Columbus Residents Win at the 2023 Ohio for America Pageant

Columbus is now home to not one, but two queens.

Megan Whiting, a Gahanna resident and Yiema M. John, a Worthington resident competed in the state-level pageant on June 24, bringing home the titles of Mrs. Ohio-American and Miss Ohio for America Strong, respectively. In August, both women will compete for the national titles in Las Vegas at the Westgate Resort and Casino.

The Mrs. Ohio-American and Miss Ohio for America Strong pageants, under the direction of Kristi Miller-Nunn, are the official state qualifier for Mrs. America/Mrs. American and Miss for America Strong.

Whiting is a seasoned retail professional for Victoria's Secret International with a decade of experience. Inspired by her own struggle with infertility, she founded a non-profit, The Pursuit of Rainbows Foundation, with the belief that financial constraints should not be yet another barrier in someone's dream of starting a family. The organization aims to provide crucial financial assistance to couples striving to build their families.

“I’m truly honored to have received this title and be able to represent not only married women throughout the state of Ohio but share my story of hope with others who have been impacted by infertility,” Whiting said. “The Mrs. America Organization creates a unique opportunity that amplifies the voices of women and provides the ability to put their personal platforms in the spotlight. I am excited and thrilled for my year of service ahead and how this organization will support me in achieving those goals I have set for my year.”

Determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by infertility in Ohio, Whiting aims to raise $5,000 during her reign to provide a much-needed fertility grant to a couple on their fertility journey. Whiting has been married to her husband John for nine years. They live in Gahanna with their rainbow baby Andrew.

Yiema John is a public relations professional and first-generation American originally hailing from New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

In 2018, she founded the community group, She Radiates 614, a collective committed to providing engaging low-to-no-cost professional and personal development programming. Additionally, John has served as a member or volunteer with several local organizations including Columbus Young Professionals, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board and the Junior League of Columbus.

“This is a dream come true but it’s much more than a title to me,” added John. “When a city is growing as rapidly as Columbus is, investing our efforts in meaningful ways will lead to healthier, safer and thriving communities. My reign is an opportunity to inspire others locally and showcase why Ohio is truly the heart of it all.”

During their year of service, both Whiting and John will serve as ambassadors of the Ohio for America organization, while bringing awareness to their chosen platforms through public engagements, appearances and service projects.

The Miss for America Strong, Mrs. American/Mrs. America pageants take place in Las Vegas on August 24 - 26. For more information on the Ohio America pageants, visit www.ohioamericapageants.com.