Student.

Advocate.

Role Model.

Miss America.

Grace Stanke is the third Miss Wisconsin to earn the title of Miss America. Grace is spending her year traveling the country inspiring women and advocating for STEM careers while pursing her degree in nuclear engineering. Her goal is to dispel myths about nuclear energy, while inspiring women everywhere to chase their goals.

Grace Stanke

Quick Facts About Grace

Studying Nuclear Engineering at University of Wisconsin
Plays the classical violin
Earned $68,000+ in scholarships through MAO
Competitive waterskier
Loves to travel, and is a foodie.

Following three action-packed nights of showcasing talent, interview skills and social impact achievements, one outstanding woman was left speechless on stage to a standing ovation at the 101rst Anniversary Miss America competition Thursday night inside the award-winning Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Grace Stanke, representing her home state as Miss Wisconsin, was crowned 2023 Miss America and awarded $50,000 in scholarship assistance for winning. This was the third time Wisconsin has been crowned Miss America in the illustrious history of the iconic institution.

As 2023 Miss America, Stanke, 20, will earn an appearance contract and will travel throughout the US during her reign as a representative of the Miss America. The primary function of Miss America is to serve as an inspiration and role model for young women while sharing her passion and life story, as well as continue the legacy of the Miss America competition.

“Being crowned 2023 Miss America is an incredible dream come true,” said Stanke. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside so many brilliant, talented women. I hope to live up to the legacy, serve as a positive role model for women of all ages and make the Miss America brand proud. It’s been an honor to represent the great state of Wisconsin and I look forward to making a significant impact throughout my year.”

Stanke, who earned a cumulative total $68,000+ in scholarship assistance through her state and Miss America competitions, will use her national platform to continue advocating for “Clean Energy – Cleaner Future”. Stanke is in her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is currently majoring in nuclear engineering. Through her social impact initiative, her goal is to dispel myths around nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers and mathematicians. For the talent portion of the competition, Stanke performed a piece from “Vivaldi’s Summer/Four Seasons – Storm” on her electric violin.

Miss America 2021, Emma Broyles, who crowned Stanke, noted “it was an honor to reign as Miss America this last year,” said Broyles. “I am so proud of all 51 of these incredible, young women for being a leader in women’s empowerment. I wish all the best to Grace, as she has clearly proven to be a strong, intelligent role model who represents the best of what young women hope to be. She’s going to be an amazing example for all.”