As previously reported on in the Branding Iron, University of Wyoming student Hazel Homer-Wambeam was one of several young women competing for the title of Miss Wyoming at the annual Miss Wyoming competition in Sheridan.
Homer-Wambeam has since achieved her dream of becoming the next Miss Wyoming, having received that title at the recent competition that occurred on June 25.
Homer-Wambeam stood out in the competition for her emphasis on body positivity, by sharing her EveryBODY Dance Initiative with the judges, which strives to inspire people of all shapes and sizes to embrace and appreciate their bodies’ potential.
This is a topic that hits close to home for Homer-Wambeam, as she has experienced a number of negative comments related to her Jewish features, such as her nose and curly hair.
By becoming the first Jewish Miss Wyoming, and potentially just the second Jewish Miss America behind only Bess Merson, who won the title in 1945, Homer-Wambeam hopes to continue to break barriers and inspire other women across the country to embrace what they are capable of.
This is especially important in the heels of the Miss America competition being drastically changed to better reflect women today and their potential to be powerful leaders in all areas of activism.
The competition has evolved so that physical appearance is no longer a primary driver behind judging. Instead, the focus has become more on the intelligence, philanthropy and social activism of the contestants, and what makes them unique leaders.
Homer-Wambeam has embraced this shift, stating, “there’s an emphasis on women’s voices, women’s opinions, women’s involvement in their community and their leadership skills. Those are all things I really support and I personally am a feminist, so I really appreciated that direction.”
Homer-Wambeam’s victory in the Miss Wyoming 2022 competition will mean she is eligible to compete in the 2023 Miss America competition, which will be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
