Tori Ansell
Founder, Owner & National Director
Tori Ansell is the founder, owner, and National Director of Miss Authentic America. She brings 12 years of pageant experience to the role, having won several pageants along with state and national titles. Before stepping into the national role, Tori served as a state director herself — so she knows firsthand what her directors face, and she personally mentors every state director in the system. Tori also proudly serves in the military. Based in Mississippi, she built Miss Authentic America on one belief: a crown should celebrate a girl exactly as she is — authentic, confident, and proud of where she comes from. The very first National Pageant is set for July 24–25, 2027, in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Haleigh Shoemaker
Kentucky State Director
Haleigh Shoemaker is the Miss Authentic America State Director for Kentucky. She lives in the small town of Irvine, Kentucky, where she is mom to a one-year-old boy. Haleigh works full-time as a correctional officer and part-time for Madison County Schools. New to the pageant world, she has always been fascinated by how pageants operate — and she became a director to grow into herself after becoming a mom, wanting something that is hers and doesn't call her "Jeremiah's mom." Fun fact: Haleigh collects marble carved animal figures — turtles, ducks, and dinosaurs. She can't wait to start this journey!
More director profiles coming soon.
Amanda is a former pageant mom — her daughter won titles at the local and state level and competed at the national level, so she's no stranger to the process. She's so excited to help every girl reach her full potential, find her own voice, and spread her sparkle around like glitter!
Amanda is 48 and the proud mom of two grown adults — and she's been upgraded from Mom to Nana to a wonderful 22-month-old granddaughter who is her whole world. She's worked in the medical field since she was 18 and now works from home as a nurse. In her spare time, she helps with the family farm in Central Texas, plays with her granddaughter, and enjoys time with family and friends, shopping, reading, and bowling.
Amanda looks forward to getting to know her fellow directors and helping contestants shine at the Texas state pageant on the road to Nationals in July 2027!
Amanda Bryars
Texas State Director
Ragen
Mississippi State Director
Ragen is originally from Brandon, Mississippi, and now calls Chunky, Mississippi home. She serves in the Mississippi State Guard, and when she's not in uniform, you'll find her outdoors — she loves softball, basketball, and just about everything outside. Ragen loves to be goofy, but she knows when it's time to be serious. Fun fact: she loves the Grinch — and pickles!