Alexis Smith, crowned Miss Kansas 2024 in June, has recently gained attention for her powerful message regarding domestic violence. During the pageant’s final interview, she revealed that her abuser was present in the audience, a moment that resonated deeply with many. Smith’s response to the question about her vision for the Miss Kansas organization was both personal and impactful.
“My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships,” she stated. “Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas because I and my community deserve healthy relationships.”
Smith’s candidness about her experience with domestic violence has sparked a wave of support on social media. In her Instagram post, she reflected on the emotional turmoil of the night, stating, “Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back my power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.”
She emphasized that her journey is not about shaming others but about transforming pain into purpose. Smith aims to use her platform to advocate for healthy relationships and empower others who have faced similar struggles. “I might be small in stature, but I stand tall in strength, purpose, and power with hopes of inspiring others to do the same,” she concluded.
Smith’s story is particularly significant in the context of the Miss America competition, which she will be participating in come January. Her experience stands in stark contrast to recent controversies surrounding the Miss USA organization, where two winners resigned amid allegations of a toxic work environment. Smith’s focus on advocacy and empowerment highlights a different narrative within the pageant world.
In a recent interview, Smith reiterated her commitment to advocating for healthy relationships, drawing from her personal experiences. She shared that domestic violence has affected every woman in her family, making her mission even more personal. “Just having those opportunities to have that kind of impact, not only for myself, but other young men and women—domestic violence does not discriminate—it’s something that I’m incredibly excited about to do on a large scale,” she said.
Smith’s journey into pageantry began at a young age, influenced by her family’s history in the field. “I was born and raised in Wichita, and I followed my family’s path into pageantry,” she explained. After taking a break from competing, she returned to the stage with a renewed sense of purpose, particularly after working with teenagers who shared their stories of unhealthy relationships with her.
Her platform, “Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships,” stems from her own experiences with domestic violence, which she encountered as a teenager. Smith aims to raise awareness about this critical issue, not just in Kansas but globally. “As Miss Kansas, I have the opportunity to share my voice and help make some changes and help some people,” she stated.
In addition to her advocacy work, Smith is also a dedicated nurse in the cardiothoracic ICU. She finds that her medical background complements her role as Miss Kansas, especially since the Miss America Organization partners with the American Heart Association. “I love being able to have one specific specialty and build on all of that,” she said.
As she embarks on her journey as Miss Kansas, Smith is eager to engage with the community through various initiatives. She plans to host panel discussions on healthy relationships and visit schools to share her story with students. “I want to bring my puppets along and perform, but it also allows for some creativity,” she mentioned, highlighting her interest in using ventriloquism as a tool for engagement.
Smith’s excitement about her role is palpable. “It was excitement, pure excitement that I’d finally earned the Miss Kansas crown, and there’s so much I want to do to help with as Miss Kansas,” she expressed. She is particularly proud to be part of a diverse group of contestants, noting that this year’s Top 5 included all women of color, a significant milestone for the pageant.
As she prepares for her upcoming responsibilities, Smith is focused on making a meaningful impact. “I would love the state’s support and I would love people to follow me on social media! I’m on Instagram and Facebook, and people will be able to tag along and see what all I’ll be up to while I have the crown,” she said.
Smith’s journey is just beginning, and she is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. “Another amazing part about this experience is you don’t know what kinds of doors this could open,” she noted. With her passion for advocacy and her commitment to empowering others, Alexis Smith is poised to make a significant impact as Miss Kansas.
Source: TODAY.com, KSNW, Leader & Times
