Advice from Forever Miss Floridas: What Every Miss Florida Competitor Needs to Hear

Every woman who earns the title of Miss Florida leaves with more than a crown. She carries a journey filled with lessons, personal growth, lifelong friendships, and experiences that shape who she becomes long after her year of service.

We asked 11 Forever Miss Floridas one simple question:

"What advice would you give the young women competing today?"

While each woman shared her own unique perspective, their messages were filled with encouragement, resilience, authenticity, and a reminder to enjoy every step of the journey.

Here's what they had to say.

Kim Boyce Koreiba

Miss Florida 1983

Years after winning Miss Florida, Kim Boyce Koreiba returned to the competition—not as a contestant, but as a judge. Seeing the competition from behind the judges' table gave her a new appreciation for what truly makes a contestant memorable.

She recalled seeing countless talented, beautiful, and articulate young women, but noticed that what ultimately stood out wasn't perfection—it was authenticity and the little qualities that made each contestant unique.

"It's just that one little difference that can be the difference between being Miss Florida or not being Miss Florida."

Her biggest encouragement is simple: don't be afraid to try.

Even if you don't leave with the crown, you'll leave with something equally valuable.

"Never not try because you learn so much about yourself during this competition that I honestly don't think you would learn any other way in life."

Monica Farrell

Miss Florida 1985

For Monica Farrell, competing for Miss Florida is one of the greatest investments a young woman can make in herself.

She encourages every contestant to embrace the experience wholeheartedly because every area of preparation—from interview to talent to personal development—helps build confidence and character that extends far beyond the competition.

"Go for it."

Monica believes there is no way to measure the value of the lessons learned throughout the process.

"You're only going to better yourself in all of the categories of competition... and really in more ways than you'll ever know."

The discipline, confidence, and personal growth gained today become blessings you'll carry for the rest of your life.

Jennifer Sauder Mullowney

Miss Florida 1987

For Jennifer Sauder Mullowney, authenticity should always be at the center of every contestant's journey.

Whether preparing for interview, talent, or choosing a community service initiative, she believes your greatest strength is being yourself.

"Be your authentic self. Don't say something that you think someone else wants you to say."

She encourages contestants to develop their own opinions, stand confidently behind them, and let their genuine personality shine.

When choosing a platform or cause to advocate for, Jennifer reminds young women to select something that truly matters to them.

"When you're authentic and organic, that will show that you really care."

At the end of the competition, knowing you stayed true to yourself is something no score can ever take away.

Kristin Beall Ludecke

Miss Florida 1995

Sometimes the most meaningful advice doesn't require many words.

For Kristin Beall Ludecke, the Miss Florida experience has the power to change the course of your life.

Her reminder is beautifully simple:

"Make the most of every moment because these moments can change your life."

Every rehearsal, every conversation, every friendship, and every opportunity becomes part of a story you'll remember for years to come.

Jamie Bolding Becker

Miss Florida 1996

Looking back on her own experience, Jamie Bolding Becker knows just how quickly the Miss Florida journey passes.

She encourages contestants to be intentional about slowing down and appreciating every milestone along the way.

"Enjoy the moment."

Years later, it won't just be the competition you'll remember—it will be the friendships, laughter backstage, late-night rehearsals, and the people who supported you every step of the way.

"You've worked so hard to be on this journey. So enjoy your progress. Enjoy your success. Enjoy the people around you that are supporting and loving on you."

Celebrate this chapter of your life while you're living it.

Kelli Meierhenry Keith

Miss Florida 1999

For Kelli Meierhenry Keith, the real competition isn't against anyone standing beside you.

It's against the person you were yesterday.

"The competition really lies within yourself."

She encourages contestants to focus on becoming the strongest, most prepared version of themselves.

Show up with confidence.

Give your very best effort.

Set ambitious goals.

And trust that your future is shaped by the choices you make each day.

"Show up, be your best version of yourself, and give it your all."

Candace Rodatz Barnes

Miss Florida 2000

One piece of advice has been shared by generations of titleholders, and Candace Rodatz Barnes believes it's repeated for a reason.

Because it's true.

"Be yourself."

She encourages contestants not to overthink the process or try to fit someone else's idea of what Miss Florida should be.

Instead...

"Go out there and show the world who you are."

The most memorable contestants are those who compete with confidence, honesty, and authenticity.

Ericka Dunlap

Miss Florida 2003 | Miss America 2004

As Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap knows that confidence begins with knowing yourself.

Her advice isn't simply about preparing for the stage.

It's about preparing for life.

"Be true to yourself."

She reminds contestants that they're presenting the best version of themselves—not to impress judges, but to become someone their future self will always be proud of.

"Take the time to get to know who you are and how you want to present on stage."

Authenticity creates confidence, and confidence leaves a lasting impression.

Allison Kreiger Walsh

Miss Florida 2006

For Allison Kreiger Walsh, becoming Miss Florida wasn't an overnight success. She competed multiple times before earning the title, and each year strengthened her confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose.

Looking back, Allison says the greatest reward wasn't simply becoming Miss Florida—it was the woman she became throughout the process.

"Honor your journey. Honor your progress."

She encourages contestants to celebrate where they are today instead of focusing only on where they hope to be tomorrow.

Every rehearsal.

Every interview.

Every challenge.

Every opportunity.

They're all shaping the leader you're becoming.

She also reminds contestants to celebrate one another.

"You're surrounded by so many other like-minded, amazing young women that are ambitious and chasing big goals."

The friendships and connections built through the Miss Florida organization often last a lifetime.

Rachael Todd Binge

Miss Florida 2009

Walking into Miss Florida can feel intimidating, but Rachael Todd Binge believes there's one habit every contestant should leave at the door:

Comparison.

"Put blinders on."

Of course, make friends.

Of course, enjoy the experience.

But don't spend your week measuring yourself against everyone else.

"Don't compare yourself because you are incredible."

The version of yourself that arrives at Miss Florida is exactly who the judges want to meet.

"Bring yourself. We want to meet you."

Your uniqueness is your greatest advantage.

Lindsay Bettis Fowler

Miss Florida 2022

Lindsay Bettis Fowler knows firsthand that dreams sometimes take time.

After six years of competing, she finally earned the title of Miss Florida.

That perseverance taught her one important lesson:

"Never take yourself out of the game."

Every year she returned, she became stronger, more confident, and more prepared—not just for Miss Florida, but for life and her professional career.

Rather than measuring success only by a crown, Lindsay focused on becoming better than she had been the year before.

"Each year I went back and I got better."

She hopes every contestant remembers that growth is always worth celebrating, regardless of the outcome.

A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Crown

The advice shared by these 11 Forever Miss Floridas proves that while only one contestant earns the title each year, every young woman who steps onto the Miss Florida stage has the opportunity to leave transformed.

Their journeys span nearly four decades, yet their messages remain remarkably consistent: be authentic, embrace the process, trust your unique gifts, support one another, and never stop believing in yourself.

Because in the end, the greatest achievement isn't simply becoming Miss Florida—it's becoming the confident, compassionate, and courageous woman you were always meant to be.

Hear Their Advice in Their Own Words

While these takeaways offer a glimpse into the wisdom shared by these remarkable women, there's nothing quite like hearing their stories firsthand.

Watch the special video compilation below to hear all 11 Forever Miss Floridas answer this question in their own words. Their experiences, encouragement, and heartfelt advice serve as a beautiful reminder that the Miss Florida journey is about so much more than a competition—it's about the lifelong impact it has on every woman who chooses to step onto the stage.

Whether you're preparing for your first local competition or taking the stage at Miss Florida, let their words inspire you to embrace the journey, trust yourself, and make every moment count.

▶️ Watch the full compilation below and be inspired by the women who have worn the Miss Florida crown.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/9f888e_cff45945d00845c79fe1ac54d7b5903e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4