Richmond native Carlehr Swanson’s pageant journey stemmed from her passion for music. In 2017, her talent and dedication earned her the title of third runner-up and the People’s Choice Award in the Miss Virginia Organization. This past June, Swanson’s perseverance paid off when she was crowned Miss Virginia, a triumph that marked the pinnacle of her efforts and secured her $22,500 in scholarship awards.

Swanson, a music student at the University of Virginia pursuing a doctorate, will apply the scholarship award toward her academic pursuits. Her research focuses on Black studies, feminist studies and gospel music.

Post-graduation, she aspires to teach at the collegiate level while maintaining a career as a concert performer.

Her journey as a performer began in church choirs at the age of 6. She honed her skills with classical piano lessons at age 7 and later playing drums in the Highland Springs High School Marching Band. A summer camp in high school exposed her to the music industry and ignited her pursuit of music.

As Miss Virginia, Swanson serves as a goodwill ambassador, performing artist and motivational speaker as she travels across the Commonwealth. She’ll represent Virginia in the national Miss America competition in January 2025.

Swanson says the criticisms about pageants objectifying women are unfair. She highlights the effort contestants put in, such as preparing for interviews, staying informed on world events, doing community service, maintaining fitness and working on college admissions.

“People who say that don’t understand how pageants work,” she explains. “I would encourage young women to look at pageants because you can learn so many valuable skills.”

Meet Miss Virginia 2024 and this week’s Personality, Carlehr Swanson:

Occupation: Ph.D. student, minister of music, artist.

Date and place of birth: Oct. 15 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Roanoke.

Education: Bachelor’s in jazz studies from George Mason University and a master’s in jazz vocal performance from the University of Miami.

Family: Mother Carolyn Swanson and father Wayman Swanson.

Tell us about Miss Virginia Opportunity Inc.: It’s a scholarship organization providing opportunities for young Virginia women to win financial assistance and further their education. The organization educates and empowers young women through pageants, workshops, seminars, volunteerism and scholarships.

What is Miss Virginia: The Miss Virginia competition is a scholarship pageant, with the title holder representing Virginia in the Miss America pageant.

History of the Miss Virginia Pageant: The pageant was founded in 1926 and held at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach as a business outreach event. In 1963, a nonprofit called the Miss Virginia Competition was formed and became a franchise of the Miss America Pageant.

Where was the 2024 crowning pageant: Berglund Center, Roanoke.

Purpose of the Virginia pageant scene: The Miss Virginia Opportunity Inc. holds several local pageants throughout the year across the commonwealth to raise awareness of the Miss America Program.

It’s a fundraising opportunity for scholarships and the implementation of community service projects.

History of black women and Miss Virginia: The first Black Miss Virginia, Nita Booth Young, was crowned in 1998.

Others include Nancy Redd 2003, Caressa Cameron 2009 who became Miss America 2010, and Desiree Williams, 2013.

How I qualified to compete: I won a local Miss Virginia competition.

Why I decided to participate in pageants: I initially chose to participate in a pageant because of the talent portion and my love of music. Word spread about my singing, and I was invited to participate.

Why pageants are relevant in 2024: They allow young women to continue their education through the countless scholarship opportunities available. They also encourage young women to assess what’s happening in their community and develop fundamental, tangible ways to [address issues] through community service initiatives.

My previous pageant titles: Miss Virginia Dogwood Outstanding Teen 2014, Miss Bedford 2015, Miss Piedmont Region 2017, Miss State Fair 2018, Miss Fort Lauderdale 2020-2021, Miss Blue Ridge 2022, Miss Lynchburg 2023 and Miss Blue Ridge 2024.

How I wowed the judges: I wanted to be my authentic self in every way possible. I also wanted to show them that I could do the job by displaying the work I had been doing already.

Mental health and pageants: Pageants can be problematic because you’re constantly judged. Therefore, trusted mental health resources are essential. Mine include praying, exercise and designated social media times. Finding people who celebrate you and want the best for you is essential.

The best part of pageants: The sisterhood and family. They’ve pushed me to keep going.

Downside of pageants: I wish more people knew about the scholarship opportunities and the community service work the young women provide.

My platform: Bridging the Divide: Music is Unity. I bring music to students and residents of nursing homes to help them experience its unifying and transformative power.

How it felt to be crowned Miss Virginia 2024: I thought about all the people who had to wait in the Bible for their blessings. I feel God has created a time like this just for me.

Prizes I received as Miss Virginia 2024: I was honored to receive a $22,500 scholarship, the chance to compete in Miss America in January, a fully furnished apartment in Roanoke, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson, and various hair, skin, nail [products] and clothes from Miss Virginia sponsors.

Miss Virginia 2024’s responsibilities: As Miss Virginia 2024, I have the privilege and responsibility to serve the community. In partnership with Virginia ABC, I will travel across Virginia to elementary schools, spreading a message of health, wellness and substance abuse prevention to students and teachers through the Miss Virginia School Tour.

The last Miss Virginia crowned Miss America: Camille Schrier in 2020. How I want to inspire Black youths in my role as Miss Virginia: I hope to encourage them to believe they can do anything they put their minds to and, most importantly, accomplish their goals by being authentic.

What’s next: I will tour elementary schools throughout the Commonwealth and compete in the Miss America Competition in January.

How I start the day: Grateful.

The three words that best describe me: Spirit-led, creative and adaptable.

My dream dinner party guest: My Grandma Gladys. She passed away while I was in high school, and I miss her very much. She was always so proud of me and I can imagine her telling her friends her “Honey” is Miss Virginia.

Best late-night snack: Peanut butter granola bar and Greek yogurt.

The top three songs on my playlist: “Livin’” by The Clark Sisters, “Day Dreaming” by Aretha Franklin and any Fantasia song.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Binge watch my favorite Disney shows.

A quote that inspires me: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

The best thing my parents taught me: My mother always asked me, “Why not you?” She always reminds me that I am capable and deserving of the goals I’m striving toward, no matter what I’m doing.

Most influential person: My grandmother.

Most influential book: “90 mins in Heaven” by Don Piper because it helped me cope with my grandmother’s death. It gave me a different perspective on death and encouraged me to live life to the fullest.

My current read: “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. My takeaway is that many Christians know Jesus, but few are dedicated to being his apprentices, making his way their way.

Next goals: Compete at Miss America, finish my Ph.D. and continue to take music to those that need it most.