Now, we have come to the end of our Royal Spotlight Series for 2020. Have you been enjoying reading about all of these lovely queens?
This last spotlight of 2020 is special to me because I had the honor of crowning this young lady on November 28, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia at the 2020 American Pageants National Pageant.
This month I have the pleasure of featuring Aidan Murphy, Ms. of America 2021.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a 28-year-old graduate student pursuing my MBA at Pepperdine University as well as an Organizational Behavior Graduate Certification at Harvard University. I am a championship Irish Dancer and love to compete in dance competitions all over the country. I also enjoy scuba diving and archery. I am passionate about serving my community and have given over 350 hours in the last year. My platform #Believe2Read focuses on adult literacy and education advocacy and has been such an amazing journey with my learners. I work with them once a week and am preparing to launch an
adult learner resources website.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I started competing in pageants in 2019. I had always been interested, but I thought I was “too old”. After the urging of my dear friend Laura who was Royal International Miss Role Model at the time, I took the leap and tried it out and won my first state title.
Why do you compete in pageants?
I always tell people that pageants push me to be my absolute best, and it is so true. I know that I can’t slack off at school because another girl is going to come in that wasn’t slacking off. I think it’s a healthy way for me to compete because I have to be my best self in all aspects of my life. I have also done things that I never thought I could do such as model, compete in a swimsuit and give a personal speech about how losing my dad at a young age shaped the success in my life. I’ve found a sisterhood and met amazing women from all walks of life and we all support each other in our dreams.
How many titles have you won?
I’ve won three titles: Royal International Ms. Golden State 2019-2020, Regency International Miss California Ambassador 2020-2021, and Ms. of America 2021. I have also held the appointed titles of United States of America’s Miss Irvine 2019 and Ms. of California 2020.
Tell us about the American Pageants system.
The Miss Teen of America Scholarship and Recognition Pageant was founded in 1983 by Warren Alexander, a former educator and pageant director, as an invitation only event designed to help young women reach their full potential. Rebranded in 2017 as American Pageants to include additional age divisions, the scholastically based pageant recognizes young women for their outstanding personal achievements, leadership abilities, and artistic, creative, or athletic talents.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
I’ve learned that I have so much to give. I never thought I would be starting my own charitable organization or becoming a published model, but pageantry has challenged me to grow so much in the last year and a half. I’m learning how to become a strong woman surrounded by an amazing sisterhood.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
I’m excited about the transition from Miss to Ms. and learning about myself in the next stage of my life. I have no intention of slowing down!
What words of advice do you live by?
I love the quote “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: Ammurphy102@gmail.com
Instagram: @msaidanmargaret and @msofamerica
AIDAN MURPHY your pageant journey so far could be an amazing inspiration for so many people wanted to start at an older age. It is also awesome that you started your own charitable organization.