Austin is no stranger to talent, and this fall, the spotlight will shine on a new class of young women at the Miss Austin and Miss Austin’s Teen competitions. Happening November 8, 2025, at the Dougherty Arts Center, the event kicks off the 2026 competition season for the Miss Austin Organization. The organization provides scholarships, mentorship, and personal development opportunities as part of the Miss Texas and Miss America Organization network.
Many Celebrities Have Competed to Be Miss America
And if you think pageants are just about crowns and gowns, think again. Many women who first walked across a local Miss America stage later lit up Hollywood. Sharon Stone once competed for Miss Pennsylvania. Cloris Leachman, crowned Miss Chicago, went on to win an Academy Award. Delta Burke (Miss Florida) became a sitcom star, while Eva Longoria (Miss Corpus Christi) built a career spanning television, film, and philanthropy. Even Michelle Pfeiffer was once Miss Orange County before her breakout roles on screen.
The local program is now under fresh leadership with Melody Pierce (Miss Arizona 2022) and Jennifer Schmidt Navratil (Miss Wisconsin 2021) at the helm. Both know the world of pageants from the inside out as they’ve competed at the state and national level. They’re passionate about giving young women the same kind of mentorship and confidence-building experiences that shaped their own journeys.
About the Miss Austin Organization
This year’s winners won’t just walk away with scholarship dollars and the official Miss Austin crown and sash. They’ll also receive a prize package that includes a bouquet provided by Lived X Leigh, professional headshots from Autumn Hartt, a fitness and nutrition plan from Fit With Mads Training, interview coaching with former Miss Texas Caroline Carothers Reed, jewelry from Kendra Scott Community Stylist Whitney Fields, and much more. Most importantly, they’ll earn the chance to compete at Miss Texas — the next step toward the Miss America stage.
If you’ve ever thought about competing, or if you know someone between the ages of 14 and 28 who could light up the stage, now’s the time. Registration is open through October 12, and the competition is open to young women who live, work, or study anywhere in Texas. No pageant background required.
As Executive Director Melody Pierce puts it, “We want contestants to walk away not only with new skills, but also with lifelong friendships and mentors. Miss Austin is a place where contestants can discover their strengths and learn to use their voices with purpose.”
Ready to compete for the crown? Austin loves to celebrate talent, and on November 8, the Miss Austin Organization is ready to prove that the next big stage moment might start here. Want to support the next generation of leaders? You can also donate or sponsor the program. Learn more and register at www.missaustin.org.
Featured photo by Karlee Colleen Photography
