Emma Broyles

Emma Broyles
Emma Leigh Broyles (born July 25, 2001) is an American beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Alaska 2021 and Miss America 2022 on December 16, 2021, its 100th anniversary. She is the first Miss Alaska to be crowned Miss America. She is also the first titleholder outside of the contiguous United States since Angela Perez Baraquio of Hawaii in Miss America 2001.
During the Miss America competition, Broyles highlighted her vulnerability and openness on social media about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dermatillomania (the repeated urge or impulse to pick at one's own skin), as well as her history with volunteering for the Special Olympics. Before the competition, she planned to become a physician assistant due to financial concerns over the cost of medical school, though she stated her circumstances changed due to winning the competition's scholarships. She was awarded a record $100,000 in scholarships and succeeded Camille Schrier.
Early life and education
Broyles was born in Anchorage, Alaska to Julie and Ronald Broyles. She has an older brother Brendan and a younger brother Benjamin. Her maternal grandparents immigrated from South Korea to Alaska.
On January 25, 2022, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy invited Broyles as an honored guest to Juneau, Alaska for the 2022 State of the State address. Broyles was honored for becoming the first Alaskan to win the title of Miss America in the 100-year history of the competition. On April 7, 2022, Alaska U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced Senate Resolution 584, "Congratulating Miss Emma Broyles of Alaska for being crowned Miss America 2022."
Broyles graduated from Anchorage's Service High School in 2019, where she was co-president the Special Olympics-sponsored Partners Club due to her personal connection with her older brother with Down syndrome. She is currently attending Arizona State University's Barrett, The Honors College. Broyles is majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Voice Performance. She plans to attend medical school and become a dermatologist.
Pageantry
Miss Anchorage's Outstanding Teen 2017
In January 2017, Broyles won the title of Miss Anchorage's Outstanding Teen at the Miss Anchorage 2017 pageant at the age of 15.
Miss Alaska's Outstanding Teen 2017
In June 2017, Broyles won the title of Miss Alaska's Outstanding Teen at the Miss Alaska 2017 pageant at the age of 15.
Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2018
Broyles competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2018 in July 2017 at the age of 16. She did not advance to the finals or win any preliminary or non-finalist awards.
Distinguished Young Woman of Alaska 2019
Broyles won the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Alaska 2019 at the Distinguished Young Woman competition in November 2018 at the age of 17.
Miss Alaska 2021
Broyles was crowned Miss Alaska on June 17, 2021, winning on her first attempt at the age of 19. She did not hold a local title, but was able to compete as an at-large candidate since Alaska doesn't require candidates to hold a local title to compete at the state level. Broyles won the Talent Phase and People's Choice awards.
Miss America 2022
On December 12, 2021, Broyles won a $1,000 scholarship as the social impact pitch winner from the first preliminary night of competition.
On December 16, 2021, Broyles won the Miss America 2022 competition at the age of 20, winning a $100,000 scholarship. The competition was held at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Reign as Miss America 2022
During her Miss America reign, Broyles advocated for the Special Olympics program and Asian-American and Alaskan Native media representation. She also participated in the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in an F-16 airplane, and was honored as the "Alaskan of the Week" by Senator Dan Sullivan on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the 2023 Miss America competition, Broyles wore a gown created by Project Runway alum Aaron Michael that featured portraits of former Miss Americas.
References
2001 births
Living people
American people of Korean descent
Miss America winners
People from Anchorage, Alaska