Meet Alexis Smith: Miss Kansas 2024 Uses Platform to Expose Abuser and Advocate Against Domestic Violence
3 min read
Image via IG@missalexissmith
The Miss Kansas 2024 event gained international attention after Alexis Smith, the newly crowned Miss Kansas, boldly called out her abuser from the stage. Smith, a dedicated cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in Wichita, has used her newfound platform to launch a powerful campaign against unhealthy and abusive relationships, a cause deeply personal to her.
A Courageous Stand on a Global Stage
The Miss Kansas event concluded in June, but it resurfaced in the headlines globally when Alexis Smith took a courageous stand against her past abuser during her crowning moment. In a viral video shared on July 16, Smith addressed the audience, revealing that her abuser was present but emphasizing that this would not deter her from fulfilling her role as Miss Kansas. “My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships,” she declared. “Some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that’s not going to stop me from being on this stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas.”
Congrats to Alexis Smith, @MissAmericaKS 2024! đ "My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by DV… Itâs something that Iâm still experiencing and dealing with today.â Her bravery and advocacy are truly inspiring. đŞâ¤ď¸
Source: https://t.co/wlDsMbEDP7pic.twitter.com/f81YDQTQKD— RICADV (@ricadv) July 19, 2024Advertisement
Viral Impact and Community Support
Smith’s message struck a chord, resonating with thousands who viewed and shared the video on social media. She expressed her determination to use her platform to advocate for healthy relationships and support others who have faced similar challenges. “Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world,” she wrote on Instagram. “I took back my powerânot just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.”
The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise and support. Many followers shared their own stories of overcoming abuse and thanked Smith for her bravery. “As a victim of domestic violence, I applaud you for speaking out!!” one commenter wrote. Another added, “You just stood up for all women. Thank you. I’m sorry for what you went through, and thank you for speaking up.”
Personal Connection and Ongoing Advocacy
Smith’s commitment to this cause is rooted in her personal experiences and those of her family. In an interview with KSN, she revealed that domestic violence has affected every woman in her family. “At the age of 14, I got into my first relationship, but it was also an abusive relationship that I was in until about 2018, 2019. Itâs something that Iâm still experiencing and dealing with today,” she shared.
Leveraging her position as Miss Kansas, Alexis Smith has introduced a community service initiative titled âRespect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships.â This initiative focuses on domestic violence prevention and aims to empower individuals through education and support. Smith is determined to use her story and platform to make a significant impact in her community and beyond.
As Alexis Smith prepares to represent Kansas at the Miss America pageant in January 2025, she remains focused on her mission to combat domestic violence. She views her role as an opportunity to not only empower herself but also to inspire and support others. “A big part of that is service and going out and taking your community, and not only developing a better you but a better community as well,” she explained.
Smithâs dedication to this cause exemplifies her strength and determination. Her journey from victim to advocate serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting those who have experienced it. As Miss Kansas, Alexis Smith stands tall as a beacon of hope and resilience, ready to make a difference on a larger scale.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
