Miss Represented

Join host Lisa Opie on this episode of Miss Represented as she sits down with Sam Sarelli, Miss Globe USA and passionate advocate against human trafficking. Sam shares her journey from pageantry to purpose-driven advocacy, opening up about the lessons she's learned through resilience, perseverance, and personal growth. From navigating wins and losses in competition to using her platform to rai...

Most people think you need to be super glamorous or from a big city to make it in modeling. Natalie Kasten’s story shatters that myth. A Missouri native with humble beginnings, she was told "no" early and faced judgment for taking a non-traditional path. But instead of shrinking back, she used those doubts as fuel, transforming herself into an international beauty icon—walking in New Yor...

Join us on this episode of Miss Represented as we sit down with Maryah Samuel to explore her journey through the world of pageantry for Miss Grand Virginia to the national stage. Maryah shares how pageantry has shaped her confidence, discipline, and sense of purpose, while opening doors to powerful networking opportunities and personal growth. From training in the Philippines to navigating the pre...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Sydney Shrewsbury, Miss Indiana USA, to discuss her journey from a cheerleading fundraiser pageant to the Miss Indiana USA stage. Sydney shares how she balances pageantry with a full-time career in tech sales, and the importance of authenticity and personal growth throughout her journey. She also discusses her aspirations to launch...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Ta’ya Imaage Hazelwood, Miss Earth USA Fire 2025, educator, model, and second runner-up of LadyCode’s palette pitch challenge in collaboration with Miss Earth USA and Pretty Down to Earth on QBN. Ta’ya shares her journey in pageantry, growing up in Milwaukee, and her experiences as a finalist for Miss Earth USA. The conversation ex...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Kiara Landon, Miss Earth USA Eco 2025, environmental advocate, registered nurse, and first runner-up of LadyCode’s palette pitch challenge in collaboration with Miss Earth USA and Pretty Down to Earth on QBN. Kiara shares her journey as a pageant finalist, her passion for sustainable beauty, and her commitment to mental health advo...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Madison Nero, Miss Earth USA Water 2025, national finalist for Miss Earth USA, and winner of LadyCode’s palette pitch in collaboration with Miss Earth USA and Pretty Down to Earth on QBN. Madison shares her journey of personal transformation through makeup, her advocacy for environmentalism, and her experiences filming the reality...

In this episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Haley Poe, Miss Earth USA 2025, to discuss her inspiring journey from a biology graduate to a passionate advocate for environmental wellness. Haley shares her experiences competing in Miss Earth USA, balancing pageantry with her medical aspirations and her mission to combat microplastic pollution. Haley emphasizes the importance of...

In this inspiring episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie sits down with Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024 and advocate for mental well-being, to explore her journey through the world of pageantry and the transformative power of self-care. CJ shares how she found peace, prioritized her mental health and learned the importance of filling her own cup before p...

Join us for an exclusive first interview with Ivana Garcia, the newly crowned Miss Grand USA, as she shares her journey from the pageant stage to the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore how Ivana plans to leverage her title to make a mark in the business world, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges at the intersection of beauty and entrepreneurship. Discover Ivana...

In this uplifting episode of Miss Represented, host Lisa Opie chats with Erica Ly, Miss Mission USA, about her inspiring journey from a small-town girl in Iowa to a confident pageant queen dedicated to combating food insecurity. Erica shares the mission behind Miss Mission USA, her passion for art, and her impactful community service initiative, 'Nourishing Our Neighbors.' She reflects on her page...

Join host Lisa Opie in this episode of Miss Represented as she sits down with Helena O'Connor, Miss Universe Iceland, to discuss her inspiring journey through pageantry and her preparations for the prestigious Miss Universe competition. Helena opens up about growing up in Iceland, the importance of mental health, and her passion for inspiring young women to pursue their dreams. In this episode, sh...

In this engaging conversation, Victoria Ng, Miss Grand Michigan 2025, shares her journey through pageantry, her advocacy for Asian women's representation, and her career as a senior software engineer. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of competing in pageants, the importance of community empowerment, and her innovative business ideas aimed at preserving cultural stories. Victoria also addr...

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...