New Hartford teen makes history at Miss Teen USA Pageant, focuses on empowering women
Beauty pageants have given Stephanie Skinner a platform that she's devoted toward empowering women nationwide.
“People will listen to me as Stephanie but I’ve found that more people pay attention when I have a sash and a crown on,” said Skinner.
Last month the New Hartford teen placed first runner-up at the Miss Teen USA Pageant on September 28th in Reno, Nevada.
“My new title has offered me a platform to give back to the Mohawk region,” Skinner explained.
“The terrain and social landscape of New York is multifaceted. I approached the national competition wanting to showcase that – to put our state back on the map.”
About the Miss Teen USA Pageant
The last time New York placed as high was in 1988, with Jessica Collins.
Skinner was the first contestant to land a best interview win since 1983.
She was able to break history largely in part of her accomplishments outside of the pageant world.
“What many people don’t see is the true definition of pageantry… it’s all scholarship, academics, and community-based outreach,” said Skinner.
Taking a look at Skinner
Currently a sophomore at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania she maintains both her studies and philanthropic endeavors.
After taking an AP economics course her junior year of high school she set her sights on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in science and economics.
“In addition to my studies at UPenn I’m involved in Wharton Women and the Quaker Dance team,” said Skinner.
In 2019 Skinner founded Hands of Hope, an organization that strives to encourage young women to use their voice for advocacy.
Seeing women's voices diminished
“I grew up in a house with a single mother and it was really hard for me to see women’s voices so freely diminished,” said Skinner.
“Our saying is lend a hand and take a stand. I believe that confidence at a young age allows generative behavior to take the lead: compassion, kindness, and empathy.”
Confidence is the touchstone of her curriculum. By informing young women of the power of their voice she intends to counteract bullying.
Skinner began implementing her curriculum with the Utica School District.
This past year she also partnered up with local YMCA Boys and Girls Club and YWCA/Girls Inc. chapters in Syracuse.
Moving forward she intends to transform Hands of Hope into a national program by teaming up with other non-profit organizations.
It doesn’t stop there. This past August she released her first children's book Holding Hands with Hope: A Story About Self Love and Acceptance.
“I have plans to extend my reach across the East Coast,” said Skinner.
“My next step is a book tour, teaming up with local libraries to read Holding Hands with Hope to children.”
At just 19 years old, Skinner has already connected over 20,000 teenagers nationwide, in over 40 states.
“I remember presenting at a school in Virginia during the pandemic when afterwards a young girl ran down the hallway to catch me. Out of breath she just wanted to tell me, thank you,” said Skinner.
“There are so many little moments like this example that I hold onto. When I see myself in these young girls it reiterates why I do what I do.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Miss Teen USA runner-up Stephanie Skinner wants to empower women
