Contestant in the Miss America pageant exchanges military boots for an evening dress, asserting that her service in the armed forces provides her with a sense of purpose
Alexia Rodrigues, Miss Rhode Island, is preparing to compete in the Miss America competition on Sunday, September 7 in Orlando. However, Rodrigues' journey to the stage is far from ordinary.
Born into a family struggling with addiction, Rodrigues entered foster care at a young age. Despite the challenges she faced, she found a support system that recognised her struggles and helped her through difficult times.
Rodrigues' personal experiences have driven her to become an advocate for foster care reform. She created the community service initiative, "Foster Hope, Adopt a Dream," which aims to educate the public on the realities of foster care and ensure foster youth nationwide have access to essential services and higher education.
Rodrigues' dedication to this cause led her to be contacted by the Rhode Island legislature, who asked her to propose laws for the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and the Foster Hope Act. She even met with Senator Reed to discuss making Rhode Island the pilot state for these bills.
Rodrigues' military service has also played a significant role in her life. She served full-time in the Army National Guard and completed over three years of active duty. While deployed, she created mentorship programs for youth, helped found "Women in Leadership," and partnered with nonprofits to rehome 24 cats.
Rodrigues is also the author of the forthcoming children's book "The Somewhere Kid," with all royalties funding the Foster Hope Scholarship. She hopes her story will inspire others to serve and make a difference in their communities.
However, Rodrigues' life has not been without tragedy. She lost her sister, Tiffany, to an undiagnosed heart disease at 13 and her brother, Keith, died by suicide in 2024. These losses have only strengthened her resolve to help others and raise awareness about women in the armed forces.
Over 22,000 children age out of the foster care system every year, never knowing a loving family or a support system. Rodrigues wants all foster kids to get a head start in life and is determined to make a difference.
Rodrigues' story is a testament to resilience and determination. She has faced adversity head-on and used her experiences to help others. As she takes the stage in the Miss America competition, she will continue to advocate for foster care reform and inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
