The first woman with down syndrome to ever compete in a state level beauty pageant has broken down those barriers in Minnesota. Mikayla Holmgren competed in the Miss USA pageant in her home state, and she didn’t go home empty handed. In fact, she inspired everyone she met while she was there.

Mikayla’s father says his daughter has been competing in pageants since she was small. He says she loves to dance, perform, and be in front of a crowd. She loves it so much in fact, that she applied for the Miss USA pageant herself. It wasn’t just a few minutes after she applied that she was getting a call from the director of the pageant.

This pageant in particular likes to help young women break down boundaries. Last year they had a Muslim woman wear a hijab in the pageant last year for the first time, and several women have followed her path. Mikayla hopes that she is inspiring other women with disabilities to not let their disability define who they are.

It’s easy to see why Mikayla would be just the person to inspire other women too. One look at her smile says it all. Her father says she is always upbeat and has a very positive outlook on life. “She never really has a bad day,” he says.

Denise Wallace, the executive co-director of the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, says that Mikayla is the epitome of what the organization looks for in their contestants. She says Mikayla is an incredible and accomplished young woman.

Mikayla is just happy to have had the opportunity and hasn’t let her success go to her head. The courageous young lady went home with two awards: the Spirit of Miss USA Award and the Director’s Award. It’s easy to see why this sweetheart deserves those awards. Congratulations Mikayla!