EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Willow Newell dreamt of becoming Miss America since she was a little girl, but did not know it would mean making history along the way.
“Oh God, it’s been three months since being crowned and I look back at the video every day and it’s still a whirlwind for me and being able to travel across the state and meet the people in person who were impacted by my win has changed my life completely,” said Newell.
Having been crowned Miss Wisconsin in June, Newell had made her way around the state. She now represents the 72 counties that make up her home of the Badger State.
That includes Eau Claire County, where she visited for the first time making an appearance for a fundraiser benefitting Community Table. An organization that works to feed the city’s hungry.
“I love it so much. It’s so beautiful. I’m looking out on the river and I’m like, this is stunning. I’ve actually never been here before. I’m so embarrassed,” said Newell.
Among the honor of the crown, she also made history being the first ever Black contestant to earn the title of Miss Wisconsin.
“I had a girl come up to me at an appearance once and she said I had no idea that girls like us could wear crowns like that,” said Newell.
Miss Wisconsin grew up in Racine and noticed along the way the absence of representation among the crowned winners before her. Even noticing the lack of Black representation in the world of media and entertainment.
“Growing up, I never saw the representation of who I was on stage or screen. It inspired me to go get my musical theater bachelor’s this May and it also inspired me to continue competing in this organization so that I can represent the opportunities I’ve received for other young women so that they can know that they can do anything that they want,” said Newell.
With the crown, Newell wants to uplift Black girls who are striving to break barriers and reach new heights. She too had been discouraged at points of her career. She still felt it important to bring Black representation, so she does not become the first and only.
“So many lessons I’ve learned in this year and it’s really hard to describe. I think my favorite experience has been sitting down with young women and talking to them and inspiring them and saying, this is my journey,” said Newell. “I’ve struggled. I’ve competed multiple times. I’ve had times when I didn’t win, but that hasn’t stopped me from achieving the ultimate goal, winning scholarships and earning the title so I can represent everyone.”
Newell did not win Miss America, but she already won by paving the way for women like her that did not think the road was possible.