The Miss America pageant competition is more than just sashes and tiaras.
The women competing for the Miss America title work to raise money for charities and care for those in need in their home states, including Miss District of Columbia and former BYU student Katie Ann Powell. Powell uses her platform as Miss D.C. to serve and unite the people in her community, even with the widespread political polarization surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
“No matter how divisive our world is in D.C., we can still come together,” Powell said. “We're actually very strong in our nonprofit scene and in our service scene because we understand each other.”
Powell said each competitor in the Miss America pageant must raise $3,000.
Two days prior to the elections, Powell held a charity event where she showcased her talent as a harpist. She said music can unite people of different cultures, languages and countries.
“We had a Palestinian sitting next to an Israeli woman, a Jew next to a German and we were all sitting together in unity, sharing a shared experience with music,” Powell said.
Powell also focuses her charitable work on financial literacy.
“Budgets are my love language and you can catch me on H. Street pretty frequently teaching budgeting classes,” Powell said.
Powell said finances can also unify her community. She said many people understand the stresses of personal finances no matter which way they lean politically.
“Financial education changes poverty to power,” Powell said.
Powell said she still uses what BYU taught her to serve and understand the people of D.C.
“BYU taught me how to learn,” Powell said. “As I learn about different cultures, suddenly I can be immersed and I can share it, cherish and share different cultures, that our cultures are our strength.”
Powell will be competing for the Miss America title in January 2025.