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Some stories remind us that big dreams can start in the smallest of places. Grace Stanke’s journey is one of them. Born and raised in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, Grace grew up in the same house her entire life. Fast forward a few years and she became a nuclear engineer, public speaker, and Miss America 2023.
Her story isn’t just about crowns or careers, it’s about grit, family, and the power of doing things that scare you.
Growing Up in Wisconsin
Grace describes herself as someone who loves doing hard things. As a kid, she pushed herself in school, skipped a grade, and graduated high school at 17 with the equivalent of an associate degree. But she didn’t stop there.
When it came time for college, Grace found herself choosing between nuclear engineering and aerospace. Her dad, a civil engineer, told her not to go into nuclear, there was no future in it, he said. Naturally, that was all the motivation she needed to prove him wrong.
“I got into nuclear out of spite,” she laughs. “But I don’t regret it for a second.”
Why Miss America?
Most people don’t connect nuclear engineering with beauty pageants. Grace didn’t grow up doing pageants, but she was searching for more performance opportunities as a violinist. That search led her to the Miss America organization, which also happened to offer scholarships she could use to pay for school.
In just two years, she went from local competitions to Miss Wisconsin 2022, and eventually to Miss America 2023.
Her secret? Pushing herself into uncomfortable spaces. “My mom always told me: do something every day that scares you. It could be as small as trying broccoli or as big as stepping on stage for Miss America. That mindset has carried me through everything.”
The Role of Family
Grace is quick to credit her family. Her dad, who battled cancer twice, shaped her perspective on resilience and living in the moment. Pre-cancer, he was a meticulous engineer who always had a plan. Post-cancer, he embraced Dodge’s “Live Fast” motto, restoring cars and living more spontaneously.
Her parents also instilled independence. Grace started working at 14 as a waitress at IHOP and paid for most of her schooling herself. Those lessons of work ethic and responsibility built the foundation for who she is today.
Competing for the Crown
The Miss America competition isn’t just gowns and smiles, it’s grueling preparation, interviews, and talent. Grace used the stage to sharpen her violin performance, but more importantly, she developed communication skills she now uses daily as a public speaker and nuclear energy advocate.
One of the toughest lessons? Getting out of her own head.
“I learned to fake confidence until it became real. The audience can’t tell the difference between fake and real confidence. Eventually, you realize you can actually do it.”
Lessons from Miss America
Looking back, Grace says the biggest lesson wasn’t about winning, it was about staying true to herself.
“Everyone will give you advice, but not all advice is right for you. Staying grounded in your values and your why is the most important thing. That’s how I walked away from the competition with no regrets.”
Life After the Crown
Today, Grace works as a nuclear fuels engineer and clean energy advocate, splitting her time between technical problem-solving and public education. She’s passionate about making nuclear energy less intimidating and more accessible to the public.
Beyond her career, she’s pursuing an MBA, planning a wedding, and chasing her love for adventure. She recently summited Kilimanjaro and is considering Denali as her next climb. Oh, and when she’s not working or climbing mountains? You can probably find her out on the water, learning new tricks on her water skis.
Her Advice on Pursuing Happiness
When asked how people can find happiness, Grace’s answer was simple but powerful:
“You don’t always need to know exactly what you want. What matters is that you don’t let opportunities pass you by. Try something new every day, and do it scared. There’s no right way or wrong way, you’ll never know unless you try.”
Closing Thoughts
Grace Stanke’s story is proof that success doesn’t come from following a straight line. It comes from curiosity, courage, and a willingness to do hard things even when they scare you.
Whether she’s speaking on nuclear energy, inspiring young women, or skiing across a lake in Wisconsin, Grace embodies the spirit of chasing bold dreams while staying grounded in who you are.
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