She’s best known as the beauty pageant winner who took home the crown of Miss Teen North Dakota International in 2014—a major milestone that paved the way for her to represent her state at the national competition held in Jacksonville, Florida. Before all the spotlight and success, life wasn’t easy. Growing up with her parents and two younger sisters, things took a difficult turn when, at just thirteen years old, her father struggled with alcoholism and her parents eventually separated. As a result, she found herself stepping up in big ways. With her mother raising the family on her own, she had no choice but to start working during high school to help make ends meet. Her journey—from facing early challenges to claiming the title of Miss Teen North Dakota International—shows just how much determination and resilience she has. And even now, looking back at how far she’s come since winning the Miss Teen North Dakota International title, it’s clear that her strength was shaped long before the trophies arrived.