My Story

My name is Sophia Wootten, and I am the creator and driving force behind AccessAbility: Disability Advocacy in Education.

Having been born with a cleft lip and palate, I experienced early challenges that affected my immune, respiratory, articulatory, and auditory systems. Because of this, I began receiving educational accommodations at just three years old. 

These experiences opened my eyes to the transformative power of accessibility and advocacy within the classroom. 

During my second year of college, I became involved with the Miss America Organization, a decision I often call the best of my life.

Miss America is so much more than the opportunity to wear a crown and sash; it’s a platform for advocacy, service, and growth. Through it, I’ve found a space to amplify my voice and somewhere that I can champion the causes I care deeply about.

I first served as Miss Classic City 2025, where I proudly placed in the Top 10 at Miss Georgia. After that experience, I definitely caught the “pageant bug.” There’s something incredibly inspiring about spending eleven unforgettable days surrounded by more than 100 intelligent, ambitious, and purpose-driven women that truly made me eager to return. Less than three months later, I found myself stepping back onstage in Rome, Georgia, ready to continue this journey with even greater passion.

On August 23, 2025, I was crowned Miss Northwest Georgia 2026.

 Going into that weekend, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions... excitement, nerves, and gratitude all at once. Thanks to my incredible hair and makeup artist, who encouraged me to share my hearing accommodations with the judges at the start of my interview, and the reinforcement from the Miss Rome Organization Executive Director, I walked into that room with confidence and authenticity. What followed was truly the best interview of my life because the judges knew exactly how to accommodate me, which is what I have fought for throughout my whole pageant journey. 

Even though I knew I had an amazing interview, I had to focus on the onstage portion of competition: Onstage Question, Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown, and then our Final Ballot Question. It just so happened that my OSQ was the same as my first pageant. "How have your personal experiences with disability inspired your Community Service Initiative, AccessAbility?" 

On the Miss UGA stage in January 2025, I could barely fight through the fear of telling my own story. Months later, I was proud to share the journey that brought me there and that would eventually carry me to my second chance at the Miss Georgia crown. 

Being in this organization has taught me more about fearlessness than I ever imagined. It has shown me the importance of speaking proudly about what you believe in "even when your voice shakes" (Maggie Kuhn). It has shown me that vulnerability, resilience, and staying true to your "why" truly pay off. And, finally, it has empowered me to embrace every part of my story and to use it to inspire others to do the same. 

A personal note from me…

To all of the girls out there who are impacted by a disability, HEAR ME, turn it into ABILITY! YOU BELONG HERE! Had someone told me when I was little, in middle or high school that I would be part of the BEST organization, the Miss America opportunity, I would have never believed it. I, too, have been the victim of bullies, endured nineteen surgeries, and have had countless ups and downs. I AM BLESSED to have had the team of family, friends, doctors and teachers supporting me over the last twenty years. I want to support YOU!  Having experienced a disability that impacts both my physical appearance accompanied by medical issues, I am telling you…YOU BELONG HERE! The Miss America Organization seeks to empower women through advancing education, service, scholarship and success. DID I MENTION THE SISTERHOOD, we TRULY love and support each other. Please reach out to me if you would like to learn more about this opportunity!