Hello my name is Sopheriana Britt. I am 38 years old, and I have the distinct honor of representing Texas, United States as Miss Europe Continental Texas. I proudly call Texas my home today, though my roots trace back to my birthplace in Florida.

– Representing Texas at Miss Europe Continental 2025 is a great honor. What does it mean to you to bring your culture, your story, and your roots to an international stage?

Representing Texas on this international stage is a profoundly personal honor. It means sharing a story of the American spirit: resilience, service, and the ability to find home wherever life takes you. My personal story, from being a military veteran to finding my new home in Texas, is a testament to the diverse and welcoming nature of the state. I bring not just the culture of Texas, but the voice of the American service member, using this platform to advocate for Veteran mental health, a crucial cause with global implications.

– Can you tell us something about your background and childhood? How have those early experiences shaped the woman you are today?

My childhood was marked by both warmth and profound change. I was the eldest of four siblings, born and raised in Florida. When I was 13, I faced a heartbreaking loss when my mother passed away tragically. This led me into foster care before being lovingly adopted by my mother’s sister and my uncle. My uncle’s military service was a major inspiration, and the strength and resilience I had to cultivate during those formative years directly led to my decision to join the military after high school. My time in service, including two combat tours in Afghanistan, cemented my values of discipline, selflessness, and the commitment to fighting for what is right. These early experiences taught me that adversity is not a barrier, but a powerful foundation for growth.

– How would you describe your personality in three words, and why those in particular? 

I would describe my personality as Resilient, Dedicated, and Purpose-Driven. o Resilient, because my life experiences have taught me to adapt and overcome any challenge while remaining focused on the positive. o Dedicated, as demonstrated by my commitment to my military service and now my tireless work as an advocate. o And finally, Purpose-Driven, because every action I take, from competing in this pageant to working on my fitness, is directly aimed at supporting my ultimate mission: reducing the rate of Veteran suicide.

– How did your journey in the world of fashion and beauty pageants begin? Was there a key moment that changed everything for you?

My journey in fashion began quite simply: I was often told I was tall and poised and that I ‘should model.’ For years, I allowed fear and self doubt to hold me back. The key moment that changed everything was recognizing that this was my chance to follow my dreams unapologetically, as I now tell my younger self. I realized the stage is not just for pretty faces; it is a platform. By finally stepping out of my comfort zone, I am using this visible position to bring essential awareness and credibility to my advocacy for Veteran mental health.

– What has been the most meaningful experience in your fashion or communication career so far?

My most meaningful experience is my ongoing communication work as an advocate for Veteran mental health. Knowing that approximately 22 soldiers take their lives daily is a statistic that fuels my efforts. Every time I speak, share a resource, or connect with another veteran to spread awareness in hopes of decreasing that number, I am engaging in my most profound form of communication. My career is no longer just about me; it’s about translating pain into purpose for a community that has sacrificed everything.

– Have you had any role models throughout your professional journey? Who inspires you and why?

I am deeply inspired by two phenomenal women: Michelle Obama and Beyoncé. Michelle Obama inspires me with her unwavering grace, intelligence, and dignity, showing how to lead with authenticity while maintaining a powerful public presence. Beyoncé inspires me with her dedication to her craft, her powerful stage presence, and her business acumen, demonstrating that a woman can be an ultimate professional while owning her power and voice. Both women exemplify the blend of strength, advocacy, and professional excellence that I strive to embody.

– What are the most important values you aim to communicate through your image and your work in the fashion industry?

The values I aim to communicate are Strength, Authenticity, and Service. Strength because I want my image to represent the inner fortitude and resilience that comes from overcoming adversity. Authenticity because I’ve spent too long being afraid, and now I use this platform to encourage others to be their true selves. And most importantly, Service my entire life has been dedicated to service, first to my country, and now to my fellow veterans. I want the fashion industry to see the value in a titleholder whose work is fundamentally rooted in improving the lives of others.

Outside of the runway, what are you passionate about? Do you have hobbies or interests that help you stay grounded in everyday life?

Outside of the runway, I maintain balance and discipline through my commitment to working out, hiking, and cooking. Working out and hiking are essential to my mental and physical health, maintaining the self-discipline I learned in the military while giving me a chance to clear my head. Cooking is my creative and grounding activity; it connects me to nourishment and community. These are not just hobbies; they are the intentional practices that keep me centered, healthy, and energized to be the most effective advocate I can be.

What do you hope to gain from this experience at Miss Europe Continental, both personally and professionally?

Personally, I hope to gain a global perspective and lasting friendships by connecting with women from diverse cultures. Professionally, I seek to leverage the visibility of this international platform to expand the reach of my veteran mental health advocacy. This experience would allow me to form partnerships, share resources, and shine a spotlight on the crisis of Veteran suicide on a European stage, truly amplifying my purpose beyond national borders.

If you could speak to your younger self from five years ago, what would you tell her? And what would you ask her?

I would tell her, with absolute certainty, to ‘Follow your dreams unapologetically.’ Stop allowing fear to dictate your actions. You are stronger than you realize, and the world needs your voice. As for what I would ask her, I would simply ask: ‘What are you truly waiting for?’ I would want her to realize that all the prerequisites she thinks she needs are already within her.

FOLLOWHER ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/sopheri_b