In recent years there has been a huge movement towards 'Empowering Women' and 'Body Positivity'. It has become a time of reckoning for how women are treated across all industries, including fashion and media, and the beauty pageant community is not immune from that conversation. 

Contrary to the words of critics, the modern title holder is much more than just a “beauty queen”; she is also an ambassador for important issues of the day, many of which are reflected in the girls chosen platforms, charity work and campaigning.  “Pageant Queens” are strong, beautiful, talented people whose inner beauty shines brighter than just the skin deep kind of beauty that too many people mistake as being the deciding factor in any pageant.

I firmly believe that pageants are still relevant and can play an important role in helping young women, and men, find their voice in the world, engage with their community and help bring positive change to the world.