Miss Represented

From Swimsuit USA International to MGI All-Stars and now Miss Universe Guyana 2026, Dr. Angel Bhathal is proving that dreams don't come with an expiration date. At 40 years old, Angel returns to Miss Represented to share her unexpected journey back to the Miss Universe stage, the whirlwind of preparing for Puerto Rico in just a few weeks and how pageantry has strengthened her confidence and se...

From a multicultural upbringing rooted in Haitian, Jamaican and Zimbabwean heritage to earning the title of Miss Universe Haiti 2026, Tatenda Rameau shares how identity, storytelling and community have shaped her journey to the crown. In this inspiring conversation, Tatenda opens up about the responsibility of representing Haiti, the lessons her grandmother taught her about belonging and why she b...

From the world of acting and voiceover to earning the title of Miss Universe Iceland 2026, Sigga Ózk shares how following her passions led her to opportunities she never imagined. In this inspiring conversation, Sigga opens up about her journey through the performing arts, her connection to Eurovision and the unforgettable experience of bringing a character to life through voiceover work for Wicke...

From surviving domestic violence to rebuilding her life on her own terms, Kristianna Mrjenovich shares a deeply personal story of second chances, resilience and turning pain into purpose. In this powerful conversation, Kristianna opens up about leaving an abusive relationship, starting over and discovering the confidence to create a life that felt authentically hers. We also talk about recognizing...

From experiencing food insecurity as a child in Maine to becoming International Mrs. USA, Misty Coolidge shares how her past helped shape a life centered around purpose, service and making an impact. In this inspiring conversation, Misty opens up about her mission to help end hunger, how pageantry has amplified her community service efforts and the experiences that continue to fuel her advocacy. W...

From a life-changing cancer diagnosis to building a business and using her story to advocate for others, Elizabeth Tran shares how adversity reshaped her perspective on health, success and what truly matters. In this deeply personal conversation, Elizabeth opens up about her ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, the importance of advocating for your health and the mental and emotional...

From the pageant stage to reality TV, Miss Cosmo USA 2025 Zoe McGrady returns to Miss Represented to share what she’s learned about competition, relationships, self-discovery and knowing your worth. In this candid conversation, Zoe opens up about nearly walking away from pageantry before taking a chance on Miss Cosmo USA, how being first runner-up shaped her perspective on winning and why she beli...

From serving in the U.S. Navy to earning the title of Miss Grand USA 2026, Victoria Oluwakotanmi shares the discipline, strategy, and determination behind her journey to the crown. In this inspiring conversation, Victoria opens up about her transition into pageantry, the preparation required to compete at the highest level, and the four B’s she believes are essential to success: body, business, br...

From homelessness to the pageant stage, model and advocate Me-Kayla "Kay" Brittany shares the deeply personal story behind her rise in pageantry, her passion for inclusion, and the values that continue to shape her life. In this powerful conversation, Kay opens up about overcoming bullying, navigating racism, building confidence, and turning pain into purpose. We also dive into her journ...

Miss Grand Japan Erika Ishibashi joins host Lisa Opie to share everything that happened after winning her national title, from placing Top 20 at Miss Grand International and winning the Grand Talent Award to New York Fashion Week, viral performances, and what's next. She opens up about competing twice, overcoming pressure, unforgettable moments on the international stage, and gives advice to t...

Get to know your reigning Miss Grand Colorado 2026, Julia Johnston in this episode of the Miss Represented Podcast. Whether you're involved in pageantry, advocacy, or simply looking for motivation to keep moving forward, this episode is filled with valuable insights on mental health, fitness, and learning more about your Miss Grand Colorao. Production: The Code CreativesWardrobe: PinkApple Dre...

Get to know your reigning Miss Grand California 2026, Keshia Lee in this episode of the Miss Represented Podcast. Whether you're involved in pageantry, advocacy, or simply looking for motivation to keep moving forward, this episode is filled with valuable insights on pageant prep, fitness, and learning more about Miss Grand California. Production: The Code Creatives Wardrobe: PinkApple Dresses...

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...