HISTORIC TRIUMPH: Racine’s Willow Newell Crowned First Bl1

Last weekend, Racine native Willow Newell made history by being crowned Miss Wisconsin 2025, becoming the first Black woman ever to hold the title. This powerful moment not only highlights her personal achievement but marks a milestone in representation—reshaping the face of pageantry in Wisconsin and igniting conversations about diversity, confidence, and community impact.

A Legacy-Making Win

On June 21, during the Miss Wisconsin competition at the West Performing Arts Center in New Berlin, Willow outshone 29 talented contestants to claim the crown. Her coronation wasn’t just about beauty or talent—it was a statement of progress. Reflecting on this emotional moment, Newell said:

“It’s hard to put into words… to represent the state after competing for so long, and to come into a legacy of so many amazing… women.”

A Journey Built on Passion and Perseverance

Willow’s relationship with pageantry began in 2017 with the Miss America teen program. She earned local titles such as Miss Kenosha 2023 and Miss Racine 2025. Along the way, she transformed into a performer with poise and purpose.

Talent performance: A show-stopping rendition of “And I’m Telling You” from Dreamgirls earned her the top vocalist award and the Ryan Guy Memorial Music Scholarship—adding $2,300 to her winnings.
Evening gown & interview: She achieved preliminary honors and tied for overall evening wear and interview scores, demonstrating both grace and intellect .

Her achievements brought in a total of $15,300 in scholarships .

Breaking Barriers for Representation

Becoming the first Black Miss Wisconsin carries monumental cultural weight. Willow remembered meeting a young Black girl mid-competition:

“She got up and said, ‘Your hair looks just like mine.’… to be representation so girls can say ‘I’m beautiful, too.’”

That moment wasn’t just frosting—it was foundation. In a year where diversity in pageantry is imperative, Newell’s win shows what representation can look like on a stage where standards were once narrow.

Education, Community, and Future Ambitions

Newell recently earned a BA in Musical Theater from Carthage College in Kenosha, completing 15 major productions . Her roots in Racine run deep—she studied at St. Catherine’s before graduating through Racine Unified’s online program .

Her community service platform, “Expression Without Exclusion,” aims to broaden access to the arts—targeting schools, nursing homes, and marginalized groups. She’s already begun collaborating with the Wisconsin Arts Board to elevate arts funding statewide.

What’s Next: Miss America & Graduate School

As Miss Wisconsin 2025, Newell advances to the Miss America 2026 competition in Orlando this September. After her year-long reign, she plans to pursue a master’s in dramatic writing, aiming to script meaningful narratives for film and television .

The Support Behind the Crown

Willow’s triumph was celebrated wholeheartedly by her family and hometown:

Her father, Willie Newell, described the crown moment as “very proud and very surreal,” adding his daughter embodies “all the characteristics of a perfect Miss Wisconsin”.
Teachers, local businesses like Razor Sharp Fitness and Dimple’s downtown shop rallied behind her efforts during Miss Racine and state pageants.
She has visited local schools including Jerstad-Agerholm, Case, and Washington Park High, finding inspiration in her community’s youth .

Celebrating Fellow Finalists

Newell’s win occurred alongside a competitive finals lineup:

1st runner-up: Miss Madison (Jasmine Peck), $4,000 scholarship
2nd runner-up: Miss Rock River Valley (Catherine Smith), $2,000
3rd runner-up: Miss Northern Lights (Jordenne Butler), $1,500
4th runner-up: Miss Sugar Maple (Evelyn Green), $1,000
People’s Choice: Miss Wisconsin Rapids (Olivia Heuer), $600

Notably, fellow Racine native Christel Rivera (Miss Great Lakes) made top runner-up and was celebrated for winning the health and fitness title .

A Crown with Purpose

Willow Newell’s historic win is more than a personal triumph—it’s a catalyst for change. Her platform centers inclusion over exclusion, visibility over invisibility. Her journey—through arts, education, and service—connects deeply to her community’s hope and collective pride.

Her powerful message?