Annette Addo-Yobo has etched her name in the annals of Texas pageant history. The North Texas resident clinched the Miss Texas 2024 crown on Saturday night at Richardson’s Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts.
Her victory marks a significant milestone as the first immigrant-born and Ghanaian woman to secure this prestigious title.
Breaking Barriers: A Ghanaian Immigrant’s Rise to Miss Texas
Competing as Miss Southlake, Addo-Yobo outshone fierce competition to claim the crown. Her journey to this moment was fraught with challenges. Born in Ghana and raised in Canada and the U.S., she faced numerous obstacles due to her citizenship status.
“I lost out on many opportunities as a teenager and college student,” Addo-Yobo revealed in a heartfelt post. Her perseverance paid off when she finally obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022. This triumph paved the way for her historic win.
From Psychology Graduate to Pageant Queen: Addo-Yobo’s Educational Journey
Addo-Yobo’s academic prowess matches her pageant success. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2020. This educational background underpins her advocacy work and pageant platform.
Her victory comes with a $20,000 scholarship and the opportunity to represent Texas in the Miss America contest. “I am humbled, honored, and grateful to serve as your 87th Miss Texas,” Addo-Yobo expressed on Instagram.
Championing Autism Awareness: The SPARK Project
Addo-Yobo’s pageant platform extends beyond personal achievement. She leverages her spotlight to advocate for autism awareness through The SPARK Project. This cause hits close to home, as her younger brother Andrew was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age four.
During the talent portion of the pageant, Addo-Yobo delivered a powerful spoken word performance highlighting autism awareness. “I want to bring autism safety, awareness, and education to the frontlines of our programming and our legislation,” she declared.
A Crown for Change: Addo-Yobo’s Vision for Inclusivity
Addo-Yobo’s win represents more than personal triumph. It symbolizes hope for marginalized communities. “This crown is for every young child, teenager, and adult on the spectrum who felt alienated, abandoned, stereotyped, and unseen because of their different abilities,” she stated.
Her victory also resonates with immigrant communities. “This crown is for young immigrant girls who had to live a life different from everyone else,” Addo-Yobo added. She aims to use her platform to address structural inequities faced by individuals with autism.
Looking Ahead: Addo-Yobo’s Path to Miss America
As Miss Texas 2024, Addo-Yobo now sets her sights on the Miss America pageant. She continues to advocate for autism awareness, having previously volunteered for Autism Speaks on Capitol Hill.
Addo-Yobo’s historic win not only celebrates her achievements but also heralds a new era of diversity and inclusion in the Miss Texas pageant. Her journey from immigrant to pageant queen inspires many, proving that with determination, barriers can be broken.
