Suzi Roberts, who’s competing in the Miss South Carolina pageant this week as Miss Coastal Islands, embraced Children’s Trust and its work this spring as part of her platform. She sought to learn more about our programs and also helped with fundraising efforts. The Pawleys Island native, who’s a student at the University of South Carolina, discusses her passion for making life better for kids in this state.
I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t an advocate for children.
A number of life experiences have solidified my commitment to child well-being. I began my college career as a special education major, but it quickly became clear to me that my passion for children’s rights was outgrowing the role I had envisioned as an educator.
As a young girl, I had dreams of being an attorney. While some girls wanted to be a Disney princess, I wanted to be Elle Woods, the lead character in “Legally Blonde.” As I began to do research on law schools, I came across the Children’s Law Center and a program at the University of South Carolina that concentrates in an area of law that benefits children and families. I immediately knew this was where I belonged and began taking steps to make that my reality.
I completed my training and was sworn in as a Guardian ad Litem, a legal child advocate, through CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children). I specifically work with children who have been placed in foster care as a result of unsatisfactory conditions at home.
Suzi Roberts, Miss Coastal Islands
Wanting to have a larger-scale impact on children led me to the Facebook page of Children’s Trust. It didn’t take long to realize this organization was a perfect fit for my support. I was immediately welcomed with open arms by staff members and included in various aspects of their work.
I have especially loved getting involved with the policy side through attending panel discussions, taking part in community conversations, and tuning into webinars. These events have helped inform me and shaped my voice on children’s issues.
As a local titleholder in the Miss America organization, I have begun to advocate for change in our state through my platform, “Take My Hand: A Commitment to Children’s Rights and Well-Being.” In my private interview with the judges at the Miss South Carolina pageant this week, I was able to share what I have learned about the great need for foster parents in South Carolina and the lasting policy impact we can make through the Early Childhood Common Agenda.
My absolute favorite experience that has come from working with Children’s Trust was getting to stand proudly alongside so many legislators and child-serving professionals in statewide and community organizations at Children’s Advocacy Day at the State House in April. I am so thankful for this partnership and all of the doors it has opened for me.
As I share my platform during my onstage question, I know that no matter what happens this week at the Miss South Carolina pageant, I will always #Stand4SCKids.
Pageant postscript: Suzi finished as the first runner-up in the Miss South Carolina pageant. In the preliminaries, she won the Quality of Life award for her advocacy work supporting child well-being. She also won the swimsuit competition.
