MORE THAN A CROWN: Chassidy Carter’s mission for ‘Generational Health’

By Alisha Reese, CMT

JA Health Writer

Meet Chassidy Carter, a Mississippi native, Ms. Black Central Mississippi USA titleholder, and contestant for Miss Black Mississippi USA. Her pageant platform, “Generational Health,” focuses on equipping women and children with the education, resources, and support needed to prioritize healthier lives, informed decision-making, and stronger communities. 

Her passion for wellness advocacy and higher education is not separate from who she is, but a reflection of her purpose and identity. She earned a degree in Chemistry from Thee Jackson State University and brings a strong background in chemical and environmental engineering research. Carter further expanded her expertise by completing a graduate-level instructional design course through Harvard University.

She’s currently an instructional designer in the healthcare industry at a Fortune 500 company and serves on the Byram Mayoral Health Council, supporting communications and community health initiatives. Carter is also the CEO and Creative Director of The Chassidy Creative Studio, where she provides design, media, and learning solutions.

Carter described her pageant platform as one that is built on faith, compassion, service, and lived experience. She was inspired mostly by women who helped shape her life through the power of the village concept. Guided by the strength, care, and leadership of her mother, granny, Aunty Rose, and Aunty Tasha, she experienced firsthand the importance of community, support, and showing up for others. Their influence sparked a mission focused on education, access, empowerment, and creating healthier futures for women, children, and communities alike. “To me, generational health begins with compassion, support, and people feeling seen,” she shares. “It’s about creating environments where people feel safe, empowered, informed, and cared for.”

Much of her advocacy stems from observing the disparities that continue to impact Black communities, especially regarding access to quality healthcare and preventative care at the right time. “One of the biggest challenges we face is unequal access,” she explains. “Too many people are forced to wait until something becomes serious before they receive help. Education and prevention matter.”

Beyond healthcare itself, Carter believes wellness must also include conversations about environmental conditions, toxic products disproportionately marketed toward Black women, stress, emotional healing, and even larger systemic issues that affect quality of life and generational outcomes.

When asked about practical solutions for communities working with limited resources, her answer remains grounded and realistic. “You don’t always need a huge budget to start healing,” she says. “Faith, a strong foundation with God, and one intentional habit. Ask yourself: What helps me feel peaceful? What helps me feel happy?” To protect her own peace while balancing leadership, appearances, service work, and personal goals, she leans heavily on faith, organization, purpose, and family support.

“I stay prayed up,” she says. “I try to remain purpose-driven, organized, and intentional with my time. Balance matters.”

Representation also remains a central part of her mission. She believes young Black women and girls deserve to see themselves reflected in wellness spaces, leadership roles, and positions of influence. “Our health outcomes disproportionately affect us,” she explains. “Representation builds trust. And if the space doesn’t exist, sometimes we have to create it ourselves.”

Through pageantry, she has found another avenue for impact, healing, education, and leadership. What many may see as simply wearing a crown, she sees as an opportunity to serve, connect, and inspire. “What drew me to pageantry is its foundation in leadership and service. It provides a platform to amplify meaningful work, connect with communities, and advocate at a larger scale.”

Outside of advocacy work, Carter also embraces creativity and enjoys exploring film, acting, and other artistic passions. She laughs when describing herself as someone working towards accomplishing everything she’s ever written down on her list, a reflection of both ambition and creative imagination. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and resources with the community through education, conversation, and outreach. She welcomes opportunities to participate in panel discussions and encourages the public to attend her free monthly events, which are regularly announced through her social media platforms. 

You can stay connected with Chassidy Carter at TheChassidy.com and on Instagram at @the_chassidy, where she shares updates, resources, and upcoming events. Come out to her upcoming fundraising events: Friday, May 22nd and Friday, May 29th. Location: Good Eatin’ Restaurant, 5750 I-55 South Frontage Rd., Suite 100, Byram, MS 39272. Guests can dine anytime between 11 AM – 9 PM on the above dates. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Chassidy’s Miss Black Mississippi Pageant costs. Carter will greet guests from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on both days. *Receive 10% off your first online order at www.goodeatinbyram.com. 

In June, Carter will host a raffle for a Raising Cane’s gift basket.