The newly titled pageant contestant is beginning her modeling journey while using her platform, Joy for the Journey, to encourage positive self-image, resilience, and awareness of eating disorders.
VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES
Brittany Bowers, Ms. Virginia US Nation 2026, is using her new title as a platform to promote confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image through her initiative, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time.
Although Brittany has never modeled professionally before, she says her decision to enter modeling and pageantry grew from a personal journey of learning to embrace confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. She sees the experience as an opportunity to challenge herself while encouraging others to pursue opportunities that may initially seem intimidating.
“I have actually never modeled before, and that’s what makes this experience so exciting,” Brittany said. “Modeling is an opportunity for me to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone, and represent the message that beauty is not about perfection—it’s about being genuine and using your voice to make a positive impact.”
A Different Perspective on Modeling and Pageantry
Brittany believes modeling and pageantry can extend beyond fashion and physical appearance. She views both as opportunities to tell stories, represent diverse experiences, build confidence, and create opportunities to serve others.
She also hopes to challenge the idea that beauty has one standard.
“A crown or a runway should never define someone’s worth—it should amplify their voice and the positive impact they make in their community,” Brittany said.
Through her title, Brittany plans to advocate for mental health awareness, eating disorder education, self-care, emotional well-being, and positive self-image. She hopes to partner with organizations, schools, and community events to encourage conversations about self-worth and resilience.
Joy for the Journey
Brittany’s platform, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time, is based on the idea that progress does not always happen through large or visible milestones.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness about eating disorders while encouraging people to recognize everyday progress, seek support, and practice kindness toward themselves and others.
“Recovery isn’t defined by perfection—it’s built through small, everyday victories,” Brittany said. “I want people to know they are more than a diagnosis, a number, or their struggles.”
Brittany says the platform is personal to her because her own experiences have shaped how she understands resilience and healing.
From Athletics to Advocacy
Athletics has played an important role in Brittany’ s life. She was a cheerleader, competed as a collegiate runner, and is now training for a marathon. She identifies her recovery from anorexia as one of her most significant personal accomplishments.
That experience has influenced her approach to resilience, identity, and personal growth.
“Today, I use those experiences to encourage others through my platform, Joy for the Journey, reminding people that our worth is not measured by our performance or appearance, but by our character, perseverance, and willingness to keep moving forward,” Brittany said.
Her longer-term professional goals also extend beyond modeling and pageantry. Over the next five years, Brittany hopes to continue working in counseling while supporting other counselors in understanding athlete identity and the challenges younger generations can face when their identities become closely connected to performance, achievement, or diagnoses.
She also hopes to contribute to neuroscience research and collaboration at the University of Florida, combining counseling, neuroscience, and education in support of mental health care.
Exploring the Fashion World
As she begins her modeling journey, Brittany is interested in participating in fashion events with Super Chic Fashion Week, including Boston Fashion Week and Miami Art Basel Edition Fashion Week. She has also expressed interest in New York Fashion Week.
In addition to exploring opportunities in fashion, Brittany will represent Virginia at the Miss US Nation Pageant this year, competing in the national competition. She looks forward to using this experience to further her advocacy for confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image.
For Brittany, entering the modeling world represents an opportunity to put her message of confidence, authenticity, and positive self-image into practice. Through these experiences, she hopes to challenge traditional perceptions of beauty, inspire others to embrace their individuality, and demonstrate that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to meaningful personal growth.
Her Ms. Virginia US Nation title is therefore more than a pageant achievement. She hopes to use her platform to encourage others to embrace their individual journeys, celebrate their progress, and recognize that even small steps forward can lead to meaningful change.
About Brittany Bowers
Brittany Bowers is Ms. Virginia US Nation and an advocate for confidence, mental health awareness, eating disorder education, and positive self-image. Through her platform, Joy for the Journey: Celebrating Small Victories, One Step at a Time, she seeks to encourage resilience and self-acceptance while beginning her journey into modeling and pageantry.
Instagram: @bbr1ttt_journey
Photo Credit: Mary Custer, Lasting Impressions Photography
Instagram: @lasting_impressionsphotography
Media Contact
Miss US Nation Pageants
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