Meet Halle Ann

We had the good fortune of connecting with Halle Ann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Halle Ann, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
For the first year or so of competing in the Miss America Organization, I didn’t consider myself a “pageant girl.” I was certainly a girl who did pageants, but I hesitated to use that label because of the negative connotations it carries for some people.

Now, as Miss Boulder County—my fourth title in pageantry—I can confidently say that I am a pageant girl. And honestly, I’m proud of it. What many people don’t realize is that pageant girls, just like softball girls, cheerleading girls, or theater girls, come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and hold a wide range of experiences, values, and beliefs. Pageant girls are anything but one-dimensional.

Outdated movies and media often paint girls who compete in pageants as catty, malicious, or just plain not nice. Now, don’t get me wrong—just like in any other group, you’re not going to vibe with every single person you meet in the pageant world. But that’s true of any group of people. The label of “pageant girl” simply means that you compete in pageants—it doesn’t define your character or personality. You’ve got to get to know the women behind the crown.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m currently working on an initiative with Keep America Beautiful called America’s Greatest Cleanup. It’s more than just a nationwide effort to pick up litter—it’s a powerful movement that brings communities together to protect and restore our environment.

As a national partner with Keep America Beautiful, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how impactful this initiative is—not only for the environment but also for the people involved. It’s not just about making public spaces cleaner; it’s about empowering people to take pride in their communities and helping them realize that they have the power to make a difference.

When you see volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working side by side to restore parks, clean up streets, and care for public spaces, you realize that this is about more than just environmental action—it’s about connection. Connection to the land and to each other.

For me, environmental advocacy has always been about building bridges and creating spaces where everyone feels like they have a role to play. America’s Greatest Cleanup does exactly that. It unites people from different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs under one shared goal: to care for our communities and the planet.

It’s proof that environmental stewardship isn’t political—it’s human. And it starts with each of us taking action, together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, since I’m Miss Boulder County and an outdoors girl, it’s only fitting to tell you about the iconic Flatirons! There are five main Flatirons (super creatively named First through Fifth), and they’re a hotspot for hikers, climbers, and anyone else who wants to enjoy them. The trails give some of the best views of the city and the foothills, and the rock faces themselves are a magnet for climbers. I actually recently climbed the second Flatiron, and it totally kicked my butt! They’re not just part of the landscape—they’re part of Boulder’s identity, and I’m so proud to represent a place with such a rich natural and cultural history. If you’re ever in Boulder, you have to check them out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Miss Valley of the Sun Organization – For providing consistent mentorship and always reminding me that I can be whoever I want to be.

Keep America Beautiful & Keep Phx Beautiful– For their partnership and support, giving me a platform to share my message and allowing me to champion their national initiatives through Miss America.

GEM Environmental – For loving and empowering me in my academic, professional, and pageant career.

I love and appreciate you all — you’ve shown me that blood doesn’t make family. ❤️

To my blood family – I love you all and am so proud of my roots. I am so grateful to have been loved and adored so fiercely. I couldn’t possibly do everything I do now without that foundation. ❤️

Instagram: @missbouldercountyco @Halleannfernandez

Linkedin: halleannfernandez

Facebook: halleannfernandez

Image Credits
Nicole J Smith