Today’s special episode is hosted by Navigate Brand Experience Specialist, Kinzy Gillespie, and features Alysa Goethe, Miss Iowa 2023, as she shares her inspiring story of advocacy, resilience, and community impact. Opening up about her journey with Type 1 diabetes and how it fueled her passion for making a difference, Alysa discusses navigating the challenges of being a public figure, including dealing with societal expectations and protecting her mental well-being in the face of online scrutiny.  Alysa's story is one of empowerment that demonstrates how to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change - a timely reminder of the importance of gratitude, kindness, and using our platforms for good on this day of Thanksgiving. 🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [47:34]: "Always choose kindness and always choose to invest in yourself... Whatever it is that will ultimately better yourself is always worth it." Learn how to make a difference and prioritize personal growth as Alysa shares her insights on kindness, self-care, and pursuing your passions. ⚠️ WAKE-UP CALL [5:10]: "I was so afraid that all of the goals I had set for myself, all of the dreams I wanted to accomplish, were suddenly vanishing before my eyes." Hear Alysa's vulnerable account of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11 and how she overcame the fear and bullying to become an advocate. ✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [09:20]: "I now had that outlet of service... that I could use to help others, help myself, and still get to do all the fun things." Discover how Alysa transformed her personal challenge into a platform for good, using the Miss America program to advocate for diabetes research. ⚡ QUICK WIN [43:12]: "Just do it... and do it scared…If you wait until you're ready, that may never happen." Get inspired to take action and pursue your dreams, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Insights from Alysa’s journey 02:28 - Exploring hidden talents and unexpected facts 04:50 - Empowering future generations 06:17 - Creating thriving communities 07:24 - Breaking stereotypes about the world of pageantry 08:19 - Navigating life with diabetes 10:42 - Turning grief into purpose 14:45 - Overcoming bullying 16:59 - Strengthening yourself during adversity 19:23 - The path from local stages to the Miss Iowa crown 23:00 - Rediscovering Iowa’s hidden beauty and vibrant landscapes 24:17 - Debunking myths about pageantry 28:58 - Transitioning from beauty-focused competitions to leadership roles 29:16 - Prioritizing mental health in demanding roles 31:50 - Protecting mental peace while navigating social media challenges 34:22 - Using music as a medium for solace and self-expression 38:15 - Starting small and creating big impact in diabetes advocacy 40:44 - Inspiring youth through representation and shared stories 43:11 - Stepping out of comfort zones and taking action 46:00 - Balancing full-time advocacy with professional aspirations 47:16 - Building connections through kindness and self-investment CONNECT WITH ALYSA GOETHE: Website: https://alysa-goethe.square.site/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-type/id1622513102 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysa-goethe-5671741b9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourtypicalt1d/ #MissIowa #DoGoodThings #MakeADifference