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Miss Massachusetts USA Candidate Meghan McInnis Wants to Make a Positive Impact on the Lives of Others

Deciding to make your mark on the world in a positive way is a noble goal. One of the best ways to find happiness, fulfillment, a sense of purpose, and a sense of belonging is to try to help improve the lives of others. However, this can be an overwhelming goal: how can you, just one individual person, change others' lives for the better? 

We are all gifted with a unique set of skills and abilities. In any case, helping others brings happiness and prosperity into your own life, so for whatever reason you chose to help others, it will always help you in return.

Meghan McInnis' dream has always been to have a profound impact on the world by helping others and using her voice to stand up for people who feel their voice isn’t heard - "To me, holding a title such as Miss Massachusetts USA, Miss USA, or Miss Universe is an opportunity to showcase everything that a young woman has achieved, and a platform to continue to do good work during (and beyond) the reign" - she explained.

Meghan works for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as the Administrative Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Commissioner. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health and a love for public policy - "Working in Education for the government is a perfect fit for me! I love knowing that the work I do supports such a strong system of public institutions that gives students from all backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher education" - she said.

If she wins the crown of Miss Massachusetts USA Meghan will have the opportunity to represent her state in Miss USA 2018. Whilst Massachusetts is not one of the more successful states in terms of number of placements or semi-finalists, their fortunes were improved in recent years when Shawnae Jebbia was crowned Miss USA in 1998 and Susie Castillo won the crown in 2003. Both Miss USA winners from Massachusetts were asked the same final question during the live telecasts.


You will compete at the Miss Massachusetts USA Pageant, how will you prepare the contest? 

Miss Massachusetts USA is in about 5 weeks! I have been preparing by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I love eating good food that is good for me and staying active! In addition to the physical aspect, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to me, also means taking care of myself mentally by maintaining a positive mindset and surrounding myself with likeminded individuals.

What is your favorite thing to do in your state? 

My favorite thing to do in Massachusetts is attending the Big E in Western Massachusetts! The Big E, also known as The Eastern States Exposition, is the seventh largest fair in the country and the largest agricultural event on the east coast. I went to college in Western Massachusetts (UMass Amherst) and I grew up raising farm animals, so the Big E is really special to me. At this fair there are livestock displays with all kinds of farm animals and a circus. The food vendors are some of the best, offering New England favorites like fried dough, corn dogs, and Italian ice, among many others. One of the most unique features of the Big E is the Avenue of States, which has life sized replicas of all six original New England State Houses. This is special to me because I had my first internship at the Massachusetts State House working for a State Senator.  That experience inspired my love for public policy, and led me to current position working in state government. 

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Photographer: Justin Hammond Photography - Makeup Artist/Hair: Sarah Elizabeth Artistry

Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?

Last year was my first time ever competing in a pageant, and I did not place in the Top 15. While I was initially disappointed by the outcome, it really empowered me to come back this year even stronger. The experience has taught me that nothing worth having comes easily, and victory will be that much sweeter after a little struggle. I really am grateful that I did not place in Top 15!

We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference?

I plan on making a difference by continuing my work in public health and education. During my reign as Miss Massachusetts USA, I will continue to volunteer as a Tutor with Boston Partners in Education, talk to high school students in underserved areas in Massachusetts about the opportunities public higher education has to offer, and promote all of the incredible strides that public officials in Massachusetts have made in education and public health. I am proud of the work that our state government does to ensure that everyone in the Commonwealth has the opportunity for a good education and with that, better health outcomes. 

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What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?

Every day, focus on bettering yourself and bettering the lives of the people around. That’s what makes you a true queen.

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Thanks to the beautiful Meghan for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss Massachusetts USA pageant.