LEHIGH CO., Pa. – A local teen is using her voice and her experience to inspire others across the state. The Lehigh County girl was just crowned a Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Queen. Now, she’s sharing her journey and helping others find their confidence.

At 17 years old, Jaylene Goodman is back on stage, through Miss Amazing, an organization that empowers girls and women with disabilities. Miss Amazing is a nonprofit program that provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence, leadership skills, and self-expression through pageant-style events focused on empowerment rather than competition.

“It was a cool experience to, you know, see being the national winner of 2019 when I was only 11 years old. Thinking back, you know, it’s weird to be back in this environment,” said Jaylene.

After winning both the state and national titles in 2019, she stepped away for several years, now returning stronger. She was crowned Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Teen Queen for 2026 this past weekend.

“She’s been through a lot in her life, and the fact that she just keeps coming back, even though sometimes she slips, you know, she just keeps coming back. And there’s always this drive to. To be that good person, to help other people,” said Jaylene’s mom, Kristin Mayers Graham.

Her mother says a turning point in her journey came when she began using coping tools like art, breathing techniques, and creative outlets to manage anxiety and emotional stress.

On stage, Jaylene shared that journey through a performance centered on resilience, combining dance with artwork she created herself. Her performance included a message titled “find your passion in the middle of the storm,” along with visual artwork she created over months; part of what she calls her coping and creative outlet during her mental health journey.

“It says, find your passion in the middle of the storm,” said Jaylene. “Which relates to me because in 2020, I believe I was hospitalized for mental health issues.”

Now she’s turning that experience into advocacy.

“If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out. I reached out. It helped me,” said Jaylene. “I feel power to let other kids know with disabilities, whether they’re visible or not, that, like, you’re not alone in this. You know, it’s okay to put yourself out there.”

Her advocacy now includes supporting local food banks, organizing donation drives, and encouraging the community to give back while also raising money to get to nationals.

Her journey hasn’t been easy, facing bullying and mental health challenges along the way.

“I was very nervous when I first got on stage. I was shaking really bad. I had a panic attack or two,” said Jaylene.

Outside of the stage, Jaylene says one of the people who has supported her growth over the years is her hairstylist at The Loc Spa Hair Studio, where she has been a client since she was in elementary school. Their relationship has grown beyond the salon chair, often serving as a space for conversation, support, and guidance as Jaylene has grown up.

“She’s a lot more vocal. She has a lot more confidence. She’s a very creative, very sweet person. So, you’re getting to see more of that shine through as she’s getting older and more comfortable with herself. So, it’s really cool to see.” said her hairstylist, Sherone Bryan-Ryer.

Those close to her say that growth is clear.

“If something’s going on, I’m going to give her advice the same I would give my daughter. So, it’s nice to see her, like, she’s about to graduate, and that’s crazy. So, it’s nice to see her grow,” said Sherone.

“My heart just lights up that. That she’s here and has overcome so much,” said Kristin. “She can get on stage and just, like, perform. Like, it’s like nobody’s there, you know, so it’s like, I was really impressed and just really surprised and just so proud of her.”

For Jaylene, the goal is simple; to turn her story into encouragement for others facing similar struggles, and to remind them they are not alone.

Jaylene is currently raising money to help get her to the National Summit in Chicago this summer and is continuing her mission by helping local food banks through drop off donations.

Donation locations are being set up across the area, including salons in Bethlehem and Allentown, as well as a tattoo shop in Palmerton, where community members can drop off non-perishable food items or contribute financially. Fundraising events like basket raffles are also in the works as she prepares for the national summit.

For more information on how you can support Jaylene and the Miss Amazing organization, you can reach out via email to: pamissamazing26@gmail.com.