Empowerment in Action

By Xiamara Achilles

Hello! I’m Xiamara Achilles, a 22-year-old woman with a passion for empowering others, and I’m proud to hold the title of Miss Stratton Mountain 2025. Born and raised in Brattleboro, Vermont, I have always felt deeply connected to the Green Mountain State. Loving skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer, I’ve embraced the outdoor lifestyle, tight-knit communities, and spirit of resilience that make Vermont so special.

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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Xiamara Achilles is the current Miss Stratton Mountain (VT). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Photo by Jon Adams Photography

Forgotten to Fearless: Rising Above Poverty and Neglect

By Allyssa Defillipo

One of my favorite quotes is, “Attitude determines altitude.” It’s a mantra that carried me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I remember taping the windows of our trailer, the air thick with the scent of unwashed laundry, my hair tinged green from well water. Depression and self-harm were battles I fought silently, seeking refuge in the hallways of school. But even there, whispers and rumors scrawled across bathroom stalls followed me from day one. Still, I often relied on school lunches and food bank boxes, making school a reluctant sanctuary.

Thankfully, I had my guardian angel—my grandmother. Her gentle voice and generous heart were my safe haven. She supported me as much as she could, offering warmth and love in a world that often felt cold. But this year, cancer took her from me. The home I found in her embrace is one I’ll never feel again.

My childhood was a blur—bouncing between homes, sleeping on friends' couches, visiting my mother in visitation, and watching my father build a new family which I struggled to feel a part of. But those hardships forced me to become my own advocate, even when I felt utterly alone. I made a choice: to change my attitude and build a life I could be proud of—one that would propel me toward my dreams.

At 16, I worked tirelessly—stocking the salad bar at Sizzler, balancing cheerleading, and keeping my grades flawless. I bought my first car, saved every penny, and moved out the moment I turned 18. After high school, I became a teacher at Head Start, dedicating five years to early childhood education while earning my associate degree. It was during this time that fate introduced me to a woman on the Miss Klamath County Board of Directors, who encouraged me to enter our local MAO pageant. After just one practice, something clicked. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose—I had the chance to use my perseverance and passions to inspire my community. In 2022, I won my first title: Miss City of Sunshine.

Health and fitness became my anchor. I had witnessed chronic illness and addiction growing up, and I was determined to break that cycle. At 18, I committed to lifting weights, eating a plant-based diet, and prioritizing my well-being like never before. It became my source of empowerment—something no one could take from me. Through connections at the gym, I found my way to the National Physique Committee, stepping onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time. I won my class, and from there, everything changed.

Wellness isn’t just a hobby—it’s my foundation. I track my workouts, habits, water intake, sleep, and nutrition, all with the goal of optimizing my performance and feeling my best. This commitment to self-improvement translated into my pageant journey, fueling my confidence in ways I never imagined. Before my NPC competition, I never believed I could win Miss Oregon. I was grateful just to be there, but deep down, I didn’t think I belonged. Losing a regional pageant only reinforced that doubt. But between that loss and Miss Oregon, something shifted. The dedication and discipline I put into my NPC show transformed me. Four weeks later, I placed in the top five at Miss Oregon.

That moment was a turning point. My confidence soared, and with it, my passion and determination. Since stepping off that stage in 2023, I’ve dedicated myself to growth—honing my skills as a speaker and singer and using my platform to advocate for nutrition access and education. Now, I help provide for people who are struggling just like I was, raising 6,000lbs of food for my local food bank, providing nutrition education to students, and creating free wellness events and supply kits in my community.

 

Winning titles in the Miss America Opportunity isn’t about the crowns; it’s proof that the struggles, the sacrifices, and the relentless work are for a greater purpose. It’s an opportunity to share my story on a larger platform, to show people that “Attitude determines altitude.” 

I feel closer to my family now more than ever, and have welcomed new siblings just this year I cannot wait to watch grow and thrive and be a stable person in their lives.

Our dreams—whether they involve a pageant title, streaming video games, or becoming a surgeon—don’t define our worth. We do. It’s our mindset, our internal dialogue, and how we treat ourselves and others that truly matter.

At the end of the day, we all face adversity. We all have moments where life tests us. But we have the power to rewrite our own narratives. So be kind—to yourself and to others—because we’re all on our own journey, discovering just how high we can soar.

With love and applause for you, wherever you are in your journey of life,

Allyssa Defillipo, Miss Klamath County 2024

2x 4th Runner Up at Miss Oregon

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Allyssa Defillipo is the current Miss Klamath County (OR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.