Stepping Into Her Power: Quanisha Barnes Heads to Petite USA Nationals

Fayetteville local and middle school science teacher Quanisha Barnes is heading to Chicago this July to represent Virginia at Petite USA, a national pageant that celebrates the confidence, style, and impact of women 5’6” and under. Though this will be her first-ever pageant, Barnes is walking in with vision, grace, and a bold sense of purpose.

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📸 headshot:@we_want_base , 💄makeup:@foreverwillbbeautiful

Petite USA isn’t your typical pageant. Created to spotlight and empower petite women, the national platform focuses on more than appearance—emphasizing leadership, communication, service, and presence. Winners often go on to model in New York Fashion Week, launch community initiatives, and represent the brand nationwide.

Barnes first heard about the pageant through a friend, Hansil. “He said, ‘Hey, there’s this pageant, Petite USA. I think you’d be great for it,’” she recalled. “So I looked into it and I was like, ‘Okay, this is cool.’ It was inclusive. It didn’t make me feel like I had to be a certain type of person. And I really liked that.”

She initially hoped to represent North Carolina, where she currently teaches, but the state title had already been claimed. “I asked if there were any other states available, and they said Virginia, which I felt was fitting since I went to high school in Virginia. It’s part of my background and a piece of my story.”

After applying, Barnes was selected as a semifinalist. Part of the application process required community service, and she partnered with the Salvation Army to prep and serve meals. “I actually plan to go back and volunteer again,” she said. “It’s not just a one-time thing for me.”

When she got the official invite to nationals, things moved quickly. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is happening.’ I had to get a coach, start practicing walking and posing, figure out wardrobe, and start fundraising. I’ve learned a lot through the process.”

Barnes with her students at the Atlanta Georgia Aquarium

Barnes will travel to Chicago July 9–12 to compete in interview, evening gown, activewear, state costume, and on-stage Q&A. She’s balancing preparation with her full-time job teaching at East Hoke Middle School in Raeford, NC—and embracing the journey.

“I’ve always been told, ‘If you were taller, you could model.’ I think that’s a really common thing for petite women to hear. And I’m 5’3” on a good day. But this pageant doesn’t make you feel like you have to look a certain way. It says you belong here."

"I proudly present to you my platform “Bridging the gap” Being a teacher is so much more than presenting content in a classroom. There’s so much that I want to teach my students that won’t fit in a one hour class block. Bridging the gap is about educating and serving the community outside of the classroom. With this platform I’ll leave my students with something that will help them long after middle school is over. #petiteusa #petiteusa2025#teachergram"

Beyond the pageant, she’s excited about where this opportunity could lead. “I actually did my high school senior project on becoming a fashion designer. And this pageant gives you the chance to walk in New York Fashion Week if you win. That’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

Barnes is also passionate about being a positive example for her students. “I try to be the teacher I needed at that age. And a lot of my students don’t always have people who show them what’s possible beyond their neighborhood. So for them to see me doing this—it means something.”

Barnes pictured with her father, sister and mother

With the support of friends, community, and a growing list of donors on her GoFundMe, Barnes is ready for the national stage. “I don’t think I ever expected to be doing something like this. But I’m learning that your only limit is you. And I’m deciding not to limit myself.”

Side Spotlight: “This Is Bigger Than Me”

📍 Her Goals for Petite USA— Represent her full story, from Virginia roots to her life in North Carolina— Show students and young women that they can dream beyond their surroundings— Use her platform to highlight community service and mentorship

👗 Style Meets Storytelling Fashion has always been in the picture for Barnes. “My senior project was on being a fashion designer. So to now be in a space where walking in New York Fashion Week is possible—it's full circle.”

💬 Favorite Quotes

“This pageant doesn’t make you feel like you have to look a certain way. It says you belong here.”

“It’s not just a one-time thing for me.”

“Your only limit is you.”

VOTE FOR QUANISHA: PEOPLE’S CHOICE OPEN NOW

You can help Quanisha take home a title!

Voting for People’s Choice is open until July 11.

The contestant with the most votes will automatically earn a spot in the finals.

📲 Cast your vote at: Petite USA

With Peace and Love,

Christina Miles

Art Director & Admin Lead