Army National Guard soldier Alexia Rodrigues is using her Miss America platform to raise awareness about foster care reform and support for military women. The 25-year-old from Warwick, Rhode Island, is currently competing in the Miss America competition in Orlando, where she plans to highlight the importance of resilience and policy changes for foster care. Her journey began when she entered foster care after witnessing her biological mother’s battle with addiction and experiencing neglect. She wasn’t adopted until age seven, and this experience has shaped her advocacy for the foster care system. Over the past nine years, Rodrigues has been competing in the Miss America organization, which she describes as aligning with her values. The organization, a well-known brand, awards over $5 million in scholarships annually, providing significant support to young women pursuing education. As a former National Guard soldier, Rodrigues uses her experience to advocate for military women, emphasizing the supportive environment and training provided by the Army. She has also created initiatives like