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This article discusses mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
In a striking transformation, Alexia Rodrigues is stepping out of her combat boots and into the spotlight as she competes for the Miss America title. Representing Rhode Island, Rodrigues is making her presence known at the competition taking place in Orlando this Sunday.
Rodrigues enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard during the COVID-19 pandemic and has dedicated over three years of full-time active duty to serve her country. This experience has shaped her life and purpose significantly.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, the 25-year-old articulated her passion for raising awareness about the contributions of women in the armed forces. Her military service has provided her with a profound sense of purpose.
“I absolutely love my job,” said the Warwick native. “Every day, I am excited to don my uniform and serve my country and community. That fuels me each day. The Army focuses heavily on training its soldiers from day one, particularly in equal opportunity and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.”
Rodrigues emphasized the importance of a supportive team that ensures compliance with these essential policies. “I want to inspire young girls by showing them that, even when opportunities seem scarce, they can carve out their own paths. There are no limits. Be the pioneer and leave the door open for others,” she urged.
The Miss America competition, which traces its roots back to a beauty contest in Atlantic City in 1921, has become a platform for scholarship assistance and empowerment for women. Many competitors claim it has been life-changing, opening doors in various aspects of their lives.
This well-known organization awards over $5 million in cash scholarships annually, with additional millions provided at local, state, and national levels.
“The values upheld by Miss America resonate with my beliefs, which is why I was eager to participate,” Rodrigues shared. “My journey with this organization began at age 16, and now I’m nearing the nine-year mark. It has taken immense resilience and multiple attempts to reach this milestone.”
Advocating for Foster Youth Causes
Rodrigues is particularly passionate about advocating for foster youth, a cause close to her heart. Having entered the foster care system as a child due to her biological mother’s struggles with addiction and neglect, she was not adopted until the age of seven.
“My foster parents are the only parents I have ever known. I tend to avoid calling them ‘foster parents’ because to me, they have always simply been Mom and Dad,” she explained. “They began the adoption process while I was very young, and the journey taught me resilience, thanks to their guidance and support.”
In her mission to raise awareness, Rodrigues founded the initiative “Foster Hope, Adopt a Dream.” This program aims to educate the public about the realities faced by children in foster care.
“It’s easy to overlook the fact that there are half a million children in our foster care system, and over 22,000 will age out without ever knowing the support of a loving family or access to higher education,” she reflected. “This often leads to some of these young adults becoming homeless, jobless, or even incarcerated. My goal is to share these statistics and shed light on this critical issue.”
She pointed out the lack of policies addressing the needs of foster children, stating, “Right now, many children in foster care lack essential rights and support systems.”
Proposing Legislative Change
Recently, Rodrigues met with Senator Reed to discuss legislation aimed at making Rhode Island a leader in Foster Youth initiatives. “We are working to propose the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and the Foster Hope Act, which would ensure that children in foster care understand their rights and know who to turn to if those rights are violated,” she explained.
Rodrigues credits her experience in the Rhode Island National Guard with empowering her to share her story and use her voice to help those with similar backgrounds. As she navigated her second year in political science at Syracuse University, the impact of the pandemic turned her life upside down.
“When COVID-19 hit, my routine was disrupted. I felt disconnected from my community, which had always been a core part of my identity. I began writing about the changes I wanted to see,” she recalled. “I reached out to Allie Curtis, a former Miss Rhode Island and an active National Guard member, who inspired me to join this community. From that moment, I discovered the passion for serving others and the desire to be part of something meaningful.”
Dealing with Loss and Grief
Rodrigues’ life has not been free from tragedy. She lost her sister Tiffany to an undiagnosed heart condition when she was only 13. More recently, her brother Keith died by suicide in 2024, which has profoundly influenced her outlook on life.
“Grief leaves behind a type of pain that never fully heals,” Rodrigues admitted. To cope, she started a resiliency tour, sharing her journey with communities, military units, and classrooms. Her mission is to spread awareness about grief, resilience, and vulnerability.
“I tell my story openly because, throughout my journey, I’ve faced moments where I doubted I would be okay,” she said. “Mental health struggles are real, and thankfully, I had a support system that recognized when I wasn’t well, even when I appeared fine externally. Their support allowed me to break down, cry, and eventually rebuild myself.”
Inspiring a New Generation
Today, Rodrigues aims for her journey to motivate others to effect positive change in their communities. “There were numerous moments when I thought I might be broken forever,” she reflected. “However, because of the support I received, I am here and stronger than ever. That’s why it’s my mission to be a guiding force for others who lack the same support.”
Through her roles in the military and her advocacy work in the Miss America competition, Alexia Rodrigues continues to empower not only women in the armed forces but also the youth from foster care. Her mission to create an inclusive environment promises to leave a legacy of hope and resilience.
