From the Ground Up

By Isabella Williams

Having moved so often, I’ve seen firsthand how the food we eat impacts our energy, mood, and overall health. Growing up, I ate straight from the garden—fresh vegetables, eggs from our chickens, and homemade baked goods. I rarely felt sluggish, never had major health issues, and somehow, despite all the childhood climbing and jumping, never even broke a bone.

At 18, I moved to Los Angeles, where my diet shifted to fresh fish from the local market and produce from roadside stands. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I felt incredible. My energy was high, my endurance improved, and I could run miles farther than I ever had back home.

Fast forward to my last big move—Savannah, Georgia. This time, I relied entirely on grocery store food. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but soon, I started feeling different. I was tired all the time, dragging through my days in a way I never had before. Worried, I doubled down on eating well—more vegetables, homemade bread, whole foods. But no matter what I did, my body didn’t feel the same.

That’s when I started researching. I knew from my background in farming, that food quality varies, but I hadn’t realized just how much. Studies, like one from the University of Texas, confirm that modern produce contains fewer vitamins and minerals than it did decades ago, largely due to soil depletion from industrial farming. In other words, even if you eat a plate full of vegetables, you may not be getting the same nutrition your grandparents did from the same meal.

This realization sparked my deep curiosity about soil health and how it directly impacts our own well-being. Because what’s in the soil—its minerals, microbes, and nutrients—dictates the quality of the food we eat. It’s the same reason a pasture-raised cow, grazing on diverse grasses, is healthier than one fed grain in a barn.

If we want to feel our best, we have to start from the ground up—literally. The dirt we grow our food in matters more than we think. Healthy soil is alive, teeming with microbes that break down organic matter and release essential nutrients into plants. But when soil is overworked, stripped of its minerals, and treated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, it loses its ability to nourish our food—and, in turn, us.

When our food lacks the nutrients it once had, we see the consequences—rising rates of chronic fatigue, weakened immune systems, and an increased dependence on supplements to make up for what our meals no longer provide.

So, what can we do? We have the power to change this! Supporting local farmers who prioritize soil health can make a massive difference. Even small choices, like growing herbs in your kitchen, buying from farmers’ markets, or learning about where your food comes from, bring us one step closer to a healthier future! 

Because in the end, food isn’t just fuel—it’s information. It tells our bodies how to function, how to heal, and how to thrive. And that all starts with the soil beneath our feet.

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Photo:
Jessielyn Palumbo

Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She has been kind enough to write several guest blogs for Section 36 Forevers, which you can find here.

She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Grow Your Garden

 By Isabella Williams

For as long as I can remember, my family has grown its own food. My gramma planted her first garden in her early twenties, just after having her first baby, just as her parents had done before her. She showed me that love of growing things, and now, I can’t imagine my life without a garden. It’s more than just fresh food—it’s a way of life, a way to bring people together, and a way to make sure no one goes hungry. 

Food was never just food in my house—it was connection. My dad, a trained chef, spent Sundays crafting meals from scratch, pulling ingredients straight from the backyard garden, the chicken coop, and even our neighbors’ meat freezers. I’d stand at the counter beside him, slicing mushrooms and peeling corn, learning the rhythm of cooking long before I understood its importance. One day, I slipped up and cut my thumb. He barely flinched—slapping a skull-shaped bandage over it and handed the knife back to me. Keep going, he said. And I did. And I keep going.

That same mindset has carried over into everything I do. No matter where I’ve lived or how much my life has changed, my garden has always found a way back to me. Every morning, I step outside, let out the chickens, gather fresh eggs, and walk the rows of vegetables, picking what we’ll eat that day. By the time I’m back inside, my sisters are awake, the house is alive, and the kitchen is the center of it all.

Over time, my dining table kept growing. What started as simple sibling dinners turned into something much bigger. Now, I tell my neighbors—if the dining room light is on, come on in, everyone is welcome! And each week, different people knock on our front door. I believe food should be shared, and no one should ever feel like they have to eat alone.

This isn’t just a passion—it’s a purpose. I believe that every child should know where their food comes from, every community should have access to fresh, healthy meals, and no one should ever have to wonder where their next plate is coming from. Whether through school programs, community gardens, or local food initiatives, I want to help people reconnect with the land, with each other, and with the simple, powerful act of sharing a meal, and sharing the knowledge of my garden.

As Miss Lake Champlain, and as I run for Miss Vermont, I carry these values with me. Because a thriving community starts at the table, and real change happens when we pull up a chair and make room for everyone. I look forward to seeing what grows at our table and in the garden this year. 

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Photo:
Jessielyn Palumbo

Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She has been kind enough to write several guest blogs for Section 36 Forevers, which you can find here.

She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Do It for the Girls: A Continuation of Finding Purpose in Unpredictable Places

 By Isabella Williams

Working with the South African government is, at best, a study in ambiguity. When I took the calculated risk of piling into a car with five strangers—most of them men—I realized I had a three-hour journey ahead. I hadn’t yet prepared what I was going to say to the girls we were visiting. Our mission was to donate sanitary pads and speak with them in small groups.

“We made sure a woman is with you. She’ll protect you or get you whatever you need,” one of the men said, gesturing toward a smiling woman in the middle seat. She cleared the space next to her for me. As the car began its journey, she asked me about my pageant journey and how I came to write a book.

Those three hours gave us ample time to form a connection. We talked about life in these rural areas, where basic necessities like soap and feminine hygiene products are often unavailable. I learned that wealthier towns—predominantly white—provide these items in their schools, while the smaller, underserved townships do not.

At first glance, it seems like access to pads should be the responsibility of the individual. But as I listened, I realized the issue is far more systemic. The lack of access to such basic items interrupts girls’ education in profound ways. From a broader perspective, it’s clear that providing these supplies is not just an act of charity but a necessity for equity. If the government ensured access to these products in all schools, it would help keep girls in the classroom, increase graduation rates, and ultimately empower them to contribute to the local economy.

My mind began to race, recalibrating everything I had planned to say. I couldn’t simply encourage the girls to use products they didn’t have access to. My message needed to inspire action, a solution.

Suddenly, we arrived at the school. My phone was taken so the group could record videos, and my female guide ushered me toward the stage. As I walked through rows of high school-aged girls—20 in total—I felt a wave of panic. Why do I always procrastinate and then find myself in high-stakes situations?

I sat next to the school staff as the group introduced themselves in the local language. I tried to focus, running through my thoughts, but my name was announced before I felt ready.

The microphone was handed to me, and I worried that my pounding heartbeat might echo through the room. I glanced around, making eye contact with as many girls as I could. There were more than 500 in attendance.

“My name is Isabella Williams,” I began. “I could tell you all about my achievements and why I’m here, hoping you’ll take me seriously. But I’d rather get straight to the point.

You deserve access to feminine health products. You deserve the right to stay in school. These aren’t privileges—they’re basic rights. To maintain and demand those rights, you must focus on your education and never stop standing up for what is just.

Women are going to change this world. Someday, a future of academically accomplished, highly intelligent women will run this planet. And that future is you—every one of you sitting here today. You are the future.”

When I finished, there was a brief silence. Then, the loudest applause I’ve ever heard erupted in the room.

I am far from the most qualified person to do this work. I only know what it feels like to be a young girl in a small town, fighting for independence and opportunity. And I remember the women who saw me as an equal and showed me a path forward.

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Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Finding Purpose in Unpredictable Places

By Isabella Williams 

Three days into a four-week journey around the world, I found myself restless. Without chickens to tuck in at night, sisters to cook dinner for, or a garden to tend, a strange boredom set in. I had set out on this trip to challenge myself—to adapt to new places on my own—but I felt unmoored.

Scrolling through Instagram, I searched for “female entrepreneurs in Cape Town, South Africa.” Profiles of fascinating women filled my screen. On a whim, I messaged a handful of them, introducing myself and my Strong Girls platform. The plan was to interview strong women for my own social media.

  

Ding. My first reply came from Ncumisa, a farmer in a small town outside the city. A few days later, she arrived at my apartment, stepping gracefully out of an Uber in a sundress with immaculate nails—far from the image of a typical farmer I’d imagined.

Over tea, she shared her story. During the pandemic, a famine hit. Her small town had been on the brink of a food disaster. Determined to make a difference, she began teaching gardening classes and farming livestock to support her community. Her resilience and vision struck a chord with me, and our conversation spilled beyond the interview.

“I’d love for you to visit my town,” she said warmly as she left.

The next day, dressed in my own sundress, I stepped into an Uber and ventured further and further out of the city. The buildings gave way to rolling pastures, dotted with sheds and grazing animals. 

When I arrived, Ncumisa had prepared a feast. A local restaurant that sourced its meat from her farm had outdone itself: roasted tomatoes, seasoned potatoes, tender meats, and more. After our meal, we sat talking, but a nearby table caught her eye—a group of men and women waved her over.

“Incredible meat, Ncumisa! You’re truly talented,” one of the
men said warmly. As we joined their table, they explained they were brainstorming ways to address a pressing issue: the lack of access to sanitary pads in their community.

“This means girls often miss a week of school each month,” one of them explained gravely.

I glanced around at the group of men, imagining their awkward attempts to explain menstruation to middle schoolers. The thought made me smile.

“I’ll do it!” I blurted out.

“You’ll do it?” they asked, surprised.

“Yes, I’ll give the talk to the girls—and help distribute supplies.”

For the next three weeks, every morning, this incredible group picked me up. Together, we traveled across six provinces in the Western Cape, donating over 800 sanitary pads and water bottles. We visited schools, shared stories, and gave talks that encouraged young girls to embrace their power and potential.

This unexpected journey wasn’t just about giving—it was about finding something I didn’t know I was searching for. In an unfamiliar town, among strangers turned allies, I discovered a profound sense of purpose. 

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Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Six Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Pageantry

 By Isabella Williams 

1. The Sisterhood Is Real
   Forget the stereotypes! In a world of glitz, judges, fees, and unspoken rules, your fellow contestants can become your greatest allies. Sure, it’s easy to think of everyone as competition, but the truth is, only one person will take home the crown. The experience is about so much more than winning—it's about growing as a person. You’ll walk away with gifts like new friends, improved communication skills, marketing know-how, and a network of inspiring people.

2. Social Media is Your Secret Weapon
   Think of your social media as your personal billboard! What do you want the world to know about you? Use it to showcase your passions, your journey, and your sparkle. It’s like having an extra stage to shine on—and the best part? It’s all about YOU!

3. Comfortable Shoes Can Be a Game-Changer
   No matter how stunning your walk is, the wrong pair of shoes can ruin it. Blisters or painful heels will make it obvious you’re uncomfortable on stage. Invest in a pair of killer but comfy heels, and your body language will scream confidence and ease. Trust me, comfort wins crowns!

4. Fundraising is Your Friend
   If you need to raise money for your pageant journey or a cause, social media is your best ally. Offer local businesses a donation tax slip and a shoutout on your social platforms—it’s a win-win! And when it comes to saving money, learn to do your own hair and makeup. Mastering these skills not only saves cash but ensures you look flawless on your own terms.

5. Competition Week = No Sleep Club
   Prepare yourself for sleepless nights! The adrenaline, excitement, and nerves are a natural part of the experience. Start building a self-care routine beforehand to manage the chaos. Rest when you can, hydrate, and find ways to calm your mind so you’re ready to shine under the spotlight.

6. Bring Your Authentic Self
   Judges aren’t just looking for perfection—they’re looking for personality! Don’t be afraid to let your unique quirks and charisma shine through. Whether it’s in your interviews, your walk, or your social media, authenticity is what makes you unforgettable. The crown may sparkle, but it’s your real self that truly shines!

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Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You.

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.