All Things Pageantry

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.

 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.

In this episode, Samantha Brainerd, Mrs. Missouri Petite 2025, discusses her journey in pageantry, her preparations for the upcoming national pageant, and her community initiatives focused on combating hunger. Samantha shares her experiences, the importance of sisterhood in pageantry, and offers advice for aspiring contestants. 

Isabelle Kratz is an international model, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who’s passionate about making a difference as your Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2025. As the founder of For Every Beautiful Body, she’s creating a platform that uplifts girls and women through honest conversations around body image, bullying, and mental health struggles. She also proudly supports batyr, a youth mental health charity helping to smash the stigma and the 'elephant in the room'. Whether she’s on the runway or behind the mic, Isabelle is all about empowering the next generation to lead with confidence, kindness, and courage.

Dr. Tiffany Purnell is the reigning Mrs. American Prime Ambassador 2024. She is a primary school principal at Stigall Primary, a real estate agent, and the founder of S.A.S.H. (Students Against Self-Hatred), an organization that helps teach girls the true definition of self-esteem, while equipping them with self-esteem boosting strategies. Since 2015, Dr. Purnell and her S.A.S.H. Ambassadors have hosted self-esteem boosting workshops for girls around the world, including Yorkshire, England. In her free time, she loves spending time with her Yorkie baby, Glitter and she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

ShayLee Hunter is currently Mrs Utah Petite 2025.  ShayLee is the Lead Children’s Advocate for Safe Harbor Crisis Center, the only domestic abuse shelter in Davis County, Utah. ShayLee’s social impact platform is Invisible Disabilities; Visible Awareness. ShayLee’s goal with her platform and as a disability advocate is to encourage body confidence and self-love for individuals with medical devices such as ostomies or feeding tubes, showing that beauty comes in all forms, regardless of physical health conditions.

Isabelle Smith is the current serving, and first ever, Miss Yellow Rose with the Miss Plano America Organization.  Her platform surrounds youth mental health and emotional regulation.  She is a current student at the university of north Texas Studying broadcast journalism and works as a sports broadcaster.  She is also a competitive rock climber, and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Ireland.

Mary Patterson was crowned in October 2024, Miss Dakota County with the Miss America Organization. Mary's Community Service Initiative is The Power of Red: Blood Donation & Blood Health Awareness. She has been a blood donor since age 16 and is passionate about promoting the benefits of blood donation for both donors and recipients. With less than 1% of age-eligible Americans donating even one unit of blood annually, and a critically low national blood supply, Mary is dedicated to making a difference.

Candy Green is a dynamic, vibrant personality with a passion for fashion and empowerment.  In May 2023, Candy made the bold decision to embrace her true self by shaving her head after a 15-year battle with Alopecia.  This act of bravery resonated deeply with many, and she now proudly advocates for others facing similar challenges. In September 2024, Cand was crowned Ms. Bald and Beautiful, a title she wears with pride.  She is an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, dedicating her time to mentoring youth and making a positive impact in her community. 

Susan DeLano | Elite Queen of the World USA 

From single mom to CEO, she empowers women to rewrite their stories. Author of Girl, You Got This! & Girl, You Got This Journal. Passionate about family, woodworking, & giving back.