Hello and thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
My name is Abigail Pogatshnik, and I’m honored to be your Miss Southland 2026. This June, I will proudly compete for Miss California through the Miss America Opportunity a program that uplifts women through community service, scholarship, and leadership. With your support, I hope to bring my message and mission all the way to the Miss America stage.
My Community Service Initiative, “Healthy Outlets for a Healthy Outlook,” is deeply personal to me. Growing up, I struggled with mental health challenges, and it was through involvement in sports, clubs, and creative activities that I found connection, healing, and purpose. Now, I’m using my platform to raise awareness about how positive outlets like hobbies, community engagement, and movement can significantly support mental and emotional well-being.
I am also proud of my Native American heritage as a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota. To my knowledge, if I win Miss California, I would be the first woman with Native American heritage to earn the title a historic and meaningful milestone I would be honored to represent.
Funds raised through this campaign will help cover key competition costs, including my entrance fee, travel, hotel stay, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and other essentials. Every donation makes a real difference and if you’re unable to give, sharing this link is a powerful way to show support too.
Thank you for believing in me, supporting my mission, and helping me take this journey with pride, purpose, and heart.
With gratitude,
Abigail Pogatshnik
Miss Southland 2026
📍 Long Beach, CA
