All Things Pageantry

Meet Simone Smith - Ms. American Prime Ambassador 2025

Originally from New Orleans and now calling Seattle, Washington home, Simone Smith is a wife, new mother, human resources professional, community leader, and passionate advocate who believes that some of life’s most difficult experiences can become catalysts for meaningful change. Simone holds a Masters of Business Administration and works as a Senior Human Resources Consultant, specializing in complex employee relations and workplace matters. Outside of her professional career, she is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Tacoma, and is an active member that is committed to volunteering in the community. Advocacy holds an especially meaningful place in Simone’s life. After experiencing the devastating loss of her father to caregiver abuse, she became passionate about raising awareness of elder abuse, caregiver accountability, and issues surrounding end-of-life care and legal support. She has used her voice and platform to help bring attention to these often-overlooked issues and to encourage others to advocate for vulnerable adults and their families through a podcast that shares her family story and resources available. Simone is also proud of her journey in pageantry. She was crowned Ms. Washington Prime in July 2024. She was crowned Ms. American Prime in November 2024 and went on to hold the title of Ms. Prime Luminary 2025, experiences that strengthened her commitment to service, leadership, and using pageantry as a platform for purpose. Her newest role, however, is being a wife (Simone married her husband May 2025) and mother to her son, Sebastian, born in April 2026. Becoming a mother has given Simone an entirely new perspective, the kind of legacy she hopes to leave behind.

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Meet Katina Schroeder - Mrs. North Continent Classique Globe 2026

Representing Minnesota on the national stage, Schroeder was crowned Mrs. North Continent Classique Globe 2026 through the internationally recognized Mrs. Globe Organization this past June. Throughout her reign, she is serving as an ambassador for the WIN Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women heal from abuse through education, recovery programs, empowerment, and community support. Schroeder's personal platform, "A Queen's Health Is Her Wealth," was inspired by her own remarkable transformation after losing 145 pounds. Once weighing nearly 300 pounds, she understands firsthand what it means to overcome adversity, reclaim confidence, and begin again. Follow Katina's journey at @mrskatinaschroedermn

Meet Danette Mahabeer-Turner - Mrs. Jamaica Regency International 2026

Danette Mahabeer-Turner is a trailblazing serial entrepreneur, certified life, business, and career coach, international motivational speaker, national wedding officiant, and published author of “Leave Alive: Goodbye Domestic Violence.” She currently holds the title of Mrs. Jamaica Regency International 2026 and former Mrs. Universal Petite Jamaica 2026, proudly representing her Jamaican heritage on the global stage while advocating for domestic violence awareness and survivor empowerment. As a wife and mother of three in a blended family, she embraces her role as a leader both at home and in her community; grounded in resilience, authenticity, and purpose. Socials: @danettemahabeer @thecrowncontinuum

Crowned & Confident Special Episode with Isabelle Kratz - Miss Galaxy Oceania

Isabelle Kratz is the reigning Miss Galaxy Oceania, having been crowned after placing 1st Runner-Up at the Galaxy International Pageant in Orlando, Florida, following her reign as Miss Teen Galaxy Australia. After aging out of the Teen division, Isabelle has proudly stepped into the Miss division, continuing her advocacy on an even greater scale. Her platform, For Every Beautiful Body, has expanded to include endometriosis and pelvic pain awareness, inspired by her own lived experience. Over the past year, the platform has reached more than 1.1 million people through its website, YouTube series and social media campaigns. Isabelle also serves as a Youth Advisor for Endometriosis Coalition Australia and has completed more than 120 community and media appearances as a Galaxy queen. Passionate about creating meaningful and measurable change, Isabelle hopes to continue growing her platform and spreading the Galaxy message internationally, using travel, media and public speaking opportunities to inspire confidence and raise awareness for women's health around the world.

Meet Nikia Rockley - Miss Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2026

Nikia Rockley is a National Finalist in the Australia Galaxy Pageants, proudly representing Western Australia. With nearly a decade of pageant experience, she was honored as 1st Runner Up at Miss Galaxy Australia 2025. Passionate about heart health, Nikia uses her platform to inspire others to prioritize their wellbeing. Known for her bubbly “hype girl” energy, she has dedicated over 400 hours to volunteering with more than 40 organizations. Outside of pageantry, Nikia works in sales at a merchandise company, enjoys horse riding with her Welsh Cob Spirit, and loves giving back to her community

Meet Kimberly Campbell - Ms. New Hampshire Petite 2026

Kimberly Campbell, born and raised in Jamaica, has been crowned Ms. New Hampshire Petite 2026. She is the founder of D.A.R.E. To Be Different, a youth mental health initiative that has empowered more than 4,000 children and teens to build confidence, manage emotions, and embrace their individuality. Inspired by personal loss and the impact of mentorship, Campbell remains committed to expanding youth mental health advocacy across her community, reminding others, “You define the crown—the crown does not define you.”

Meet Shruthi Ashwathappa - Ms. Australia Galaxy National Finalist

Shruthi is a Melbourne-based IT professional, mental health advocate, and national finalist in the Australia Galaxy Pageants. Through her initiative Project Voice Out, she promotes open conversations around mental wellbeing, confidence, and community support. Inspired by her late father’s dedication to education, she also supports Aswath International Academy, helping empower young people through culture, education, and leadership. Shruthi uses the platform of pageantry to amplify advocacy, inspire resilience, and encourage others to find their voice.

Meet Maria, the Pageant Gal

Maria AKA the Pageant Gal offers 1:1 coaching, group programs and digital products for women in pageantry. She also helps women learn how to monetize their journey by growing their business online. Her goal is to help women rise faster, lead with conviction and build purpose-driven empires. IG: @thepageantgal

Meet the Universal Petite 2025 Queens

Founded in 2009, the Universal Petite Pageant, an international competition exclusively for women 5’6” and under celebrates the elegance, confidence, and inner beauty of petite women, offering them a global platform to shine and be recognized. Alejandro Roldan- Teen Universal Petite Isandry Avila Inirio - Miss Universal Petite Angelica Smith - Ms. Universal Petite Leah Dortmann - Mrs. Universal Petite Evelyn Jessie Arrestegui - Elite Ms. Universal Petite

Meet Natalie McLarty - Owner of Pageant Hearts Consulting

Natalie McLarty is a former Mrs. Texas International, pageant judge, coach, and mentor who helps women and young women build confidence, clarity, and purpose both on and off the stage. With years of experience in pageantry and leadership, Natalie is passionate about teaching others how to own their story, communicate with confidence, and lead authentically. Through her work in coaching and mentorship, she empowers contestants and professionals alike to step into their potential, embrace authenticity, and create impact beyond titles. Natalie believes confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, preparation, and purpose.

Meet Bobbi Mendez - Mrs. Queen of the World 2025

Bobbi Mendez currently holds the prestigious title of Mrs. Queen of the World 2025. She is an award-winning salon owner and founder of Glamour Room. She has been recognized with honors such as Top 40 Under 40 and Most Professional Woman of the Year. She’s a powerhouse of purpose and a beacon of empowerment for women and underserved communities

Meet Jacquoline Martin - Ms. Canada Revolutionary Purpose

Jacquoline Martin is a Vancouver-based epilepsy and mental health advocate who has worked in the community field for close to two decades, using her lived experience to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by epilepsy. She works with the BC Epilepsy Society and has been recognized with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, as well as being named to the WXN Top 100 Women list. A Miss Canada 2025 contestant and Ms. Canada Revolutionary Purpose 2025–2026, she leverages her public platform to promote accessibility, inclusion, and mental health advocacy

Meet Geneva Padron - Ms. Forth Worth United World

Geneva Padron is the reigning Ms. Fort Worth Texas United World, using pageantry as a vehicle for purpose, service, and personal restoration. After experiencing repeated cycles of academic and professional burnout, Geneva realized she needed to return to self-care and intentional living. Pageantry became a space where she could reconnect with volunteering, performance, and advocacy, while rebuilding her life and using her voice for something meaningful. Geneva is the founder of The Chrysalis Project, an initiative dedicated to helping high school and college students identify, prevent, and overcome academic burnout. Inspired by her own journey, where her identity became rooted in achievement rather than well-being, she learned during 2020 the importance of self-care through movement, faith, and community. Today, she has hosted events and continues mentoring and speaking to students across the United States.

Meet Lana Schulenburg - Miss Teen Galaxy Australia National Finalist 2026

Lana Schulenburg is a Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2026 National Finalist. She is a full-time equestrian show jumper with ambitions to compete in the Brisbane Olympics 2032. Her platform is Elevate U which is a platform for advocacy of youth membership & life long learning. She has dedicated over 1,500 hours towards volunteering on youth retreats.

Meet Ginarose Neff - Mrs. Tennessee Petite 2026

Ginarose Neff is a prominent figure in the pageant world, known as Mrs. Tennessee Petite 2026, police officer, PTSD advocate for veterans and K9s, western fashion model, barrel racer, and mother. She actively uses her platform, “Badge of Honor,” to empower women and children through community service, mental health advocacy (especially for trauma survivors), and promoting kindness, while also pursuing her education in Criminal Justice. Also a wife and stepmother while a fur mom to many. Leaving New England last year to buy a farm; In her spare time she also enjoys fitness and is prepping to make her debut back in the fitness competition world since Covid. She loves spending time with her horse nitro and her service dog karma her German Shepherd.

Meet Jenileigh Sawatzke- Mrs. USA Earth

Jenileigh Sawatzke is a lifelong advocate, performer, and titleholder whose journey through pageantry and performance has taken her around the globe. She is also the owner of Crowned Fitness where she empowers others to find strength and confidence through movement.

Meet Roni Morrow - Executive Director of the Radiance World Pageants

Rondalyn (Roni) Morrow is a 46yr pageantry veteran with experience in all aspects of the industry. She officially retired from competing in 2024 when she crowned her successor to the All American Lady national title. Roni has held several other notable titles over her competition career, including 1998 Mrs. Radiance World and 2005 Mrs. Ohio United States. Roni was approached about taking over ownership/directorship of the Radiance World Pageants and decided moving into directing was the natural progression for her. It allows her to continue her passion for supporting the pageant industry and the women who participate in it. Roni takes immense pride in continuing the Radiance World Pageants legacy which began in 1996 in Akron, OH. Under Roni’s leadership, Radiance World Pageants is evolving into a service-focused pageant that celebrates everything unique and wonderful about women.

Meet Karla Lujan, Executive Director of Texas United World

Karla is a dedicated law enforcement professional and passionate advocate for justice and community safety. As a wife and mother of four, she balances her family commitments with her career and civic engagement. In her role as Executive Director of Texas United World, she leads initiatives to promote diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment through pageantry, leveraging the platform to inspire positive change and foster global unity. IG: @texasunitedworld Website: www.unitedworldpageants.com/texas

Meet Eva Salcedo - Elite Ms. Universal Petite Puerto Rico 2025

In this episode we talk with Eva Salcedo, Elite Ms. Universal Petite Puerto Rico 2025. Eva shares with us her journey in pageantry, her experiences at the Universal Petite Pageant, and her platform focused on domestic violence awareness. Eva shares her inspiration for competing, the challenges she faced, and her plans for the future, including her podcast, Operation Glow Up, which highlights the stories of resilient women. Our conversation emphasizes empowerment, community outreach, and the importance of following one's dreams.

Meet Katie Winchenbach - National United States Maine Mrs.

Katie Winchenbach, the current National United States Maine Mrs. joins us on the podcast. She discusses the unique aspects of the National United States pageant system, including its community service focus and the various divisions available for contestants. Katie shares her journey into pageantry, her platform 'Lead Fearlessly' aimed at empowering women leaders, and her upcoming TED Talk. The conversation highlights the importance of confidence, the multifaceted roles women can embrace, and the inspiring stories of women leaders.