We recently connected with Bethany Mardian and have shared our conversation below.

Bethany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

This year I took the risk to compete in the Miss America Opportunity. This pageant system has been a house-hold name for over a century however, many do not know the dedication and meaning behind it all. Last year at the Miss Virginia competition, I was asked to help as a dresser backstage, through my job as a formal wear stylist. This one experience led me to fall in love with the sisterhood, competition, poise, and spirit behind the name of Miss Virginia and Miss America. In February, I competed for a local title and won Miss Southside Virginia, which qualifies me to compete for the job of Miss Virginia. Throughout the Miss America Organization, each delegate (local, state, and national levels) compete and prepare for private interviews with on stage portions including fitness presentations, evening gown, talent, and on stage conversation. Along with the scored competition phases, each delegate must have a Community Service Initiative (CSI). This requirement can be any issue or subject in the world that the delegate is passionate about advocating for and speaking on.

I have been a titleholder with the Miss America Organization for only a few months now, but have been continuously showered with love, supportive directors, amazing friendships, skill development, and opportunities I could never have dreamed of.

Bethany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a local titleholder in the Miss America Organization, the largest pageant system and the foremost provider of scholarships for women. The organization is built on five core pillars: success, style, sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Young women aged 19-27 compete for the “Miss” titles, while those between the ages of 14-18 vie for the “Teen” titles. Titles progress from the local level to the state level, culminating in the national title of “Miss America.”

My personal community service initiative (CSI), titled Education Fit, is dedicated to promoting proper education in fitness and wellness. As a local titleholder, my goal is to advocate for this initiative through social media platforms, while also engaging with my communities directly. The Miss Virginia and Miss America organizations have provided me with a tremendous platform to advance this passion.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a titleholder within the Miss America Organization is the meaningful friendships and lasting connections you form. This organization is deeply committed to supporting, empowering, and guiding women toward success. Every individual involved is there to help you grow and to highlight your unique strengths. Each contestant enters the competition with the goal of self-improvement and a desire to create positive change in the world.

As a pre-law student with aspirations of attending law school and pursuing a career in corporate law, I am grateful for the opportunities Miss America provides. It has played a significant role in helping me develop academically, personally, and professionally—particularly in areas such as public speaking and confidence. Beyond that, the organization offers a lifelong sisterhood and an expansive national network that continues to inspire and uplift.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The desire to make an impact and the strength of sisterhood are what drive me to be the best titleholder I can be—and to one day earn the title of Miss Virginia. I am continually filled with gratitude for the opportunity to compete for what truly is the job of a lifetime. Beyond the competition, I am honored to have a platform and a voice as a local titleholder—one that allows me to advocate for meaningful causes and represent my community with pride.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: misssouthsidevirginiava
• Facebook: Bethany Mardian
• Linkedin: Bethany Mardian

Image Credits

Rick Myers photography.