23. From Foster Care to the Crown: A Conversation with Miss Kentucky

In this inspiring episode of Charm & Circumstance, host Ashley Bruggeman sits down with Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez - the first former foster youth to place in the Top 11 at the Miss America pageant and the first to hold the Miss Kentucky title.

Ariana’s story is one of resilience, faith, and fierce determination. From her early years in Kentucky’s foster care system to the national stage, she’s defied every expectation and turned her experiences into a mission for change.

Together, Ashley and Ariana discuss:

🌿 Growing up in the foster care system and how it shaped her sense of identity and strength 👑 The contrast between life in foster care and the pageant world - and how both shaped her resilience

💬 The pressure, purpose, and empowerment that come with the Miss America platform 💡 The changes Ariana hopes to see in the foster care system - and how she’s using her crown to make a difference

This conversation is a powerful reminder that beauty and purpose can coexist - and that grace often grows from the hardest places.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Ariana’s story is transforming hearts, minds, and systems - one voice at a time. You do not want to miss this incredible conversation!!

💬 Connect with Ariana Rodriguez

Follow & Support Ariana’s journey and advocacy work at:

💚 The Lucky Ones

On Instagram:

⭐@_arianamae

👑@missamericaky

🎧 Connect with Ashley as well as Charm & Circumstance

Follow along for more conversations on design, purpose, and personal growth: 🌿 Instagram: @charm_and_circumstance

🏡 Learn more about Ashley’s design work Ashley Morgan Interiors