by Shawn Nowlin
Carleher Swanson is one impressive individual. The University of Virginia, where she is currently a doctoral student in Critical and Comparative Studies in Music, is her third institution of higher learning are previously attending the University of Miami and George Mason University in Jazz Vocal Performance and Jazz Studies.
Swanson, an accomplished writer and athlete, was recently crowned Miss Virginia 2024 at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre.
Those in attendance were on the edge of their seats from start to finish. “Once it was announced that Breana Turner, Miss Loudon County, was the runner-up, I just felt in my heart that Carleher was going to win,” Valerie Smith said, “Her reaction was so pure and adorable. You could tell that this meant the world to her.”
Present for Swanson’s special moment were proud relatives, friends and colleagues. A six-time Miss Virginia contestant, Swanson was last year’s runner-up. In addition to being awarded $20,000 for her accomplishment, she will have the opportunity to compete in Miss America 2025. For over a decade, Swanson was involved with Miss Virginia Opportunity, winning Miss Blue Ridge last April.
“I am proud of myself for sticking with it. When I first started, I was very shy. Early on, I was scared to speak. Through the Miss Virginia Opportunity, I was able to find my voice,” she said.
Swanson boasts thousands of followers across her social media platforms, and uses that stage to spread love and inspire others. She is the founder of Music is Unity, an organization dedicated to spreading musical joy through free performances at schools and nursing homes.
Writing on her Facebook page, she explained, “I am deeply grateful and overjoyed by the incredible outpouring of love and support I’ve received since being named Miss Virginia. The timing of this moment feels divinely orchestrated, and I am profoundly blessed to experience it. This has been an exhilarating whirlwind. God is so good!”
When Ashton Harper randomly met Swanson at the Salem Fair, he says she couldn’t have been more impressive. “You hear about beauty pageant winners being arrogant and stuck-up, but that wasn’t the case with Carleher. After my conversation with her, I walked away extremely impressed,” he said.
Harper added, “Not only did she take pictures with people, she genuinely engaged with others and asked about their backgrounds. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
If Swanson wins Miss America in five months, she will be the tenth Black woman to accomplish that feat.
