Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

Crowns for a Cause Turns Pageantry into Purpose
story by Cherie Ward photos by Crowns for a Cause
In a world where leadership often begins with visibility, Crowns for a Cause helps young women step into the spotlight with purpose. Founded by Katelyn Perry of Ocean Springs, the nonprofit blends the structure of pageantry with a mission rooted in service, mentorship, and real-world impact.
“It started with a small idea,” Perry said. “I never imagined it would grow beyond Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana—but now we’re in 20 states with 125 Ambassadors. I aim to reach all 50 states and every Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.”
At the heart of Crowns for a Cause is a simple belief—young women thrive when given the tools and the platform to lead. Ambassadors kick off their reigning year with a service project for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, then spend the year advocating, volunteering, and speaking publicly on its behalf.
But this isn’t about rhinestones and rehearsals. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and raising a generation of young women who know how to lead—and lead well. With a focus on scholarship, personal growth, and civic involvement, Crowns for a Cause equips participants with more than a title.
Each year, Ambassadors collect items based on hospital needs. The first year: boxes of Band-Aids. The second, socks. The third, Band-Aids again, by request. “I always try to take suggestions directly from the hospitals,” Perry said. “This year, we’re collecting coloring books and crayons.”
Katelyn Perry.
When urgent needs arise, Perry doesn’t hesitate. A few months ago, Children’s of Jackson reached out in crisis—families needed prepackaged snacks and microwaveable meals. Within days, Ambassadors launched a two-month emergency drive to help.
Perry’s inspiration came from her time with a national pageant organization open to girls of all ages—from toddlers to teens. While the competitions focused on talent and interviews,
she noticed a gap—too few opportunities for meaningful community service.
And for Perry, the mission is also personal. When she was 12, her younger brother spent six days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Children’s Miracle Network hospital. “They just took such good care of us,” she said. “That experience stayed with me.”
In June, Perry competed for the seventh time in the Miss Mississippi pageant, where contestants are also judged separately on community service. “I ended up winning the award,” she said. “There were 41 contestants, and they chose me out of all 41. I’m proud of that.”
Through mentorship, service, and structured leadership, Crowns for a Cause is raising confident, capable changemakers across South Mississippi and beyond—one crown, and one cause, at a time.
112 | September 2025
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