PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAGE MEDIA GROUP
The Miss USA competition on August 4, 2024, is just around the corner, and North Carolina is cheering on its representative, Kenzie Hansley. A 2017 graduate of Topsail High School, Kenzie was recently crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2024, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious pageant career.
Hailing from Surf City, Kenzie secured the state crown on June 15, 2024, in Raleigh. Her victory is a testament to years of dedication to pageantry, a journey she began at just 10 years old.
“The communities of Hampstead, Surf City and Wilmington have always stepped behind me and I think that’s truly incredible about Wilmington. It makes me proud to be where I’m from. There’s really nothing like our community,” Kenzie told WECT News.
Kenzie is no stranger to the spotlight. She previously held the title of Miss North Carolina Teen USA in 2017, showcasing her long-standing commitment and passion for the pageant world.
Her platform, "Women On Fire," focuses on empowering women through self-defense training. This initiative stems from Kenzie's personal experience as a survivor of sexual assault, demonstrating her resilience and determination to turn adversity into advocacy. Her platform has already made a significant impact, providing crucial skills and confidence to women across the state.
A graduate of High Point University, Kenzie earned her degree with honors. She currently works as one of six surgical specialists in the country for an innovative procedure addressing uterine fibroids, highlighting her commitment to women's health and well-being.
As she prepares for the Miss USA competition in August, Kenzie aims to use her title to mentor young women and promote the positive aspects of pageantry. Her journey from Topsail Island to the state crown serves as an inspiration to aspiring contestants across North Carolina, showing that with determination and hard work, dreams can become reality.
