Brittany Goodman, the current National United Miss for the International United Miss Organization, is on a mission to empower survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence through her platform “Strength Over Silence.” Based in Columbus, Ohio, Brittany’s journey is a testament to resilience and breaking societal expectations. Through “Strength Over Silence,” Brittany has conducted seminars across 16 states, educating collegiate students on the signs of abuse, the importance of consent, and the local resources available for survivors. Her personal experience with sexual assault inspired her to create this platform, with the goal of fostering open dialogue and providing valuable education to prevent further incidents. Brittany is breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. She believes that one’s size or body type should never limit their ability to pursue their dreams. By living her truth and embracing her platform, Brittany inspires others to do the same, proving that anyone can accomplish great things in any industry as she is a strong advocate for body positivity. Beyond her work with “Strength Over Silence,” Brittany is a successful Digital Marketing Consultant, specializing in web and graphic design. Her professional expertise, combined with her advocacy work, makes her a role model for women everywhere, showing that they can be both successful in their careers and dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
Brittany captured the hearts of the judges by excelling in a variety of competitions, including on-stage performances, personal introduction, one-on-one interviews, evening gown, and high fashion runway. Her versatility and charisma set her apart, proving that a true pageant queen is not just about beauty, but about strength, intelligence, and compassion.
Please share with us your some of your early life experiences and how they shaped the trajectory of your passion for women advocacy?
During my high school years, I faced significant challenges, including being sexually assaulted and trapped in a domestically violent relationship. At the time, I wasn’t aware of what healthy relationships should look like, which severely damaged my confidence and made it difficult to escape that situation.
In college when a mentor in my sorority encouraged me to start talking about my experiences. Initially, these were one-on-one conversations, which were pivotal in starting my healing process. This eventually led to me giving a seminar in front of my sorority chapter about consent and the signs of abuse during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sharing my story publicly sparked a passion within me for public speaking and advocating for those affected by the silent epidemic of sexual assault. I’ve since dedicated myself to being a loud voice for those who may still be suffering in silence. In 2018 I launched Strength Over Silence, a personal initiative aimed at spreading tangible resources for victims of SA & DV. To this day I have hosted 4 annual hygiene drives, collecting over 5000 items for women in halfway homes, homeless shelters & clinics for women who may be fleeing violent situations with little belongings. I have also spoken with students across 16 states and counting with my Strength Over Silence seminars.
What prompted you to be part of a beauty pageant ?
When I was 16 I moved to South Georgia. I was a band kid who kept to myself most of the times. I had a precalculus teacher who encouraged me to enter into the high school pageant as a way to meet some friends. I had no idea what I was doing but I’ve always been open to new things. As one of 3 sophmores and the only plus size girl, I believed it was unlikely to win so I focused on having fun. That must have been the best strategy because I had a fantastic time and placed in the top 5 of 25 women. Now at 25, I’ve caught the “pageant bug” and love competing every year.
How can beauty pageants be a source of empowerment for women?
The biggest thing to be gained from pageantry is the network of incredible, empowering women you meet along the way. Not a lot of people realize that the large majority of women competing start their own charities, build foundations, or take on entrepreneurship and start businesses. You spend a lot of time backstage and in the dressing rooms of pageants just talking with each other, the insights and friendship are the most empowering thing.
Please share with us your journey with body positivity
Ever since my teenage years, I’ve had a plus size figure. While I can’t say it was my favorite thing at a young age, now as a woman it is deeply woven in my identity because I understand how little my dress size impacts the good I can do on the world. If anything, I feel it enhances my experience because I’ve had an opportunity to talk about inclusion on national stages, and be one of the first women to win a national pageant title as a plus size woman. The narrative on beauty is changing, and I’m grateful to be a part of the conversation.
How do you define beauty?
True beauty, to me, is found in the courage to be oneself, the kindness one extends to others, and the resilience to overcome adversity. It’s reflected in the authenticity of actions and the compassion that one shows.
Describe your proudest moments and what the moments taught you about yourself?
One of my proudest moments actually happened rather recently. As National United Miss, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country for the past year with the 9 other winners representing International United Miss. One of the younger queens recently told her mom that I “taught her how to be proud of who I am.” All because we were backstage at a pageant, and I heard her say a comment about her appearance. Instead of perpetuating that narrative and letting it slide by, we took a moment to chat and go over affirmations and positive self talk. Even asking her to say “I am beautiful” out loud so she could hear it and believe it. While it’s a generally small moment, knowing I can have an impact on young women to love themselves and set up positive habits early means the world to me.
What inspires Brittany?
I live by the motto “Do it scared.” If I’m not scared of what’s coming next, I’m not growing. The unknown has such an inspiring way of pushing you out of your comfort zone and into learning mode.
What was the most challenging thing about taking part in a Beauty pageant?
Overcoming your own mindset. I quickly learned that when competing in a pageant, it’s rarely about competing against the other women. More often, it’s overcoming the imposter syndrome & societal norms that like to keep you in a box.
What’s next for Brittany?
Looking ahead I am excited for new opportunities. While I plan to compete again in the future, my main focus is on my career in marketing & web design. I will continue to host seminars & publish positive pageantry pieces on my blog BoldBeautifulBlog.com
