Many people assume that the beauty pageant title represents only the outer shell. However, this is not the case, and numerous holders of this honorary title have long proved otherwise. Among them is Nia Franklin, a New York composer and Miss New York and Miss America titleholder. She demonstrated that she possesses not only remarkable beauty, but also intelligence, charisma, charm and a big heart as she is actively involved in social and charitable initiatives. Find out more at newyorka.
What do we know about the holder of the beauty pageant title?
Nia was born in North Carolina in 1993. She grew up in a large and friendly family that always encouraged and helped her develop her creative abilities. Nia is not the only child in the family, she has two younger siblings: sister Bailey and brother J. D.
The future beauty pageant titleholder received her primary education at North Davidson High School and then enrolled at East Carolina University. Subsequently, she became a certified specialist in music composition.
It might seem that Nia lived her best life. However, when she was in her first year of university, her family experienced a misfortune. Her father, James, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During Nia’s time at university, her father relapsed twice. Doctors determined that a stem cell transplant was required to improve the father’s condition. Nia was the only one who proved to be a suitable donor. Without thinking about it, she agreed to help her father and share her stem cells. This treatment eventually led to remission.
After a rough phase in her life, Nia chose to dive headfirst into study and creativity, so she continued her studies and enrolled at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She graduated with a master’s degree in music and musical composition. In 2015, she wrote an independent chamber opera titled “King Solomon”.
In 2017, fate took Nia to New York, where she continued to advance her music career.
How did Nia get into a beauty pageant?
While still a student at East Carolina University, Nia competed in her first Miss Black and Gold pageant. She also participated in a larger contest, Miss North Carolina, in 2016 and 2017. It should be mentioned that Nia was included in the top 10 finalists twice and received a preliminary award for her talent. Read more about the success of New Yorker residents in the article.
When Nia moved to New York, she continued her active lifestyle, studying at university, developing her artistic skills and competing in local beauty contests. The Miss Five Boroughs pageant was one of Nia’s first contests in New York, where she won preliminary awards for her talents. In 2018, she received the title of Miss New York. The event took place at Shea’s Theater in Buffalo, New York. At the competition, she promoted the preservation of art.
After winning the city competition, Nia had to represent New York on a national level. She worked hard throughout the year to prepare for the Miss America beauty pageant, which took place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
At the competition, she demonstrated her musical talent to the fullest. In particular, she performed “Quando m’en vò” from the opera “La bohème”. Her song won over thousands of spectators as well as the jury.
She outperformed all of the candidates at the 2019 Miss Connecticut pageant, including first runner-up Miss Connecticut 2018 Bridget Oei. In 2019, thanks to her efforts, Nia won the title of Miss America. Along with the title and crown, Nia won a $50,000 cash reward. Nia became the seventh Miss New York girl to win the National Miss America contest.
Active public position
She had almost no money when she lived in New York, and the city had quite high rents. As a result, the girl had to work hard. Nia’s lifepath is challenging. She has faced numerous difficulties during her life, but she was able to overcome them all. Nothing could break Nia, she developed a true “New York endurance” that tested her strength and spirit.
Her participation in beauty contests comes mostly from her desire to promote her position and societal influence in every manner possible, while also protecting and developing art, her field of expertise. She wanted to make sure that learners had access to high-quality education. Similarly, as Miss America, Nia traveled the country promoting music and art education in schools and local communities. She worked to encourage diversity in education and inclusivity in competition. She wanted to be an example and source of inspiration for young girls to strive for and achieve their aspirations.
Furthermore, while residing in New York, Nia collaborated with Success Academy Charter Schools. She even managed to establish a music club for students. Nia was also a cultural partner of the New York-based nonprofit organization Sing For Hope.
Even after the end of the beauty contests and the decline in popularity, Nia continues to be a source of inspiration and a role model for many, as a successful and accomplished girl who won the beauty title.