Pullman, Washington Later this month, a Washington State University employee will represent the state nationally.
After winning the title of Mrs. Washington American earlier this year, Aly Heinrich, manager of the CougarCard Center at the Compton Union Building in Pullman, will participate in the Mrs. American pageant in Las Vegas.
As a component of the Mrs. America system, the pageant honors married women for their poise, volunteerism, and individual achievements. Participants are evaluated in a number of categories, with interview performance accounting for half of the total score. Heinrich intends to discuss her enthusiasm for voter outreach and education during that time.
Heinrich stated, “I just want to make sure you know how to vote when the time comes, regardless of who you vote for.” Since relocating to Pullman in 2020, she has been a member of the League of Women Voters of Washington board.
As a teenager, Heinrich started participating in pageants to raise money for her schooling, winning almost $5,000 in scholarships in the process. Despite the fact that she never took home a crown throughout those years, her perseverance paid off in March when she took home the Olympia state title.
Heinrich, this year’s first runner-up, is eligible to compete in Mrs. American, while the winner of the Mrs. Washington America pageant goes on to Mrs. America. The national champions of both pageants advance to the Mrs. World pageant.
Heinrich stated that she appreciates pageantry because it fosters friendships and career advancement. There is a sizable community of like-minded individuals, including ladies who entered pageants knowing they would advance their careers or platforms. According to her, all of the women have a strong desire to better their community.
