Pageantry gave me my start. It taught me poise under pressure, the value of service, and the power of owning your narrative. As the current Miss New York Teen USA and the former Miss Vermont's Teen 2023, I used my platform to raise awareness about learning disabilities, speak in schools, and encourage young girls to define beauty on their own terms. For me, pageants are about more than gowns and crowns—they’re about grit, growth, and making your voice heard. I continue to compete because I believe the stage is a powerful place to spark change.