Lubbock native competes in Miss Texas pageant, spreading message of female empowerment

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – “Women and girls still believe that their opinion isn’t worth hearing.”

Grace Shoop grew up being raised by a group of strong women who taught her her opinions matter. A message she is now spreading as an adult.

“Growing up and seeing how I can give back to the next generation,” Grace said. “This was kind of the nugget where I knew if we can empower our young people to be all that they were made to be, but women in particular, to be bold, to be brave, to be entirely who they are and take up space in that way, then we can change the world.”

Grace visited KCBD in June 2024 as she was getting ready to compete in the Miss Texas pageant. Her outreach has grown significantly since then.

“I spent my whole year going to different schools and community events to really champion this mission and also advance the mission of the Miss America organization.”

Grace was crowned Miss Southlake last September and in June, she competed in her second Miss Texas pageant.

“Last year, I was new and bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and just ready to try it all,” Grace said. “This year, I feel like I was really able to hone what’s important to me, not just as Miss Southlake, but as Grace.”

Her hard work paid off, as Grace finished in the top 10 and won best overall interview. Her goal was simple: create a platform where young girls can be seen and empowered. Grace says that effort has helped her grow as a woman as well.

“A lot of people get to 20, 21, they graduate college and you never think life’s over, but you’ve never been that old before,” Grace said. “To learn all of these new aspects of my personality and what I’m capable of makes me a better advocate for Live Out Loud. I can talk the talk, but if I’m not walking the walk, if I’m not going out there and doing scary things and getting on the stage, talking to new people, how can I turn around tell little girls to do the same thing?”

Grace is now working on getting her master’s at Texas A&M and looks to get her children’s book ‘Sophie’s Big Idea’ released in the future. She hopes that by spreading her message, young girls can be the best version of themselves.

“At its core, Live Out Loud is about confidence and Live Out Loud is about being all who you were made to be,” Grace said. “When in doubt, Live Out Loud.”

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