She originally got her daughter, Bridgette, to help her build self-esteem and self-love after experiences with bullying at school. Azad made Bridgette beautiful gowns and encouraged her daughter to be open-minded about pageantry and to have fun.

The young Branch went on to enjoy pageantry and win many titles, and then she challenged her mother to try pageantry.

“I encouraged her to do it because she is what pageantry is about. She is authentic, and she cares about helping others find their true selves,” said Bridgette.

She continued, “I am just so proud of my mom, and I love seeing how happy she is when she is having fun.”

Azad Branch did take her daughter up on the challenge and didn’t expect to win any shows. However, she recently won the coveted state title of Mrs. Pennsylvania in the U.S. American Miss Pageant for 2023-24.

As the judge’s choice, she defeated delegates from throughout Pennsylvania. During the state pageant, which occurred at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony in the Poconos, she won an extensive prize package.

She then went to Jacksonville, Fla., as a Pennsylvania state title holder and won the National title for the US American Miss Scholarship, where she competed against ladies from all over the United States and won a prize package worth over $300,000.

As the pageants are charity-driven organizations, Branch will continue to work with the US American Miss National’s anti-bullying platform, representing the U.S. American Miss as a GENUINE girl (Gracious, Enthusiastic, Natural, Unique, Inspiring, Noble, and Eager to make a difference).

“We are so thrilled to be represented by a lady who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and who has a passion for serving her community and being a role model to other women and girls,” said Paula Knipple, Director of U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nancy Contrares, also a Director of the U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania and New Jersey, said, “U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania and New Jersey are honored to have Azad Branch as one of our state and national queens, and we know that she will inspire other girls and ladies of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their goals.”

Azad Branch will crown her successor at the 2024 U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Pageant on Sept. 5 to 8, at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony in the Poconos.

Azad Branch is available for appearances and media interviews. To schedule an appearance or interview, don’t hesitate to contact the US American Miss Pennsylvania and New Jersey State office via email at pennsylvania@usamericanmiss.com or call 814-442-9945.