up about her journey through pageantry, her experience at Miss USA and the community initiatives that fuel her passion. In this episode, Caylie shares how she maintains mental health, prioritizes self-care and stays grounded amidst the pressures of competitio...

Don’t miss this powerful episode of Miss Represented as Amanda Mawer, Mrs England 2025, opens up about her transformative journey from a quiet individual to a confident pageant contestant. In this episode, Amanda shares her experiences with overcoming trauma, the importance of empowerment, and her advocacy work against abuse and sex trafficking. She talks about the significance of sisterhood in pa...

Don’t miss this empowering episode of Miss Represented, where host Lisa Opie sits down with Dr. Angel Bhathal, Miss Swimsuit USA International, to discuss her transformative journey through pageantry. Angel shares her experiences in the pageant world, the importance of personality and breaking stereotypes, and her advocacy work in healthcare and with Plan International. The conversation also dives...

In this inspiring episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Alysa Bainbridge, Miss Delaware USA 2024, as she shares her transformative journey from pageant contestant to mental health advocate and TV host. Alysa discusses her experiences at Miss America and Miss USA, the challenges of transitioning from a teen to an adult competitor, and the importance of mental health awareness i...

Listen to the Miss Represented podcast, hosted by Lisa Opie, as she interviews Kaysha Florvil, Miss Miami Beach, on her journey from childhood leadership to competing for Miss Florida. In this episode, Kaysha opens up about overcoming adversity, building inner confidence, and her mission to destigmatize pageantry. Tune in for empowering conversations on women's empowerment, confidence, and men...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie interviews Celia Anzalone Bowers, Mrs. Italy World and author of 'You Are A Queen, Transform Your Pain Into Power.' Celia shares her inspiring journey from overcoming trauma and addiction to finding empowerment through pageantry and writing. She discusses the importance of using one's voice, the healing power of storytelling, and her...

This week on the Miss Represented podcast, our guest Rose Campbell, Mrs. Tennessee Queen of the World, shares her inspiring journey from being a trafficked foster child to becoming a successful publicist and advocate for women. She discusses her experiences in the pageant world, the importance of empowerment, and her commitment to helping others share their stories through her initiative, Rise Up...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie interviews Kennedy Thomas, the owner of Beauty Queen's Galore and reigning Miss World America Central Georgia. They discuss the importance of the BQG Resource, balancing business and education, advocacy in oral health, the significance of curiosity and lifelong learning, and the challenges of networking and community building in the pageant indus...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie interviews Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir, the newly crowned Miss Universe Iceland. They discuss Sóldís's journey to the title, her advocacy for mental health and sports, and her aspirations for the future. Sóldís shares her experiences and insights on the importance of representation, the challenges of preparing for Miss Universe, and her goals to insp...

This week on Miss Represented, Miss Earth Cuba, Stephany Diaz, shares her inspiring journey into pageantry, her advocacy for environmental issues, and her cultural heritage as a Cuban immigrant. She discusses her preparation for the Miss Earth pageant, her educational achievements, and her aspirations in law. The conversation also highlights the importance of sisterhood in pageantry and her love f...

In this episode of Miss Represented hosted by Lisa Opie, Victoria Larson shares her experiences on reality TV, particularly her journey on 'House of Villains' and her past on 'The Bachelor.' She discusses the dynamics of reality television, the importance of personal growth, and how she navigates online hate. Victoria also reflects on her time in pageantry and her aspirations for the future, empha...

In this engaging conversation, Miss United States 2023, Addison Hadley shares her journey from competing in pageants to becoming a national title holder. She discusses her educational background, the importance of community and support, and her advocacy work on health care issues. The conversation also touches on her travel experiences, personal growth, and the impact of her title on her life. Thr...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie welcomes Holly Plank, Mrs. Maryland United States, who shares her inspiring journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and how it led her to advocate for women's health. Holly discusses her diagnosis, the challenges she faced, and the lifestyle changes she made to improve her health. She emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, and self-ad...

In this special episode of Miss Represented, guest host Rachel Slawson, the director of Miss Grand USA and former Miss Utah USA fills in for Lisa Opie and sits down with the newly crowned Miss Grand USA 2024, Cora Griffen. They discuss the journey of competing in Miss USA, the unique aspects of the Miss Grand USA competition, and share valuable advice for winning the crown. Cora opens up about her...

Summary Victoria, the first Miss World America under Ekta Sani's directorship, shares her experience competing in the Miss World pageant in India. She competed in 13 different categories of competition, including fitness, talent, interview, and evening gown. The pageant did not have a swimsuit competition, which allowed Victoria to focus on working out for her health and feeling stronger. She...

Jada Kelly, Miss Vizcaya Swimwear, joins host Lisa Opie to discuss her experience at Miss Vizcaya Swimwear during Miami Swim Week and her journey in pageantry. Jada shares her excitement about winning the crown and the opportunities that come with it, including billboards in Times Square and a magazine cover shoot. She also talks about her Asian heritage and the influence of her grandmother. Jada...

Jessica Chang shares her journey to becoming a self-made millionaire, starting with her realization in high school that she didn't want a traditional 9-5 job. She pursued a career in real estate and insurance, taking a leap of faith and building successful teams in different locations. Jessica also discusses her decision to go sober and the positive impact it has had on her life. She emphasize...

In this episode, Lisa Opie interviews Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss USA. They discuss Savannah's reign, her experiences, and her plans for the future. Savannah talks about her move from Bali to Miami, her experiences with bullying and harassment on social media, and her focus on mental health and self-love. She also shares her excitement about meeting the new Miss USA delegates and her plans for a...

In this episode, host Lisa Opie interviews Lauren Priscilla Johnson, Miss Mission Georgia USA and owner of Belissima Fiore, a wedding floral design business. They discuss Lauren's entrepreneurial journey, her experience in pageantry, and her advocacy for sustainability through biodiversity. Lauren shares advice for female entrepreneurs and emphasizes the importance of mental health and support...

On this episode of Miss Represented, Miss Earth USA Bea Millan Windorski, shares her journey, experiences, and aspirations. From her late arrival due to a series of mishaps in Miami to her preparation for swim week and international competitions, she discusses her advocacy for climate refugees and her plans for the future. The conversation also delves into her childhood, pageant experiences, and t...

Valentina Rodriguez Zapata discusses her experience with body positivity and the challenges she faced growing up in Miami. She shares her journey of being diagnosed with PCOS and Lipedema and the impact it had on her physical and mental health. Valentina emphasizes the importance of self-education and finding the right specialist who finally diagnosed her conditions. She also highlights the need f...

In this episode, Lisa Opie interviews Jules Corsi, the founder of True Beauty Glam and director of social media at Pageant Planet. They discuss their love for pageants and how they got started in the makeup industry. Jules shares her personal journey of using makeup as a form of therapy and how it helped her through difficult times. They also talk about their favorite makeup clients and the import...

Heather Marie Thompson, former Miss Grand US Virgin Islands, shares her journey in the pageant world, from competing in Miss New York USA to Miss Grand International. She discusses the different areas of competition, the challenges she faced, and the friendships she made along the way. Heather also opens up about her experience of being hit by a truck and the impact it had on her mental health. Sh...

In this conversation, Keyace Sims discusses her journey in pageantry and the challenges she has faced as a performer. She talks about the stigma and stereotypes associated with being an entertainer and the need for inclusivity and empowerment in the pageant industry. Keyace also shares her experience as a coach and the importance of helping others find their voice and passion. She emphasizes the n...