Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Holmgren.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always loved the stage. Living with a label of a disability, I never really thought of it as a negative and believed I could do anything. I entered the Miss Minnesota USA pageant in 2017, insisting I really wanted to do it, not knowing what pageant I had signed up for. Little did I know I would become the first woman with Down syndrome to participate in any state Miss USA pageant and was soon making history and international news.
I am a self-advocate who is the first woman with Down Syndrome to compete in a Miss USA state pageant and audition for Sports Illustrated Swim. I love fashion and have held my own fashion show the past three years to raise money for Best Buddies Minnesota, for which I am an Ambassador and this year’s Grand Champion. Best Buddies International is an organization committed to providing opportunities and one-on-one friendships for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My passion is dance, having competed since I was 10 years old. I was part of the social media series “Dancing with Nia” from Dance Moms. I am a public speaker and have spoken to the Minnesota House and Senate to help pass a bill, to the Pennsylvania congress as part of the Down syndrome Awareness Act and at the United Nations with Holy See. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to go after their dreams no matter how big or small.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are still people that overlook those with a disability, thinking they can or cannot do things. Growing up I had my challenges with those people not allowing me to participate in activities that all of my peers were doing. Including school talent shows, sports, etc. I am proud to have proven them wrong in that I have gone on to become a successful dancer, actor, influencer, professional speaker, and model.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love anything to do with a stage and an audience.
Competing in dance at a young age gave me the confidence to be in front of people. I choreograph my own dances and spend 6-10 hours a week in the studio. I love lyrical, ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz. But given the opportunity, I will add a little HipHop. When I hear the music, I feel the music. This is a way of expressing emotions.
As an actor, I am able to pretend to be someone else.
As a model, I love to be in front of the camera and express myself. I love the fashion I get to wear, the makeup and hair…all of it.
As a speaker, I can share my story and give others encouragement to fulfill their own dreams.
I, also, love to create art. I have designed cards, painted pictures and just recently started to create earrings. I hope to continue down this path.
I am passionate about everything that I do. And love that these different avenues takes me down roads where I meet some incredible people who lift me up.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Podcasts:
Mothers and Daughters Podcast
The Shawty Show ( 2 Stillwater friends)
The Lucky Few
Book:
The Sparkle Effect by Kristin Dalton
Contact Info:
- Email: management@futureproductions.net
- Website: www.mikaylaholmgren.com
- Instagram: MikHolmgren_inspiring_others
- Facebook: Mikayla Holmgren – Dancer with Down Syndrome
- Youtube: Mikayla Holmgren
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylaholmgren
Image Credits
Vince Torre
Solberg photos
Bobby Rogers
Mikayla’s Mom
