Royal Spotlight: Krischell Lewis, America’s Elite National Miss 2020

The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Krischell Lewis, America’s Elite National Miss 2020.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a senior attending Mount St. Mary’s University pursuing a Biology degree with hopes of either being an EMT or a Biology Teacher to students who have trouble learning in normal classroom settings. In my spare time I love to play my Kalimba, listen to music, play in my makeup, read, watch cooking videos, and play with my cat Bella.

When did you start competing in pageants?

I started competing in pageants in 2014 I believe. I was 15 years old at the time, and my school had something like an alumni career day and there I met Miss Maryland 2014 Ciera Nicole Butts, who now is my coach and an amazing friend! We talked a lot that day at the career fair and about a week and some change later she asked me if I wanted to be their Jr. Teen, and I said yes! Being as I have always wanted to try pageants, I took that leap of faith. I’ve been competing ever since!

Why do you compete in pageants?

I compete in pageants because I just love the adrenaline rush and making a change! Being on stage excites me so much and I feel like I really accomplish something big and grand by competing. I love making a change as a titleholder. Having little girls look up to you, having someone being touched by some small act of kindness, just feeling like your presence has made someone’s day a little brighter makes me keep going. I just want to ignite fires in other people that my predecessors have ignited in me.

How many titles have you won?

I think only 4 which include the A.E.M. title I currently have!

Tell us about the America’s Elite Miss Pageant.

What isn’t there to say about A.E.M. This is a system to me that really focuses on more than a crown and a sash. They promote sisterhood and empowerment through the system by pushing young women to be their best self and encourage each other along the way. The one thing I love the most about America’s Elite Miss is the fact that they celebrate the young women who compete and are involved in the system throughout their entire reign. I also love that they really promote service in the community because there is more than just a title. They help make sure we give back to those who have given so much to us, and they really instill that in all of the young girls, and I love that. Even, the sisterhood is amazing. Some of the girls who I met my very first year I still talk to today. There were others who came back with me to compete, and now we are sister queens! Honestly, I love this system and really see myself being here for awhile. Even after I give up my crown, this is a system I will always stand by and spread the A.E.M. #beautifullystrong effect wherever I go.

What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?

I learned to not care about the journey to the crown but the moments along the way that make that journey special! I used to care so much when I didn’t win and be hurt for days, but then I realized that everything has its timing and I will be okay. After that I started to pay attention to the moments leading up to the crown and the friendships I made. Those are the things I try to hold dear because those memories will last a lifetime.

What are your future plans for your pageant career?

I honestly just go wherever the wind takes me. A lot of my family and friends want me to give USA a go, but I’m in a phase in my life where I want to take time to be in the background and enjoy cheering my sister queens on in their endeavors. Then, maybe I’ll come back to the scene when I’ve marinated in life a little.

What words of advice do you live by?

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney

Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?

Instagram: @elitenationalmiss @l.w.purpose