World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Ebony Acton Miss Summit United States 2024.
Full Name: Ebony Acton
Title/Year: Miss Summit United States 2024
Pageant System: Summit International Pageants
Age: 28
Education Level: College
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Hobbies: Nature walks, zumba, bodypump, painting, beauty care routines, cooking & learning new international cuisines
Platform: Beauty & the PCOS
Years Competed: 10+
Countries Visited: 5, soon to be 6 for my pageant in the Philippines
Likes and Dislikes: My likes are fun earrings, tea, Root Beer, social latin dancing (like salsa & kizomba), romantic movies, Harry Potter, sunsets, mountains, and beaches. My dislikes are bullies, spiders, Brussel sprouts, unprofessionalism, tardiness, and cold weather without snow.
Current Status: Exclusively dating
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share a bit about who you are? Like, what are your passions outside of the pageant world?
For starters, I am Ebony Acton, from Annapolis, Maryland, USA. I'm a confidence coach and I own The Regality Experience which promotes digital marketing. My birthday is May 6. I love to cook, read, travel, dance, and go on nature walks. My favorite Disney princesses are Mulan, Belle, Moana, and Merida. I love Christmas! The past 5 years, I have had a new interest in becoming more educated about makeup, skincare products, and fragrances.
Over the years, my passions have included advocating for criminal justice reform, neuroscience research, home insecurities awareness, and, recently, women’s reproductive health. I’ve learned how devoted I’ve been to innovating nutritional lifestyles while exploring beauty care routines and clean products. If I could summarize everything, it would be my pursuit of emphasizing neurological health, its effects, and inspiring others to blossom with confidence in their environments.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’m curious about your education journey. What's it been like for you, any particular highlights or challenges?
I started by attending a Christian private school. My mom prioritized our academic foundation to be accommodated by our faith. Unfortunately, financial instability was a major crutch and it resulted in having to attend public schools. There I encountered bullying. At age 7, I was diagnosed with alopecia areata. My hair would fall out in the amount of ping pong ball sizes because I didn’t know how to cope with bullying while facing home insecurities of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Aside from my faith, education was the key preserver to keep me afloat.
I held endless accolades. I was given a scholarship to attend Gordonstoun International Summer School from the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. The same school the late Prince Philip attended. It seemed that my accomplishments put a bull’s eye on my back for some people to knock at my confidence. I became relatively mean to anyone to keep people away because I wanted to protect myself from being hurt. After university, I went through a character reformation because I didn’t like how people became afraid of me and saw me as a monster. I didn’t want to be that person anymore. I wanted to be the sweet girl I used to be with better strategies in handling conflict as an adult.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Women's empowerment is such a key topic. What does it mean to you personally?
Hmmm… I think of Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire”. Kind of odd to reference a song, right? Hahaha. The song reminds me of myself. A girl with all this chaos surrounding her but she withstands and standsfasts despite turmoil engulfing her. Sometimes that turmoil turns us into ashes. Then a rebirth occurs… There’s an unquenchable sensation of wanting more… To strive for more… That has ignited this fierce “flame” to be enthusiastic and determined about the life she lives. She goes after it. No backing down.
Empowerment includes the journey, an expedition I say, of one to be continuously strengthened and, definitively, in one’s abilities. I think by simply being myself, I get to do that for other women. Being on fire for my aspirations in front of the world contributes to women empowerment like a wildfire. It spreads rapidly. Personally, to me, empowerment means to positively fan the flames of others while we all run our separate marathons and embark our individual explorations.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you get into pageants? What sparked your interest initially?
I started in our church’s fundraiser pageants when I was about 4 or 5. I actually hated it. I went through a phase of boycotting dresses because I was expected to be a poised little lady. Ironically, I wanted to be the Queen of England, too. With explanation, I had to find alternatives and to be a beauty queen was the next best choice. Only when I was done being rebellious and stubborn of course.
My mom worked in this convenient store. When she couldn’t find someone to watch us (me and siblings), we would go to work with her. I would occupy myself with magazines. I knew one magazine in particular because it was my name, EBONY, in large red letters. One day, I saw these gorgeous women with crowns. Completely captivated, I learned that they were campus queens at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I wanted to be one when I grew up. And that would be the stepping stones of my pageant career.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What motivated you to participate in your first pageant? Was there a defining moment?
My very first pageant? Aside from my mom making me, no haha. However, attending university and beyond, I would say my younger self motivated me. I don’t think it’s necessarily fair to give up on yourself or the dreams you dared to dream as a child. We owe it to ourselves to be the adults we imagined that we would be.
My defining moment in pageants was in college. When the time came, I chose my university and set out my goal for those 4 years to be a campus queen at a Historically Black College/University. Mid-spring semester of 2016, I became the 88th Miss Virginia State University and a year later, the queens of that academic year were all featured in EBONY magazine. It was an exhilarating feeling for my life to come full cut leader. I realized that when you aspire and commit to achieving a goal, you can make it happen. Obstacles of all sorts will be before you but that doesn’t mean you give you up.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? What made it stand out for you?
Gratefully, I was appointed the title of Miss Summit United States 2024 to compete for the international title. I was congratulating a friend, Megan Meyers, for her new director position, for the United States, North America, and Russia. I was set on retiring from pageant competitions. I was getting fed up with the lack of integrity in systems. Somehow, Megan suckered me back into competing. She spoke highly of the system and the ownership’s integrity. She shared the details about the prize package. Initially, knowing that 50 contestants competing in my division would lead to, hopefully, winning a $10,000 cash prize was enough for me to sign up. Ten thousand dollars can do a lot for me as I become more financially stable. I looked into the prize package more. Then I saw it… A chance to be a divisional winner and have a Barbie doll made in the likeness of myself! My heart exploded and I committed.
This system stood apart because of its name, mission, how it honors biological women, and our national costume will be judged—not as a superlative. That means I won’t be wasting my time or money on something that costs a good chunk of finances. It will count. And pageants can be extremely expensive. I appreciate that it will count in a big way. Also, the ultimate winner is the Summit International Ambassador. She is the woman who collectively scored the highest in the pageant with the most hours devoted to her humanitarian initiatives and all categories. Those are all unique reasons and I believe in being a part of things that reflect my character.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I'd love to know more about your pageant system. Could you explain what it’s all about?
Sure! Summit International Pageant Organization was founded in 2021 by Alex Bui and the executive director is Kelly Trang Tran. They are married and a power couple I admire. Our vision focuses on 3 key points: Connect; Empower; and Peace for all women around the world. Our mission is to connect women from different walks of life to encourage peace through our connections and empower others to be positive role models.
We are considered ambassadors who formally gather for a formal meeting, like a summit, to share values and learn how we can improve our world for women. Titleholders are held with high responsibility of goodwill, representing the brand, fundraising, oratory skills, and exemplary leadership. I like to think of us as glamorous foreign ambassadors for our countries who share commonalities through tiaras, glitz, glam, and all things pageants.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What do you think sets your pageant director apart from others?
“Let me count thy ways.” All jokes aside… What sets my national pageant director from others is how genuine she’s been supporting me. There’s no ulterior motive for me winning. She really cares about my well being first. This year, so far, has been excruciatingly challenging behind closed doors. Megan, my director, has been kept updated on them because they do affect my ability to carry out my duties. She’s a mom of a blended family of more than 5 children and a wife. To know she adjusts time to motivate me and remind me of why she chose me to compete in this system has been a treasure. I know I haven’t always experienced that from directors and that matters to me. She’s in my corner cheering me on. And I appreciate it.
She doesn’t have a skit for me to follow. Public relations in pageantry is relatively important because platform or not, they are all businesses. However, Alex and Kelly both pride themselves in encouraging the titleholders to be genuine to themselves before the world. That’s not really a thing in pageantry. There are directors who seek out people they can mold and puppet. My directors and the owners want us to be authentic —within moral reason— at all times.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: During competitions, what are the key things you're judged on?
Generally, in all pageants, judges are judging: our communication skills through interviews; our presence and performance on the stage in various portions; and our appearance through poise, personality, style, and grace. With Summit International Pageants, we will be judged on 5 parts. In percentages of 20, we will be judged on: (1) beauty; (2) poise and personality; (3) national costume; (4) swimsuit; and (5) evening gown.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your competition experience been like? Any memorable moments or learnings?
I haven’t had the chance to compete yet. I’m going to proclaim it will be nothing short of extraordinary to compete in my first international pageant in a beautiful place like Cebu, Philippines meeting women from all around the world and exchanging our cultural norms.
I will say the most memorable moment right now is doing fundraisers for my mom to be able to travel with me. My mom’s first time traveling in a plane was in 2021. This will be her first time traveling internationally and she’ll be 59 when it happens. My mom may have once quit on her dreams to travel but I’m blessed to know I’ve inspired her to keep pushing and live that dream.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Would you recommend your pageant system to others? If so, why?
Of course! If any pageant queen wants to spend her coin wisely and intentionally without waste, this is it. I haven’t regretted investing anything in this pageant. I feel as if I do have a fair chance of winning the ultimate title or division title. I know my effort behind the scenes will be rewarded. I do know pageant queens appreciate that.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell me about your advocacy or volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about?
In March 2024, I was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine disorder called PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) that impairs fertility. It has explained why I’ve been wrestling with severe acne, irregular menstruation, body dysmorphia, dysthymia, and hormonal imbalances over 12 years because I went undiagnosed for so long. According to medical articles like Teal Health, a variety of neurodivergent conditions are associated with PCOS. In that alone, I continue to advocate neuroplasticity to implement healthier lifestyle habits like fitness goals. Some things I currently volunteer in are my aunt’s zumba classes at our local YMCA, reading to children in elementary schools, donating money to prom drives, and mentoring the youth.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: With your title, what kinds of appearances or activities have you been involved in?
My favorite appearance with my title was to attend the Global Beauty Awards in Seattle, Washington, USA in April 2024 because I was nominated for Miss Congeniality and Best Titleholder Forever. I was enamored by the genuine nature of other titleholders and their support while managing a major depressive episode. Plus, Seattle is a gorgeous city to visit!
The next two remarkable events would be a panelist for an International Women’s Day expo and sharing gems as a beauty queen with people and cultures from all around the world. I gained sponsors that day, too. To my surprise, I was asked to be the mistress of ceremonies for a Chinese Lunar New Year event. I am not Asian nor have any decent and to be asked to be a part of something special, I was honored to be seen as worthy to be included.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share some of your achievements, both in and outside of pageantry?
I’m proud to say one of my biggest achievements has been creating and launching my confidence coaching business The Regality Experience. I have indescribable joy when I assist others in overcoming their fears and creating strategies to improve how they believe in themselves.
The next one would be my self-published digital book called “I Got That A1: from Pain and Promiscuity to Passion and Purpose.” I discuss how being molested by my older brother as a toddler led to the cognitive dissonance of making hasty decisions about my sexuality. That behavior depleted my identity over the years and my book is for the young woman who wants redemption and a second chance at loving herself properly and learning how to protect her glory.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: In such a competitive field, what do you think makes you stand out?
Aside from my curls and infectious laugh, I know being distinctively authentic separates me from others. There’s a warmth people naturally gravitate towards and at times, my words and presence offer the hug they need because I really have nothing but love to give. I think in a society where people can be cruel quicker than gracious it is certainly needed. I’m also very audacious. I am not willing to compromise my voice in order for others to be comfortable. It encourages others to be bold, too.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I can only imagine how it feels to win. What was going through your mind when your name was announced as the winner?
Since I was appointed, I can tell you the feelings of when my name has been announced as the winner from other titles. In college and with a previous District of Columbia title, I thought I had lost once the placements were being announced. It’s not that I didn’t have confidence to win or thought I did not do well, I was just like, “Oh maybe it’s not meant for me.” I genuinely get happy to be placed because I don’t really don’t need to win. I just need to know the judges recognized my potential. When my name was called though, I was shocked, grateful, and could only thank Jesus with a hideous happy crying face.
Sometimes I feel overlooked and that my genuine hard work went unnoticed, so whenever I win the title, I get overwhelmed with good emotions. I feel acknowledged and that goes a long way for me.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does being a Beauty Queen mean to you?
When I think of a beauty queen, I think of Sheynnis Palacios. Most may not know she, Miss Universe 2023, is exiled from her home country, Nicaragua, due to a dictatorship. She hasn’t stopped adhering to her duties and she looks absolutely stunning with each appearance. It’s awe-stricken to witness a beauty queen overcoming adversity in real time. A beauty queen vibrates this impeccable ability of holding herself together, even fragmented like a mosaic piece, and she manages to illuminate everywhere by simply showing up and being fruitful in character. She’s honest to herself to her core. Similar to royal figures, a beauty queen serves her people with grace and a backbone no matter who feels intimidated by her. She’s just breathtakingly gorgeous doing it.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants impacted your life?
Pageants have impacted my life with presenting better opportunities and character metamorphosis. I get to meet so many people that I would have never met. I have met celebrities, high profile entrepreneurs, and multiple political leaders. I’m forever changing and shedding the old versions of me. Every day, I get to show up as a more updated version of myself. I’m way more gentle and less robust as a pageant queen. (Listen… I really used to be rough around the edges in real life like Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality.) I celebrate how far I have come. And I get to wear gaudy, shiny stuff without too much judgment.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants influenced your self-esteem and body image?
In some ways, pageants have hindered my self-esteem and body image more than helped. Naturally, I am petite, curvy, and I have kinky hair. The beauty and pageant world is still unlearning what the beauty standard is. Being 5’8”or 1.7 m, size 2 or 0, 130 lbs or 60 kg with fair skin isn’t a conceptual framework for beauty for everyone. Aesthetic beauty withers away like the grass. A woman who holds the innate ability to be like nectar is the most gorgeous woman in the world.
I’ve been directed to lose more weight or hide the fact that I’m bottom heavy in comparison to other women— it doesn't help with my self-esteem. I’m designed differently. And I love that for me. Contrarily, I’m a woman who believes in marching to the beat of my own drum. Unnecessary comments are my fuel to be the trailblazer who will steer clear of outdated stereotypes and call women higher to be the change they want to see.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You’re an inspiration to many. How does that feel, and what message do you want to share with others?
It feels unreal at times that I'm an inspiration. I’m just being myself and if that inspires others… cheers to being more like me and take this as a sign to be more like you. It’s a good feeling for sure though.
A message I’d like to share with others is don’t give up on yourself. Dare to believe in what you dream and remember, now won’t always be like this. Even when you want to stop, because the thought will come. And when it does, pause, breathe, and decide to keep going! I believe in you, and should, too. Because I don’t lie ;)
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your strategy for captivating the judges on stage?
A magician never reveals their tricks—winks. Honestly… I don’t have a true strategy. When I’m on stage, I talk myself up in my mind. I say to myself, “Woah, you look incredible and all eyes are locked on you.” I kind have always had this power of others paying attention to me, even when I didn’t think it. However, on competition day, I use it to my fullest advantage. Also, I have this non-wink way of getting their attention. I can only show it because it’s difficult to explain. I do know judges can see when you believe in yourself and I want them to know that in my stage presence without being haughty. Oh! Smile! Flashing big bright smiles are very important.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How do you prepare for competitions? Any specific routines or practices?
Every year, I feel like I have a different area of focus to improve. My routine includes working out, healthier dieting, interview practice, walking practice, wardrobe styling, networking events, and much more. The biggest practice I have is committing to read faith-based books that energize my confidence. I do believe that’s my secret weapon because it molds my inner beauty, purifies my heart, and it strikingly reflects in my outer appearance and my voice. It is a beauty pageant and I want to be the most beautiful—inside first then out—and to be delightful to others.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Got any tips for nailing the perfect pageant walk?
Famous pageant walk and runway coach Lu Sierra once said, “In order to walk like me, you need to be me…” Owning the superpower that no one else is you shows up in your strut, posture, hip swing, turns, head movement, etc. It will contribute to the perfect pageant walk. Practically, wear comfortable shoes that you know how to stride in. The worst thing you can do to yourself is wear heels that butcher your walk. Try to sync your arms to flow. Start strong and finish stronger. Take your time. Look at the crowd and definitely lock eyes with the judges.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Choosing the right pageant dress can be crucial. What are your tips for making the best choice?
First, know your system’s style. Every system has a style. Some are conservative, “sexy” conservative, extremely glitzy, high-end fashion, traditional pageant, and the list goes on. I like to lean towards systems that allow me to be a chameleon where I can adapt. Second, discover and know what your personality is. I’m daring, simple, and classic. What are you? Dress in your personality. Third, go into the boutique or designer’s meeting with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when trying on gowns. My fourth tip comes from Kerry Damiano. “Have your hair off your face and don’t wear makeup.” It makes a difference because you’ll know how to do your makeup and style your hair. Lastly, feeeeeeel your intuition. You might have others give their opinions but it’s about the dress that makes you feel like you. You have to go in front of the judges not the opinion givers.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Interview rounds can be tricky. What are your strategies for a winning interview?
Well, this strategy isn’t applicable to everyone unless you truly are this way, but being witty. Judges are humans and it is likely it is their first time ever meeting you. They want to build an emotional connection with you—win or lose—during this process. Laughing is more of an advantage than pageant girls think. I like to evoke all emotions while we’re interviewing. I have a short time and I want you to know me. I look at each judge in their eyes. I smize (smile with eyes without smiling) and I definitely smile, too. I like for my outfit to be extremely fashionable and “quiet” in color. I want them to be focused on what I say and not distracted by what I wear.
The ultimate strategy I have is I do not rehearse any of my responses. I want every response to be original. I have my 5 root points that will relate to my story, career, passions, hobbies, etc. and 3 budding reasons why they’re (the judges) moved to choose me by the end of our pageant.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Looking back, is there a moment in a competition you wish you could redo?
I believe I could redo my swimsuit portion in 2022. That’s when I noticed how my issue with body dysmorphia was worsening. I felt completely bloated because I was on my cycle. Come to find out, looking at the videos after the pageant, I had “11 - line abs” and my hair was flawless. It taught me a valuable lesson and I now know that I look amazing when I feel “bloated”. I had a great Peace + Period Coach, Lady Kay from SunSoulistic, who was helping me attack the false narratives that I was creating.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What common mistakes do you see others making in contests?
The common mistakes I see contestants do is enmesh their identity to a morbid story or find their worth in their achievements. When they don’t win, they are crushed from the fabrication or overload of accomplishments. Instead, they should be devoted to using the pageant as a means of expansion to keep going and not their destiny. It’s great to win but there’s more to winning a title and crown in a designer gown. It’s about whose life you’re influencing.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Do you have any experience in modeling or acting?
I do have experience in modeling, acting, and oratory. I enjoy modeling way more because I get to tell a story through optics and that isn’t an easy expression of art to execute. My last name is pronounced “acting” so I do love to be dramatic on screen or stage, too.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans or goals for the upcoming year as a Queen?
I would love to continue to bring awareness to fertility disorders like PCOS and home insecurities beyond homelessness. It would be amazing to travel to more states and countries for speaking opportunities. So far, I have volunteered over 50 hours of service. I hope to have 500 volunteer hours by the time I complete my reign with summer events.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Finally, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
The legacy I want to leave behind is embodying a lotus flower. To be like a lotus flower, one must be planted in an undesirable place with unwanted creatures living around them. Since they’re designed to have a unique ability to survive those conditions, it just takes time before they find their way to the top of the water's surface. Delicately unfolding, petal by petal, one flower by one, above the murkiness, repelling dirt, and parasites. I want to reveal to people they can be fully capable of enduring ugly circumstances and come out unspotted and spectacular like this mystical perennial. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.
I really enjoyed this interview! Thank you so much!
International Director: Kelly Trang Tran
National Director: Megan Meyers
Photographer and Credit Details: Anthony Lytle, Platinum Images Photography
Sponsors Acknowledgment: Desired Brows; Signature Dresses; Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty; Platinum Images Photography; Just Be You Jewelry; SunSoulistic; JusRédor; Boyd & Boyd Denistry
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Ebony Acton Miss Summit United States 2024, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Anthony Lytle, Platinum Images Photography
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
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