#290 Lydia Fisher interview

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About Lydia

Lydia, Miss Michigan Volunteer 2025, is a 26-year-old Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Memphis with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is thrilled to represent Michigan this June at the Miss Volunteer America Pageant in Jackson, TN.

With hopes of earning scholarship support through the pageant, Lydia plans to pursue a master’s degree in media and communications, aiming for a future in media and entertainment.

Her S.E.R.V.E. initiative, Lydia’s Light, champions special needs education and disability awareness—causes deeply personal to her. Growing up with an auditory processing disorder, Lydia uses her platform to empower others with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

An accomplished vocalist and passionate volunteer, Lydia dedicates her time to organizations including LeBonheur Club, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, SRVS, Madonna Learning Center, and Forever Young Veterans. Her advocacy work has taken her to Capitol Hill in support of the Shelby County Veterans Court, and she’s had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

She also runs a small business that employs individuals with special needs, helping them build job skills and gain long-term employment. In 2024, Lydia was awarded the inaugural Amris Bedford Memorial Scholarship for raising the most funds for St. Jude within the Miss Volunteer America Organization. She continues to champion St. Jude as the organization's national philanthropy—and supporters can contribute to her ongoing efforts at:

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/TAEvents/Events?px=8748444&pg=personal&fr_id=159505.

Timestamps

* 0:00 Intro and guest welcome

* 5:16 How Lydia got into pageantry

* 10:33 Early pageant insights and growth

* 15:49 Living with ADHD as a titleholder

* 21:06 Winning Miss Michigan Volunteer

* 26:23 Challenges and resilience in her journey

* 31:39 Advice for other contestants

* 36:37 Platform spotlight: Supporting St. Jude

* 42:12 The support behind her success

* 47:29 Final thoughts and encouragement

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