FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – We’re kicking off our coverage of the 2025 Miss America competition!

VNL’s own Sophia Richards took to the skies on Friday, flying to Orlando, Florida to compete as North Dakota’s state delegate.

The 23-year-old is from Hope, ND. She tells us she had 8 students in her class.

“Growing up on a farm, everyone in my family just had such strong work ethic and that’s something I’ve grown up with my whole life,” says Sophia.

“I’m kinda the odd ball out of my family. We’re a big sports family! So when I was first interested in pageants everyone in my family was a bit apprehensive, like what are we getting into?”

Sophia was 16 years old when she competed in her first pageant, taking the title of Miss West Fargo before winning Miss ND.

She adds,“it took me 3 years to win miss north Dakota, I was a non-finalist my first year, then I was first runner up, then my third year I was the winner.”

“I was such an awkward kid, and I went to my first pageant where I saw all these beautiful, confident young women and that’s something I didn’t see in myself. I thought…. That’s exactly what I want to be like when I grow up.”

“Even if you don’t know me, or any of the other contestants, it’s such a testament to female empowerment.”

The notion of female empowerment doesn’t just exist on the stage for Sophia; she’s been building confidence and grace in young women around the state for the past three years

She says, “Biogirls is my community service initiative, nothing in my life has been more impactful. The self esteem crisis in young women is truly troubling. It’s something I’ve personally experienced and I want to make a difference. It’s a North Dakotan organization, so I’m really excited to bring it to the national stage and get it some recognition.”

When she’s not wearing the sash, she’s wearing a microphone

“I already landed my dream job hosting the lifestyle TV show North Dakota Today. I love my career at Valley News Live, I really don’t see myself anywhere else.”

“I’m not gonna lie to you, it’s been really hard this year. A lot of girls, when they win their state title, will actually quit their job or quit going to school for the year… and that just wasn’t in my nature.”

With only 6 days until the miss America competition, her focus hasn’t left the crown

“I’ve had things done, pulled out of my skin, and teased waxed, tanned and sprayed that I never thought I would before.”

“I’ve been having my friends ask me questions, I’ve been doing mock interviews… but I think the most important thing is to just be incredibly in tune with myself.”

She’s got a little help from friends, family and even some guardian angels.

“I have a stuffed animal that my aunt gave me before she passed away. And all the pageants I’ve won, my mom has actually had that stuffed animal sitting with her in the audience so she can ‘watch me’.”

“You are actually more likely to have a son compete in the Super Bowl than have a daughter compete in Miss America. I mean it’s hard. When you’re in a pageant and getting up on stage, you’re telling the judges: this is who I am, take it or leave it.”

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