University of Iowa senior represents Iowa at Miss America contest

IOWA CITY - Aly Olson is a singer, but it's her spoken messages of service and inclusion that she hopes resonates with judges during Sept. 14's Miss America competition.

Olson, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Iowa, will represent Iowa in Atlantic City next week. She hopes to be the first Miss Iowa to take home the title of Miss America.

'I truly love my state - from the Iowa State Fair to the UI/ISU rivalry to the cornfields in between,” Olson says. 'This state has given me all of the experiences and relationships necessary to become Miss America. If I do not become the next Miss America, I will be able to work as Miss Iowa until June, an opportunity to allow me to fall further in love with this state and its people.”

Iowans can vote for Olson to be America's Choice by visiting Missamerica.org/vote through Sept. 12.

Regardless of the outcome of the Sept. 13 national competition, the Des Moines native is taking a year off from her studies in vocal performance, music education and performing arts entrepreneurship, to fulfill her duties as Miss Iowa, She'll return to school next year.

'I plan to finish my Bachelor of Music after this crazy journey is done. I then predict that I will pursue an MBA and a career in arts administration,” Olson says.

During her time on campus, Olson has been involved in a multitude of activities, including Walk It Out, a multicultural fashion show on campus.

'My team and I poured hours of love and labor into creating a show focused on promoting the many beautiful cultures at the UI,” Olson says. 'Getting involved has allowed me to explore my interests and practice my passions.”

One of those passions is also her platform - diversity. Through Do One Thing, Olson encourages conversations about diversity and inclusion.

'This conversation is pertinent to all of us,” Olson says. 'I want all generations to be equipped with the skills to embrace others so that learning and growth are accomplished. This journey begins with simple actions every day, and I invite us all to #DoOneThing.”

Olson's path to the pageant began four years ago, when she was crowned Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen.

'I felt like ‘Miss Iowa in training' during my year of service and discovered that the Miss Iowa and Miss America Organizations are the best self-improvement courses: I have become a better cook, had a forum for speaking publicly about my opinions and experiences, traveled the state, sang for thousands of people, and built confidence in myself,” she says.

The Miss Iowa program has also taught Olson about the importance of service.

'Being Miss Iowa is not about being a 'queen” but about taking the crown off to place on the head of a little girl to make her dream come true,” she says.

Aly Olson made her comments to Iowa Now.