The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, "The Road to Miss Arkansas" is Ashley Ehrhart, the current Miss Arkansas Delta. Continue reading to learn more  about Ashley, her journey to the crown, and more!

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Please share with our readers your  platform along with a brief description of what it is.
My platform is Defeating Depression: Promotion of a Healthy Mind. It is about bringing awareness to the reality of depression while shining a light on the importance of mental health.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I competed in the Outstanding Teen program for two years and this is my first year in the Miss program. I’ve grown tremendously from a teen as I transitioned to a Miss contestant. Competing as a teen prepared me for where I am today.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
I chose my platform based off of personal experiences. I know just how prevalent depression is today and I know that through my platform, I can truly make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from it.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Working alongside my platform is allowing me to open doors to a conversation. Conversations about depression can be hard ones to have, but using my platform as a resource, I am able to find the strength to begin those conversations.

What have you learned from your current Miss Arkansas Savannah Skidmore as well as our Miss America Savvy Shields, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of  Miss Arkansas?
I’ve learned from Miss Arkansas and Miss America the finesse of accepting the crown and title and making the most of the time that is available to you.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
As a titleholder I always try to convey the message of “remaining graceful in all situations”. We are all humans and all have moments that are trying, but it’s important to remember to hold your head high.

If you were to win the title of Miss Arkansas, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
I would strive the hardest to accomplish making the topic of depression and mental health a priority in schools. More times than not, it’s subject that is brushed under the rug or ignored, but it’s a subject that can save lives if approached correctly.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Arkansas; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I would ask them to try to imagine a beautiful forest, running rivers, and the guarantee of a bright new day. That’s Arkansas!

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
I would put a mirror because of how accepting women are of themselves. A hammer because of how hardworking women are. And a piece of candy because women have been and always will be sweet.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
With the Miss America system, I think it’s so important that people know just what Miss America stands for. She stands for scholarship, service, style, and success. With the Miss America system I’ve received scholarships to pay for my education, I’ve been given an opportunity to serve, I’ve been able to develop my own style, and I’ve been more than successful.

The name of this magazine is Bravura.  “Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
What makes me Bravura is all the things I’ve overcome. There have been times throughout my life where I have wanted to quit, but I continued to push and continued to work hard. That makes me bravura.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Twitter: @ashleyyehrhart  https://twitter.com/AshleyyEhrhart
Instagram: @ashley_ehrhart  https://www.instagram.com/ashley_ehrhart/
Snapchat: @ashleyehrhart

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
My advice would be to go for it. Pageants can open up a door for you that you didn’t even know existed. Remember to stay true to who you are, make the the best memories with the best friends, and go for it.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today  – a member of the Miss Arkansas Class of 2017?
My heart will be eternally grateful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. They say it takes a village, and it truly does. So thank you all, from the very bottom of my heart.

What final words, if any, do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Start the conversation. Someone you care about may not be “okay”. Be the one to open the door to light, love, and hope.