Meet the 52 women competing to be the next Miss America

The 52 contestants vying for the title of Miss America will convene in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 6. This year's competitors span various backgrounds and aspirations, each bringing unique talents and missions to the competition. Alabama's Ruby Tilghman, a chemistry graduate with a passion for hiking and volunteer service, aims to become a medical doctor.

Alaska's Nora Andrews, a psychology and writing student, advocates for mental health awareness. Arizona's Victoria Vredevoogd, a law student and author, founded The Gender Violence Project. Arkansas' Ava Weeks, a secondary English teacher hopeful, champions passenger safety. California's Sharlize True Trujillo, a gender studies and film minor, aspires to study entertainment law.

Colorado's Gabrielle Burns, pursuing a speech-language pathology degree, is a ballroom dancer. Connecticut's Christa Steiner, a professional singer and voice teacher, advocates for mental health access. Delaware's Anaya Harrison, a public policy graduate, plans to become a lawyer and works as a congressional aide. District of Columbia's Evelyn Smith, a philosophy graduate, was the first Black woman to win Miss Oklahoma's Teen and saved her mother's life using CPR skills.

Florida's Alexandra de Roos, a psychology student aiming for a neuropsychiatrist career, founded The Blue Project to promote brain injury education and healing. Georgia's Sophia Wootten, the first Miss America with a cleft lip and palate, plans to become a pediatric audiologist after completing 20 reconstructive surgeries. Hawaii's Carly Yoshida, a social sciences graduate, aims to study meteorology and is a field reporter.