Miss Auburn University 2026 is a drum-playing, pageant-participating, politically engaged beauty queen. But there is more to Ashlyn Powers than what you see on the stage.
Powers is living up to her last name, with a powerful platform to help others.
After graduating from Bayside Academy, the Fairhope native went off to Auburn University, where she studies Business Management. She will graduate in a few months, but she plans to continue working on her community service initiative, "Be the Power."
The initiative was inspired by her aunt, who has intellectual disabilities. After volunteering at the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast and in East Alabama, Powers realized many people in rural areas do not have a lot of opportunities to interact with others. Powers said she wants to work to empower people living with disabilities.
"There are so many people that need to experience something like this and there are a lot of adults with disabilities who are like my aunt and aren't able to do a lot of things and just kind of sit at home and watch TV," Powers said. "They give so many fun, recreational and social opportunities for adults with disabilities and children. So, that's what really made me want to advocate for more programs like that."
During her time at Bayside Academy, she shared her story and worked to educate the public. She said she plans to do the same thing in Auburn this spring.
"I will be doing a school tour around the city of Auburn to high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and I will just be kind of doing the same thing like I did at Bayside and educating on my story, why you should support adults with disabilities, how you can get plugged in in your area, and proper disability etiquette," Powers said.
As she prepares to enter the professional world, Powers said she hopes to use her experience as a Capitol Hill intern and the skills she has sharpened through her community service initiative to build a rewarding career.
"So, I would like to go back to Washington after I crown the next Ms. AU and just see what can happen," Powers said. "I think I would like to be on more of the lobbying and advocacy side because I'm already doing a little bit of that with Be the Power and I would love to take that to a congressional level."
After graduating next semester, Powers will remain in Auburn until she crowns the next Miss Auburn University.
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