But what I love most about this state is the way we show up for one another. We are a community that comes together—whether it’s supporting local businesses, helping neighbors in need, or rallying behind causes that matter. That sense of unity was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Vermonters stepped up in incredible ways. During that time, I saw a need and took action, sewing and selling hundreds of masks to raise money for my college education while also donating $800 to Groundworks Shelter. I later became a COVID-19 tester, swabbing thousands of noses to protect my neighbors.
These experiences reinforced something I’ve always believed: true leadership is rooted in service. I have dedicated my life to advocacy, healthcare, and empowering others, and I am running for Miss Vermont 2025 because I want to represent the values that make our state so strong.
A Fighter’s Mentality: Embracing Challenges with Strength
I know what it means to fight for your voice to be heard. I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that affects nearly every part of my body. On the outside, I may not look sick, but behind the scenes, I deal with symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, frequent joint dislocations, and brain fog—invisible struggles that make everyday life unpredictable. I also have ADHD, another unseen disability that has shaped how I navigate the world.
For years, I felt misunderstood in healthcare settings, dismissed when I spoke up about my symptoms, and forced to advocate for myself in ways that no one should have to. That experience shaped my path. I am on my way to becoming a Physician Assistant because I want to ensure that no patient ever feels unheard, unseen, or invalidated in their care.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that having a disability does not mean giving up on the things you love. It means finding ways to adapt, pushing through challenges, and discovering what works for you. For example, I love activities like kayaking, working out, hiking, and skiing, even though they put extra strain on my body. Instead of giving it up, I listen to what I need, build in rest days, and make it possible for myself to keep doing what I love. No one should have to let go of their passions because of their disabilities. I want to help others find the accommodations and support they need to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
From Science to Service: The Power of Knowledge and Advocacy
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology from the University of New England, and my studies, combined with my personal experiences, solidified my passion for healthcare, advocacy, and education. Studying abroad opened my mind to different cultures, perspectives, and healthcare systems, reinforcing my desire to bridge the gap between medicine and accessibility.
That passion led me to become the founder of EmpowerAbility, Inc.: Advocacy with Impact. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering individuals to advocate for their needs, increasing disability awareness, and creating more inclusive environments for all. Through EmpowerAbility, I have worked with HireAbility
Vermont and spoken at the Vermont State House, advocating for an official Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. But EmpowerAbility isn’t just about disabilities—it’s about equity, opportunity, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Vermont has the potential to be a leader in disability inclusion, setting an example for how states can better support students, employees, and individuals with disabilities. As Miss Vermont, I would continue to work toward that vision, ensuring that accessibility, advocacy, and empowerment remain at the forefront of our state’s progress.
A Story Written in Our DNA
On stage, I will showcase my passion for science and storytelling through my talent performance—a live DNA extraction from a strawberry. As I break down the science behind genetics, I will share a message that is deeply personal to me: we are all connected. No matter our backgrounds, abilities, or experiences, our DNA tells the story of who we are and how we are more alike than we are different.
As a Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Indian, I have a deep appreciation for the richness of cultural identity and the importance of equitable healthcare. Indigenous communities, like many marginalized groups, face significant healthcare disparities, and I believe in fighting for a future where access to quality, compassionate care is a right, not a privilege.
Why Miss Vermont?
I never saw myself in pageantry. I used to believe that I wasn’t confident enough, bold enough, or “pageant material.” But growth comes from pushing past fear. In college, I saw how men around me frequently pursued opportunities without hesitation, just by having the audacity to take a chance, and I asked myself, “Why not me?”
Joining the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization has already been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve connected with strong, ambitious, and driven women who inspire me every day. If I am chosen as Miss Vermont, I will dedicate myself to service, advocacy, and leading with compassion, strength, and purpose.
I am not just competing for a crown. I am fighting for a future where no one feels invisible. I want to show others that they are capable, worthy, and powerful—that no struggle should ever make them feel lesser. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about impact. And I am ready to make a difference.
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