As a young girl, Kelsey Schmidt was teased for being “chubby.” The taunts made her sad, led to overeating, and stuck with her as she grew up. Now, as the new Miss Washington USA, Schmidt relishes the chance to inspire other young women who may not feel so good about their bodies.

“I’m really passionate about helping women embrace a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body image,” said Schmidt, a Ph.D. candidate in nutrition sciences at the University of Washington School of Public Health.