She is Beauty, She is Grace

By Anna Hughes

Grace Rodi has spent half her life in the pageant industry.

Her passion started at 12 years old when she received a letter in the mail inviting her to participate in a local competition. At 5-foot-11, she was too tall for gymnastics, and her self-proclaimed “two left feet” made it clear that organized sports were not her calling. In the midst of middle school awkwardness, she was well-spoken, smart, and poised, with a desire to make a difference in her community. Pageants seemed like the perfect showcase for her unique skill set.

“I credit pageantry for a lot of who I am and the confidence that I exude on a day-to-day basis,” Rodi said. “It’s taught me grit and tenacity.”

Now, the 24-year-old former Hinsdalean has held titles in a variety of pageant systems, all while promoting her work focused on equal access to education, youth mentorship, and literacy. It was all leading up to the pursuit of the dream she’s had since 6th grade: Miss Illinois USA.

“I never placed the pressure on myself to continue on to a dream that was no longer my dream,” Rodi said about her decision to continue in the industry. “I told myself, if this was still my passion, I’m gonna keep going at it. And I never really lost that dream.”

In May, Rodi’s long-term dream became a blissful reality. Twelve years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication all came to fruition in a five-second announcement. She was crowned Miss Illinois USA, a title she will hold until next spring.

“It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when,” Rodi said, quoting advice she was given early in her career. “If you want something, if you dream about it, if you work hard towards it, it will happen in some capacity.”

Rodi packed up her sash – and lots of shiny outfits – and headed to Hollywood, where she competed for Miss USA on August 4. Rodi placed in the top 20 and secured her dream of competing at the highest level on a national stage. She leaves this competition season with increased confidence and an outpouring of thanks to her family, support system, and pageant team.

“No dream is too big, but dreams can take a long time. Don’t rush things. Don’t think that if it takes five to 10 years, it’s not going to happen,” Rodi said. “It took me 12 years, but I finally got here. And I know that this is not the end. This is not the peak of my life, but instead, just something that is a jumpstart towards future success and has instilled character traits in me that I will use for the rest of my life.”

To learn more about Grace and follow along her journey as Miss Illinois USA, visit www.missillinoisusa.com.