Iowa will be well represented when the next Miss America is crowned Saturday night in West Palm Beach, Florida. McKenzie Kerry, 27, of Iowa is among 52 women competing for the title and the $50,000 scholarship that comes with it.
The competition takes place September 6 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and will stream live on PageantVision.com at 7 p.m. ET. Miss America 2026 Cassie Donnegan will crown her successor at the end of the evening.
Who is Iowa's McKenzie Kerry?
Kerry graduated from the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has been active in Iowa organizations including Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates and Big Brothers Big Sisters Workplace Mentoring.
She was recruited into Principal Financial Group's three-year leadership development program and currently serves as a learning and development consultant for the Des Moines-based company.
Contestants bring diverse backgrounds to the stage
This year's field includes a medical student, a professional ballroom dancer, a karate instructor, a police officer, and a former Radio City Rockette. Several contestants have overcome significant personal challenges to reach the national stage.
Sophia Wootten of Georgia made history as the first Miss America contestant with a cleft lip and palate. She has undergone 20 reconstructive surgeries and wears hearing aids, using her platform to redefine representation for children with disabilities.
Alexandra de Roos of Florida saw her ballet career end after a traumatic brain injury. She founded The Blue Project nonprofit to advocate for brain injury education and healing through the arts.
Service and advocacy define the 2026 class
Many contestants have built their platforms around community service and advocacy work that resonates with conservative values of individual responsibility and local engagement.
Shelby Bordelon of Louisiana founded Claire's Promise, Inc., a nonprofit working to prevent impaired driving after her friend was killed by an impaired driver. She also serves as a spokesperson for MADD Louisiana.
Ashlyn Mercier of Massachusetts is a police officer with degrees from the University of New Haven and Boston University. She created Nick's Courage: One Smile Goes a Mile to support children with cancer, inspired by her brother's two battles with the disease as a child.
Kylie Gene Wright of New Jersey holds a second-degree black belt and teaches karate at AmeriKick Karate Studio. She advocates for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and serves as East Coast Chapter President of T.A.K.E. Defense.
Agriculture and education take center stage
Several contestants highlight agricultural literacy and education, issues important to Iowa's farming communities.
Déja Fitzwater of Idaho is an avid 4-H volunteer and advocate for agricultural literacy. She is using her platform to help young people better understand the people, science, and industries behind their food and natural resources.
Kate Dimmett of Illinois founded Notable Measures, a nonprofit she launched at age 13 to expand access to music education. She has raised over $90,000 and provided 170 grants through the organization.
Notable firsts and historic achievements
Sophie Lewis of Kansas made history as the first Asian American woman to win Miss Kansas. She works as a medical sales consultant helping expand access to biomarker blood testing for early lung cancer detection.
Erika Dalton of Utah is the first Japanese American crowned Miss Utah. She is a Juilliard scholarship recipient, a professional violinist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, and a state-certified crisis advocate.
Annika Schneider of Puerto Rico was the first Hispanic woman crowned Miss North Carolina Teen before winning her current title.
Iowa's Kerry ready for the spotlight
Kerry's path to the Miss America stage reflects a commitment to workforce development and mentorship that aligns with Iowa's focus on economic growth and community values.
The winner will be announced Saturday night following the live broadcast. The competition showcases scholarship achievement, community service, and talent from women across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.