About Miss Magnificent Pageantry

Where It All Started

I began competing in beauty pageants in Alabama in 2010. Through that I became very involved in my local community. But my favorite was spending every Wednesday afternoon at a local barn where individuals with special needs participated in therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted activities.

When I moved back to Texas in 2012 that passion came with me, moving from the barn into the classroom. I joined my school's Best Buddies chapter where I was paired with Lauren. We hit it off immediately. (She was even a bridesmaid in my wedding!) I also took part in an adaptive PE class and spent my senior year as a teachers assistant in the special education department. Those experiences sparked my love for education and Lauren sparked the idea for Miss Magnificent.

Lauren loved hearing about my pageants, and I knew right away she'd love competing in one herself. I went looking for a "crown-all" pageant, where every participant wins, so she'd never feel discouraged. Months of searching turned up nothing built for someone her age. Pageantry had given me confidence and a stronger voice; I wanted that same gift for Lauren.

So I did what anyone else would do. One day my senior year of high school, I came home and told my mom I was starting a nonprofit.

We held our first event in July 2013 with one participant and five people in the audience. Lauren loved it as much as I had hoped she would. It was perfect. Miss Magnificent Pageantry has been growing ever since, giving individuals with special needs a pageant system built just for them. A stage where they can grow in self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills.

Welcome to Miss Magnificent. We're so glad you're here.

Lillian Mason, Founder