Josette Huang
Why I joined and love the Miss America Opportunity
Many people have misconceptions about what the Miss America Opportunity (MAO) truly represents. It is not simply a beauty pageant—it is a service-driven organization and platform; a community that fosters meaningful connections among sisters, their families, volunteers, supporters, and the communities they serve; and the world’s largest scholarship program for women. Here are the three main reasons I joined and love MAO—and why you should consider joining, too.
Service
The aspect of MAO that initially drew me in was the service behind the crown. The crown is not just a symbol—it is a platform that empowers you to engage with your community and advocate for causes you care deeply about (and yes, you get to do it in a gown, crown, and sash!). In my last year of service, I participated in numerous service-focused events, including the LETR Worcester Mobile Plunge for Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Mile for the Mind walk supporting brain injury survivors, the Third Annual Autism Acceptance Touch-A-Truck Event, and multiple Heart Walks for the American Heart Association, with many more service-related appearances planned for the coming year. Most importantly, the crown has allowed me to elevate my own Community Service Initiative, amplifying my voice and impact in ways I could not have achieved on my own.
Sisterhood
If you haven’t seen Miss Congeniality, you need to watch it immediately—it captures the true meaning of sisterhood in pageantry beautifully. In the film, Sandra Bullock plays FBI agent Gracie Hart, who goes undercover as Miss New Jersey, Gracie Lou Freebush, in the Miss United States pageant. During her on-stage interview, she is asked: “As you may know, there are many who consider the Miss United States pageant to be outdated and antifeminist. What would you say to them?” Gracie responds, “Well, I would have to say I used to be one of them. And then I came here, and I realized that these women are smart, terrific people who are just trying to make a difference in the world… And for me, this experience has been one of the most rewarding and liberating experiences of my life.” No truer words have been spoken. Especially in a world often marked by division and negativity, I see my sister queens as beacons of hope and optimism for a better future. Each of these women has an extraordinary resume, but even more importantly, they have incredible hearts and a genuine commitment to standing for something greater than themselves. Their passion and purpose inspire me every day—and I never fail to smile when I’m with my pageant family.
Scholarship (And Sponsorships ;))!
Of course, MAO is also, at its core, a scholarship organization. Each year, it awards millions of dollars in educational scholarships, with Miss America earning a minimum of $50,000 in tuition assistance. For me, this support represents access and freedom—the ability to pursue ambitious educational goals, including law and business school, with greater peace of mind and fewer financial barriers. Beyond scholarships, MAO provides an incredible network of sponsors who invest in their titleholders’ success. From professional attire to thoughtfully curated accessories, these partnerships ensure that contestants can show up prepared, confident, and focused on their purpose rather than the cost. And yes, there is still joy in the experience. There is something undeniably empowering about putting on a crown, sash, and gown and remembering the responsibility—and privilege—of using that visibility for good. (Fun fact: when I need a pick-me-up, I’ll do exactly that at home, and it never fails to make me smile. I highly recommend it.)