My name is Hannah Galarneau, and I am honored to be Miss New York US International 2026. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, and among the 11% of women thriving in the construction industry. Reflecting on my past, I recall a time when anxiety disorder kept me confined to my room, scared to face the world on a daily basis. The thought of competing on a national pageant stage or sitting in meetings as the only woman seemed impossible. Yet, here I am, walking stages and speaking to crowds, proof that with love, support, and the right resources, we can overcome any challenge.
When I entered the world of pageants, it offered me a platform to discuss critical issues like working in male-dominated fields and addressing mental health struggles. I realized the importance of transparency and authenticity in my role as a titleholder. It can be daunting to be subject to public scrutiny, but it's crucial to maintain a safe space in the pageant community that fosters mental and physical wellness. That’s why I wholeheartedly support the Still She Rose campaign, aiming to enhance mental wellbeing initiatives.
My crown represents more than just a title—it’s a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to overcoming personal battles. As I prepare for the National stage this July, I’m raising funds to support these crucial mental health initiatives. Together, we can help ensure everyone has the chance to rise, no matter the challenges life presents because through every struggle, "Still She Rose".
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Still She Rose is a wellness program for leaders, women and teens in the pageant industry. Funded by the B4ACUSA Foundation, wellness program initiatives are open to all pageant community members.
The ROSE is symbolic of the spirit that grows within each of us when proper care and attention is applied.
Together, we can encourage wellness through self care, positive body image, renewed self esteem and affirmation of one's identity beyond pageantry. We aim to engage in a conversation of support, honesty, reflection and awareness, in order to promote wellness as the foundation of the pageant industry.
Because each of us can say, She Struggled; and Still She Rose.
