Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie Skinner, and I am an undergraduate student at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a degree in Economics with concentrations in Management, Marketing, and Operations Decision Processes. I graduated high school with highest honors, ranking in the top 5% of my class, and was actively involved as a National Honor Society member, AP Scholar, Varsity Athlete, French Club President, Student Council Officer, and Leadership Core Officer.

My greatest passion lies in service. As the founder of Hands of Hope, I am dedicated to instilling hope and self-confidence in the next generation. Hands of Hope empowers youth impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to build hope for brighter futures.

At its core, Hands of Hope is a youth empowerment organization that delivers interactive, hands-on programming for students in grades K–12, focused on building confidence, resilience, and self-worth. Through our H.O.P.E. initiative, centered on Help, Opportunity, Prevention, and Education, we also provide education and awareness around domestic and relationship violence for teens. My mission is simple: to show young people that their circumstances do not define their future, and that they are worthy of unconditional self-love and success.

In addition to founding Hands of Hope, I have completed over 975 hours of community service, supporting organizations including Girls Inc, American Heart Association, Best Buddies International, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Operation Christmas Child, and GiGi’s Playhouse. I believe deeply in the power of service to transform individuals and communities alike, and I am committed to expanding access to opportunities for youth nationwide.

Beyond my work in service, I have a background in the entertainment and media industry. I have spent over seven years modeling, working with brands such as Sherri Hill, Blush Prom, MMG, and Paula Abdul’s Forever Your Curl campaign. I discovered my love for public speaking and advocacy through pageantry, where I found a platform that merges confidence, communication, and impact.

What began as a moment of hesitation when I got a letter in the mail (that my mom almost threw away), inviting me to an open call for a state pageant. Despite the initial self-doubt, I was immediately drawn to everything pageants embody: female empowerment. (No, not like toddlers and tiaras…) Fast forward (past the three years of struggling to walk in heels, my cross-bite smile, and shyness). Through perseverance, I went from learning to walk in heels and overcome stage fright to earning state and national titles, including Miss High School America 2021, for which I was awarded a $15,000 scholarship, and Princess America National Teen 2022.

In 2023, I was honored to be crowned Miss New York Teen USA and went on to place 1st Runner-Up at Miss Teen USA, making history for New York while also earning the title of Best Overall Interview.

Today, as Miss Philadelphia, I continue to use my platform to advocate for youth empowerment, expand Hands of Hope, and inspire others to lead with purpose. I believe pageantry is not just about the crown—it is about the impact you create with it