The "Miss America" pageant has been a household name for many years, and within the generations of many families across the United States. It's an iconic time of the year where 50 highly educated and talented women, are vying for one of the most prestigious titles and a year long job as Miss America. Over the years, these women have grown to become leaders within their communities, members of government, advocates for national non-profits and moreover, role models to young girls across the country, aspiring to be like their mentor. A year as Miss America is not an easy one; everyday, this dedicated young woman is tirelessly exemplifying her charitable work with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition, she is educating students, and other people who cross her path, on pressing issues within society - whether it be thru her personal platform or what is relevant to the world today. Yes, Miss America is a "title" that girls dream of since their childhood, and hope to achieve in the future. But for the women who have had this title, and been a part of the sisterhood, it's so much more than that. It is a state of mind, having a voice for those who may not, all while personifying what it means to be dedicated to a cause. Continue reading to learn about women, who are or were a part of the Miss America Organization and the legacy they hope to leave after their reign.

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Danielle Radeke is a 22 years old, who has been a part of the coveted sisterhood for two years. “I competed in Connecticut, and held the titles of Miss Charter Oak 2017, and Miss Greater Waterbury 2018,” Radeke stated. “I have since moved to New Jersey (the state I grew up in!) to pursue my career, and would definitely consider competing for Miss New Jersey in the future,” she went onto explain.

Radeke’s platform ha been raising awareness for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, “an international charity,” she describes, “providing a home away from home for children and their families as they receive treatment from world-renowned hospitals.”


When asked why she chose to advocate for this platform Radeke said, “I fell in love with my platform because of my chosen career of nursing, specifically nursing related to children. I loved the impact the houses could have on families, and as I began to volunteer and support the charity, I noticed how strong of an impact the children and families have had on everyone around them. They are the true superheroes of this world, and face threats we ourselves cannot imagine facing.”

She went onto explain, “I thought it was I that needed to give strength to my superheroes in the houses, but in many ways, it is the children that have given me strength in return. I love that my platform is an extension of Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals, and that I have an RMH one block from the hospital I work at now!


For Radeke, the biggest part about being a member of the Miss America sisterhood was her WHY. “I always say that I didn’t choose MAO, MAO chose me,” she happily exclaimed. “It came to me at a time in my life that I felt very lost and lonely. I have always been experiential and adventurous, and at this point in my life I felt I needed to get outside of myself and do something productive. That’s when a friend of mine approached me.”

She went onto continue, “She was volunteering at a local and they needed one more girl, otherwise they would be unable to hold the pageant. So I said “why not? The worst that could happen is I hate it and never have to do it again.” But I didn’t hate it. I met new friends that day that were genuine and just like me: Strong, intelligent, passionate women that wanted to use their gifts to empower and change the world. I was able to take everything I loved: Singing, public speaking, service, beauty, and my bubbly personality, and use it to do something good. I never realized how badly I was searching for a place I belonged, a sisterhood, until I found the greatest one I’ve ever known.”

And I, personally, have been able to see Radeke do just that and more, when she came to visit the children of one of my schools. She ha such a personality about herself that the children simply gravitated towards.


Radeke went onto explain, “I met some of my most cherished friends in MAO, and the organization truly changed my life. I am not timid in standing for what I believe. I am involved and active in current events and am passionate for the causes I support. I believe in myself, which was something I struggled with for my entire life. MAO helped me get the job I have now working in pediatrics, mother baby, and the NICU at my current job as a registered nurse, and also supported me in my studies as I worked tirelessly to get my BSN RN. MAO introduced me to causes I support vehemently, and taught me how to brand myself. Most importantly, MAO took me outside of myself and gave me an “other’s-minded” attitude. It helped teach me that nothing about me is a mistake: God made me as I am to use my unique gifts, gifts no one else in this organization has, and make the world better. I owe everything I am and my entire life to this organization, and know that God gave me MAO.”

When asked what she hopes her Miss America legacy will be, Radeke paused for a moment, smiled, and then stated, “I pray my legacy in this organization is that I make everything I touch better. I pray that I leave each person a little happier than they were before they met me. I hope that I can have a lasting impact on the world around me, even if people never remember my name, I hope they remember the way I cared. Even if they don’t remember the song I sang, I hope they remember the way I shined as I did what I loved on stage. Even if they don’t remember me, I pray they remember what I, and all the amazing women in this organization, did to try to use our gifts and passions to change the world. I know the impact this organization has on this nation will be one that will be felt for generations to come. I pray that I am a part of making that impact an undeniably positive one.”