Victoria Vredevoogd, a Chandler native who served as Miss Chandler, was recently crowned Miss Arizona 2026!
In addition to representing our state, Vredevoogd is a third-year law student at Arizona State University's (ASU) Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and the founder and president of The Gender Violence Project. She is also the author of the fantasy novel A Legend of Golden Shadows and a classically trained vocalist.
Vredevoogd is passionate about using both public service and the law to expand access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence and will represent Arizona at the Miss America Competition this month.
So, tell us—who is Victoria beyond the crown?
Beyond the crown, I'm someone who loves serving others, spending time with family and friends, reading fantasy novels, and singing. I also run the Instagram account for my rescue cat, Earl (@theearlesscatearl), who has become an internet celebrity and has built an amazing community of animal lovers. At the end of the day, I'm just a girl who loves Arizona and wants to leave every place a little better than I found it.
How did being Miss Chandler prepare you for Miss Arizona?
As someone who was born and raised in Chandler, serving as Miss Chandler was incredibly meaningful because it allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me. My year as Miss Chandler helped me grow as a leader while balancing law school, advocacy, fundraising, and hundreds of community appearances, preparing me to represent the entire state as Miss Arizona.
What cause are you most passionate about, and why?
I'm most passionate about survivors of gender-based violence receiving justice. At ASU Law, I founded The Gender Violence Project, Arizona's first student-led organization dedicated to preventing gender-based violence through survivor advocacy, legal resources, prevention education, self-defense classes, and community outreach. It is the first of its kind in Arizona and only the third in the nation. To find out more, visit TheGenderViolenceProject.com. Every person deserves to feel safe and have access to justice, and I'm committed to using both my legal education and my year as Miss Arizona to help make that a reality.
Who has inspired you most?
My parents have inspired me more than anyone. They have always encouraged me to dream big, work hard, and never give up, even when the road wasn't easy. Their unwavering support has helped me become the woman I am today.
What do you hope young girls take away from meeting you?
I hope they leave believing that no dream is too big. I want them to know that success doesn't happen overnight, but with hard work, perseverance, and kindness, they are capable of accomplishing incredible things.
Where would you take a first-time visitor in Chandler?
I grew up performing in musical theater, so I would take them to Chandler Center for the Arts to see a show and support our incredible local artists. It's a place that holds so many special memories for me and showcases the amazing arts community we have here in Chandler.
This is our Style Issue! What does style mean to you?
The Miss America crown is built on four points: scholarship, service, success, and style. To me, style is an opportunity to showcase creativity and individuality. One of my favorite parts of competing is designing my wardrobe, and I love finding unique ways to let my personality shine, which is what led me to be the only contestant on stage in a brown evening gown at Miss Arizona. I am so excited to wear a one-of-a-kind gown that I helped design at Miss America this year and share another piece of my story through fashion.
Future plans?
After my year as Miss Arizona, I plan to graduate from ASU Law, become an attorney, and continue advocating for survivors of gender-based violence. I hope to dedicate my legal career to expanding access to justice while continuing to serve my community. I also plan to continue publishing my fantasy novel series!
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I published a 400-page fantasy novel called A Legend of Golden Shadows before starting law school. I'm also a classically trained opera singer, which definitely catches people off guard!
How do you hope people remember your year as Miss Arizona?
I hope people remember my year as Miss Arizona as one defined by service, compassion, and lasting impact. If I can inspire even one young girl to believe in herself, help survivors feel seen and supported, and leave this organization stronger than I found it, then I will consider my year a success.