Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Toney.
Hi Andrea , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a U.S. Army combat veteran, mother, and lifelong community advocate whose journey has always been rooted in service. I spent 15 years in the military, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those experiences shaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges women veterans face when transitioning home. After retiring, I felt called to use my voice and lived experience to continue serving in a new way.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve volunteered across four countries and ten states—mentoring youth, supporting veterans, and helping strengthen the communities I’m part of. That path eventually led me to the Miss Black USA pageant organization, where I now hold the title of Ms. Black Mississippi USA 2026. Through my platform, Honor Her Courage, I’m dedicated to uplifting the stories of women veterans and connecting them to resources that support healing, recognition, and empowerment. Every chapter of my life, from the military to community organizing to pageantry, has been about leading with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all, my road has been full of challenges, but every obstacle has shaped the woman and leader I am today. Transitioning out of the military was one of the hardest experiences of my life. After 15 years of service, I struggled with rediscovering my identity, rebuilding my confidence, and navigating a world that didn’t always understand women veterans or the weight we carry.
I also spent several years in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship, which left deep impacts on my voice, my boundaries, and the way I showed up in the world. Learning to speak up for myself again, to trust myself, and to reclaim my power was a journey filled with courage, healing, and intention.
On top of that, as a mother, a veteran, and a Black woman, I’ve often had to push through environments where I wasn’t expected to lead, or wasn’t expected to lead boldly. There were moments of financial hardship, burnout, self-doubt, and seasons where I felt unseen despite giving everything I had to my community.
But each struggle taught me something essential: that courage is not the absence of fear, and healing is not linear. My resilience was built in the quiet moments when I kept going, even when no one was watching. Those experiences are the heart behind my platform, Honor Her Courage because I know firsthand how powerful it is when women finally feel safe enough to share their stories.
My road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been purposeful. Every challenge prepared me to serve, lead, and stand in my truth today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work lives at the intersection of service, storytelling, and community empowerment. I am U.S. Army combat veteran, a community advocate, and the reigning Ms. Black Mississippi USA 2026. Professionally, I serve in the Veteran & Military Student Support Office at the University of Memphis, where I support student veterans as they navigate college life, transition from active duty, and pursue their academic and personal goals. In many ways, this work mirrors my own journey and reinforces my commitment to uplifting those who’ve served.
I specialize in building connection through storytelling. Whether I’m supporting veterans on campus, speaking at community events, moderating conversations, mentoring youth, modeling, or coaching, my goal is always the same: to create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to show up as their full selves. That mission led to my platform, Honor Her Courage, which uplifts the voices of women veterans and connects them to resources that support healing, recognition, and empowerment. I’m proud that this work is opening doors for women who have served—giving voice to stories that often go unseen.
I’m known for my authenticity, compassion, and ability to bridge diverse communities. Over the last 25 years, I’ve volunteered across four countries and ten states, working with youth programs, civic organizations, and veteran-centered initiatives. Whether I’m in a university office, a community center, a classroom, or on a pageant stage, I lead with the same values: courage, empathy, integrity, and purpose.
What sets me apart is that my leadership is lived and embodied. I don’t speak about empowerment from a distance, I’ve been through the transitions, the identity shifts, the hard seasons, and the healing it takes to rebuild yourself. I know what it means to lose your voice and fight to reclaim it. I know what it means to lead with both softness and strength. And I bring all of that with me into every room.
I’m most proud of the moments when someone says, “I feel seen because of you,” or “You helped me believe in myself again.” Titles and achievements matter, but impact—real, human, lasting impact—is what drives me. My mission is to honor legacy, amplify stories, and inspire others to live boldly and without limits.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe the next 5–10 years will bring a stronger focus on mental health, storytelling, and community-centered leadership—especially for veterans and women veterans. We’re already seeing more organizations recognize the importance of lived experience, trauma-informed support, and authentic representation. I expect to see continued growth in digital storytelling, peer support networks, and advocacy work led by veterans themselves.
In pageantry and community work, I see a shift toward purpose-driven platforms, social impact, and leaders who are deeply connected to the communities they serve. The future is more inclusive, more collaborative, and rooted in real service—not just titles or appearances.
Pricing:
- Every contribution—big or small—helps me represent Mississippi with excellence and continue my advocacy for women veterans through my platform, Honor Her Courage.
- Total Fundraising Goal: $5,000
- 1. Contestant Fees – $1,500 These required fees cover: National registration Competition materials Administrative and pageant week costs
- 2. Wardrobe & Styling – Approx. $2,000 This includes: Evening gown Interview attire Opening number/look Shoes, accessories, and custom alterations
- 3. Travel, Lodging & Meals – Approx. $1,500 This covers: Roundtrip travel Hotel accommodations during pageant week Daily meals and essential expenses
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andreatoney.my.canva.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authentically.being.andrea?igsh=MXdrNnp0MzhwanNucA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1L3E7KfQhh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
