A Legacy of Scholarship, Leadership, and Impact

In 1924, Iowa's journey with the Miss America Opportunity began when Alta Sterling of Sioux City became the first woman to represent our state on the national stage. What started with a single contestant has grown into more than a century of empowering young women through scholarship, service, leadership, and personal achievement.

For generations, Miss Iowa titleholders have broken barriers, inspired change, and represented the best of our state. From Carol Morris, who went on to become Miss USA and Miss Universe, to Cheryl Browne, the first African American contestant to compete at Miss America, Iowa women have helped shape the history of one of America's most iconic organizations.

But the story of Miss Iowa has never been solely about crowns, titles, or appearances. It is a story of young women finding their voices, pursuing their educational goals, serving their communities, and discovering their potential. Through scholarships, mentorship, community service, and leadership development, participants gain experiences that prepare them for success far beyond the competition stage.

Today, the Miss Iowa Organization continues to build on that legacy by providing opportunities that empower women to dream boldly, lead confidently, and create meaningful impact in their communities. Every contestant, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and titleholder becomes part of a story that has been changing lives for more than 100 years.

Miss Iowa is more than a competition.

It's a community. It's an opportunity. It's a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

Trailblazers & History Makers

  • Alta Sterling | 1924

    The first woman to represent Iowa at the Miss America Competition and the first Jewish contestant to compete on the national stage, opening the door for generations of Iowa women to follow.

  • Joanne MacDonald | 1958

    Became Iowa's first Miss America First Runner-Up, achieving one of the highest placements in the program's history, a distinction earned by only two Miss Iowa titleholders.

  • Cheryl Browne | 1970

    Made national history as the first African American contestant to compete at Miss America, helping transform the competition and paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion.

  • Catherine Lemkau | 1992

    Captured both the Preliminary Talent and Preliminary Swimsuit Awards before becoming Iowa's second Miss America First Runner-Up.

  • Theresa Uchytil (2000)

    Broke barriers as the first contestant with a limb difference to compete at Miss America and was recognized nationally as the Quality of Life Award First Runner-Up for her advocacy and service.

  • Mariah Cary | 2012

    Earned a Fourth Runner-Up finish at Miss America, one of the highest placements in modern Miss Iowa history, continuing Iowa's tradition of excellence on the national stage.

  • Nicole Kelly | 2013

    Inspired audiences across the country as the second Miss Iowa with a limb difference, using the Miss America platform to become a nationally recognized advocate for disability inclusion and redefining what it means to be a titleholder.

  • Alysa Goethe | 2023

    Became the first Miss Iowa living with Type 1 Diabetes, using her platform to raise awareness, advocate for others, and demonstrate that chronic illness is never a barrier to leadership or achievement.

Miss Iowa Through the Years

  • Founding Years

    Iowa's journey with the Miss America Opportunity began in 1924 when Alta Sterling, competing as Miss Sioux City, became the first woman to represent Iowa at Miss America. She also made history as the first Jewish contestant to compete on the Miss America stage, setting the tone for a legacy of trailblazers who would follow.

    For decades, talented young women represented Iowa at Miss America, but there was no official state organization. That changed in 1950 when the Clear Lake Junior Chamber of Commerce assumed sponsorship of Miss Iowa, helping establish a foundation that would support generations of young women pursuing scholarship, leadership, and personal growth.

    Notable Miss Iowas

    • Alta Sterling (1924) – First Iowan to compete at Miss America

    • Carol Morris (1954) – Later crowned Miss USA and Miss Universe 1956

    • Joanne MacDonald (1958) – Iowa's first Miss America First Runner-Up

  • Expanding Scholarship Opportunities

    In 1965, the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program officially moved to Davenport, where it remains today. Under the leadership of Judge Jack Broderick and countless dedicated volunteers, the organization evolved into one of Iowa's premier scholarship and leadership programs for young women.

    As the program grew, Iowa titleholders continued to gain national recognition. Marie Mushro earned both Miss Congeniality and a non-finalist talent award at Miss America, while Lynda Jeanne Formanek achieved a Top 10 finish just a few years later. Throughout the following decades, Iowa contestants earned talent awards, preliminary awards, and national placements while representing the state with distinction.

    Notable Miss Iowas

    • Marie Mushro (1965) – Miss Congeniality and Non-Finalist Talent Award

    • Susan Berg (1968) – Miss America Preliminary Swimsuit Winner and 2nd Runner-Up

    • Renee Studemann (1972) – Top 10 at Miss America

    • Lori Froeling (1979) – Top 10 at Miss America

  • Community Impact

    Beyond the stage, the Miss Iowa Organization has empowered women to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their communities.

    One of the most historic moments in the program's history came in 1970 when Cheryl Browne became the first African American contestant to compete at Miss America. Her groundbreaking achievement helped shape the future of the organization and opened doors for generations of women to follow.

    Throughout the years, Miss Iowa titleholders have used their platforms to raise awareness for important causes, support charitable initiatives, and inspire positive change across Iowa and beyond. Countless participants have gone on to become educators, healthcare professionals, attorneys, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates.

    Notable Miss Iowas

    • Cheryl Browne (1970) – First African American contestant at Miss America

    • Theresa Uchytil (2000) – First Miss America contestant with a limb difference

    • Nicole Kelly (2013) – Second Miss America contestant with a limb difference

  • Today

    Today, the Miss Iowa Organization continues its mission of empowering young women through scholarship, service, leadership, success, and sisterhood.

    Led by a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors, local directors, and supporters, the organization provides life-changing opportunities through local competitions, scholarship awards, community service initiatives, and personal and professional development experiences.

    Recent Miss Iowa titleholders have continued Iowa's tradition of excellence at Miss America, earning national placements, preliminary awards, and recognition for their leadership and community impact.

    Recent Notable Miss Iowas

    • Jessica Pray (2011) – Top 10 at Miss America

    • Mariah Cary (2012) – 4th Runner-Up at Miss America

    • Aly Olson (2014) – Top 12 at Miss America

    • Taylor Wiebers (2015) – Preliminary Talent Winner, Preliminary Swimsuit Winner, Top 12

    • Kelly Koch (2016) – Top 10 at Miss America

    • Bailey Hudson (2022) – Preliminary Social Impact Pitch Winner

    • Alysa Goethe (2023) - first Miss Iowa living with Type 1 Diabetes

  • The Legacy Continues

    For more than 100 years, the Miss Iowa Organization has helped young women dream bigger, achieve their goals, serve their communities, and become leaders in every field imaginable.

    The crown may be worn for a year, but the impact lasts a lifetime.

    The story of Miss Iowa is still being written and its brightest chapters are yet to come.