Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, discusses the crossroads of pageantry and the military.

In this episode, Madi takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty officer to earn the Miss America title. She shares insights into her pilot training, attending the United States Air Force Academy, cancer research, starting a non-profit, and how a military background has influenced her career. This one is going to be cool!

Key Takeaways:

• Madi has always been fascinated by science and found her love of aerospace while attending space camp at 13 years old.
• Madi earned her pilot's license at 17, the youngest possible age.
• While attending the United States Air Force Academy, Madi studied astrophysics and interned at NASA and Harvard.
• At the Academy, Madi started her pageantry journey, winning Miss Academy and Miss Colorado.
• In January of 2024, Madi competed in and won Miss America, becoming the first active military officer to earn the title.
• Madi started the Whitney Marsh Foundation after losing her Mom to pancreatic cancer. This organization helps provide education and funding for pancreatic cancer research.
• Madi encourages listeners to learn from their failures and to use those lessons to succeed further.

Resources:

• Miss America Website
• One Lieutenant’s Journey from USAFA to Miss Colorado to Harvard (United States Air Force)
• Madison Marsh: Beauty Queen, Hard-Core Air Force Officer (Forbes)
• Whitney Marsh Foundation