Newly crowned Miss Kansas, Alexis Smith, has become an advocate for domestic violence survivors after a powerful speech during her pageant victory.
During the final interview, she shocked the audience and judges by calling out her abuser, who was present in the crowd. Standing on stage in a blue sequined gown, Smith said, "Some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage because I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships."
Respect Reclaimed!
— Alexis Smith, Miss Kansas (@MissAmericaKS) July 16, 2024
Our time is now for healthy relationships.#MissAmerica #ThereSheIs #Pageants #RespectReclaimed #MissKansas pic.twitter.com/npejBb6CCs
A clip of her speech, made during the competition at Pratt Community College, went viral on social media and has generated widespread praise for her bravery. In an interview with KSNW, Smith revealed that every woman in her family, including herself, had experienced domestic violence. Her abusive relationship began when she was 14 and ended around 2018 or 2019. After escaping, she moved to Texas but returned to Wichita to pursue a nursing degree at Newman University.
Smith described herself as a “bystander, victim, and survivor” of domestic violence and pledged to advocate against it after winning the pageant. She launched a community service initiative called Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships, aiming to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships. In an Instagram post, she emphasized the importance of reclaiming power and standing firm in it.
A cardiothoracic ICU nurse working overnight shifts, Smith performed a ventriloquism act during the talent portion of the competition. She won the Miss Kansas 2024 title on June 8, along with $15,500 in scholarship money, earning her a spot in the Miss America competition in January 2025. Smith's fearless speech and advocacy have earned her praise worldwide, with many supporting her call for healthy, violence-free relationships.