Michigan's First Hijab-Wearing Pageant Winner Crowned

Ameera Hashwi, a 25-year-old law school graduate from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, has made history by becoming the first woman to win the Miss Wayne County title while wearing a hijab. Her victory, announced on Sunday, is a powerful symbol of the changing face of the American pageant scene, particularly in a region with a large Arab and Middle Eastern population.

Hashwi, who recently completed her law degree and was sworn in as an attorney in May 2024, stood out not only for her accomplishments but also for her talent performance. She captivated the audience with a vocal rendition of "Koul Chi Aam Yekhlass," an Arabic classic by Majida El Roumi. The song, which translates to "Everything Is Ending," explores themes of love, dreams, and the transient nature of life.

In the Miss America competition, contestants champion a personal cause or social impact initiative. Hashwi's platform, "Step Up & Serve," is dedicated to promoting physical fitness and empowering communities through service. This mission aligns with her history of leadership roles, which include serving as President of the History Club, Social Media Manager for the Lebanese Student Association, and Director of Community Affairs for the Student Senate during her time as a student at Wayne State University.

Hashwi's win has been met with widespread acclaim. Lauren Mroczek, the 2025 Miss Greater Kalamazoo, celebrated the historic moment on Instagram, calling Hashwi a "groundbreaker and change-maker" and praising her "contagious smile and heart."

Hashwi's journey now continues to the Miss Michigan pageant, with the ultimate goal of competing for the Miss America title. Her success reflects a broader national shift toward inclusion within the Miss America Organization, which has historically been criticized for its narrow beauty standards. Her victory echoes a similar milestone set by Halima Aden, who, nearly a decade ago in 2016, became the first Miss Minnesota USA contestant to compete in a hijab and burkini. Aden's groundbreaking decision came at a time of rising anti-Muslim sentiment and was a powerful statement for diversity and acceptance.

As she prepares for the state and potentially national stage, Ameera Hashwi is poised to redefine what it means to be a pageant queen, representing a new era of representation and empowerment for women of all backgrounds.