Episode 57: Miss Represented – Kaylee Simmons’ Journey of Pageantry, Advocacy, and Adventure

Introduction

In Episode 57 of the "Miss Represented" podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes the inspiring Kaylee Simmons, Miss West Virginia USA. This episode explores Kaylee’s extensive journey in pageantry, her dedication to public health advocacy, her adventurous spirit, and her personal endeavors that aim to make a significant impact in her community.

Early Pageant Journey

Kaylee Simmons has been immersed in the world of pageantry since childhood. Reflecting on her early experiences, she shares:

“I've been competing in pageantry since I was seven years old. I am now 25. So 18 years of pageantry and growth” ([03:41]).

Despite initial challenges, including not placing in her first attempt, Kaylee's unwavering determination led her to win the Miss West Virginia USA title on her fourth try. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief:

“I shared the quote that if it's for you, it will never pass you by. And I have lived by that many times” ([05:41]).

Kaylee’s approach evolved over the years, becoming calmer and more self-assured, which ultimately contributed to her success in the pageant.

Miss USA Experience

Transitioning from Miss West Virginia USA to Miss USA, Kaylee describes the experience as a "whirlwind." Traveling to Hollywood and connecting with fellow contestants from every state enriched her journey. One of the most memorable moments was an unexpected chilly beach outing:

“We ended up like, freezing to death because it was super cold” ([07:01]).

This humorous yet memorable incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of pageant events and created lasting bonds with other contestants.

Community Initiatives: Miles for Smiles and Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship

Beyond the stage, Kaylee is deeply committed to community service. As a dental hygienist, she founded "Miles for Smiles," an initiative aimed at improving oral health in underserved communities. She elaborates:

“I've been able to collect donations throughout West Virginia. So I've been able to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste thousands to students” ([09:37]).

In addition to her health advocacy, Kaylee co-founded the Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late brother. This scholarship supports high school students in West Virginia pursuing higher education:

“We have been able to award thousands of dollars to those students to be able to further their education” ([11:29]).

This initiative not only honors her brother’s legacy but also empowers the next generation of students to achieve their educational goals.

Mental Health in Pageantry

Addressing the critical topic of mental health in the high-pressure environment of pageantry, Kaylee offers valuable insights:

“Stay true to yourself in the process... always stay true to your values and what you want to exemplify as a person” ([08:30]).

She acknowledges the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages contestants to utilize available resources and find their voice:

“It's so important to find your voice whenever it comes to talking about mental health” ([12:37]).

Kaylee advocates for prioritizing mental wellness to maintain overall well-being and performance in pageantry.

Adventures and Personal Life

Kaylee's adventurous spirit is evident in her numerous adrenaline-filled activities. From ziplining in the Dominican Republic to whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, she seeks thrill and challenge. She recounts a memorable fishing trip in Panama:

“I had a little Kate Spade purse with me at the time... swatting at the bugs... it was like a movie” ([13:52]).

In her personal life, Kaylee is preparing to marry her middle school sweetheart after 15 years together, blending her pageant life with forthcoming marital bliss.

Advice and Insights

Throughout the conversation, Kaylee imparts valuable advice to aspiring pageant participants, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and stress management. Drawing from her experiences, she advises:

“If it's for you, it will never pass you by” ([05:41]).

Kaylee highlights the importance of balancing personal well-being with competitive drive, ensuring that contestants remain true to themselves.

This or That Segment

In a light-hearted "This or That" segment, Kaylee reveals her preferences:

• One on one interview over stage questions
• Confidence from within before experience
• Dental floss over whitening strips, emphasizing the importance of oral health ([18:33])
• Hands-on outreach instead of public speaking events
• Mental wellness prioritized over physical health
• Rafting a wild river rather than hiking through a rainforest
• Snowmobile in the snow over terrifying ziplining
• Summer person rather than winter
• Exploring remote places instead of relaxing at home
• Fishing over a beach day
• Night owl rather than an early riser

This segment showcases Kaylee's personal preferences and underscores her down-to-earth personality.

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Kaylee reflects on her future endeavors beyond her reign as Miss West Virginia USA. She aims to expand "Miles for Smiles" nationwide and is excited about her upcoming marriage, inviting listeners to support her journey.

This episode of "Miss Represented" offers a comprehensive look into Kaylee Simmons’ multifaceted life, highlighting her dedication to service, resilience in pageantry, and zest for adventure. Kaylee’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how courage, kindness, and perseverance can lead to meaningful accomplishments both on and off the stage.

Notable Quotes:

• “I've been competing in pageantry since I was seven years old... 18 years of pageantry and growth” ([03:41])
• “If it's for you, it will never pass you by... I went in really calmly” ([05:41], [05:41])
• “We ended up like, freezing to death because it was super cold” ([07:01])
• “Always stay true to your values and what you want to exemplify as a person” ([08:30])
• “It's so important to find your voice whenever it comes to talking about mental health” ([12:37])