MS woman makes pageant history as first woman of color crowned in division during organization’s 10th anniversary
JANS – As conversations about representation in pageantry continue across the country, Mississippi has a milestone of its own to celebrate.
Phoebe V. Harris of Madison made history this summer when she was crowned International Women of Service Classic 2026, becoming the first woman of color to win the Classic division of the International & American Women of Service Pageants during the organization’s 10th anniversary year.
For Harris, the significance of the title extends far beyond the crown.
“Representation matters because sometimes you have to see someone who looks like you, is your age, or has lived through some of the things you have lived through before you can imagine yourself in that space,” Harris said. “I hope another woman sees this and realizes there is still room for her to step onto a stage, serve her community, and take up space.”
International & American Women of Service is a service-centered pageant organization focused on community involvement, leadership, and empowering girls and women to use their titles as platforms for meaningful service.
Harris has built her year around that mission. A service leader, mental health advocate, keynote speaker, and published writer, she uses her platform to speak openly about surviving trauma and transforming painful experiences into service to others.
