Junior nursing major Ryn Andersen was crowned Miss DFW on Oct. 27, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her pageant journey. As the official preliminary to Miss Texas, Miss DFW is a key step in the competition, where categories like talent, interviews, evening wear and physical fitness are judged.
Local titleholders, like Andersen, compete for the Miss Texas title, with the winner advancing to the national stage at Miss America.
With Miss Texas just around the corner in June, Andersen is busy preparing for her next big challenge.
Not only is Andersen Miss DFW, but she is also a current TCU showgirl and a member of Delta Gamma.
Andersen is a Cherokee Nation (Tahlequah, Oklahoma) citizen and a direct descendant of the Cherokee’s “Beloved Woman,” Nancy Ward.
Her involvement in pageantry started with the former TCU Showgirls director Lindsay Westbrook. Westbrook reached out and encouraged Andersen to get involved in pageantry.
“Pageant life has enhanced my college experience by pushing me to grow in confidence, leadership and time management,” Andersen said. “It has given me opportunities to advocate for domestic violence awareness, connect with inspiring women and develop professional skills like public speaking and networking.”
She added how competing has continuously encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace challenges with resilience in and out of the classroom and on stage.
Besides the glitz and glam, pageant women use their platforms to advocate for and bring social awareness to issues they are passionate about. Andersen’s original initiative was her sorority’s philanthropy, Service for Sight, but she changed it to an issue closer to her heart: domestic violence.
“My connection to this issue is rooted in the experience of my older sister, who fell victim to abuse. My sister’s escape was a blessing, but I know many victims do not have that opportunity,” Andersen said. “Utilizing my platform as Miss DFW to break the silence on domestic violence, advocate for victims and promote a culture of empathy, urgency and intervention is how I am pursuing building a stronger, more compassionate community for all.”
Besides her pageantry life, Ryn is a full-time nursing student, where she must balance clinicals, tests and everyday school life.
“Balancing pageantry and academics requires discipline, but I’ve learned that time management and passion make it possible,” Andersen said. “Staying organized and surrounding myself with supportive friends, family and mentors helps me excel in both areas.”
As Andersen prepares for Miss Texas in June, you can follow her pageant journey on Instagram.
