Mimi Hymel’s life has been shaped by resilience and purpose. At just three years old, her family evacuated New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
"We lost our home, our belongings—everything," she recalls.
Despite being young, the experience left a lasting mark.
"I don’t remember everything, but I do remember losing my teddy bear, Cuddles. I wished I had grabbed it."
After several moves, Mimi’s family eventually settled in Arizona. And at age 13, a dance teacher encouraged her to enter a pageant—a moment that redefined her path.
"I gave it a shot and fell in love with it."
Competing in Miss America-affiliated pageants opened doors to scholarships, community service, and personal growth.
"The gowns are fun, but I love making a real impact."
That impact became Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, the nonprofit Mimi founded to provide stuffed animals and handwritten notes to children affected by disasters—offering the same comfort she once longed for.
"Essentials matter, but kids also need emotional comfort."
What began as a personal mission has grown into a nationwide movement, with beauty queens across the country hosting their own Comfort Bears donation drives. The recent California fires further fueled collection efforts, rallying strong community support.
"Partnering with Paradise Valley City Lifestyle and the Square One Concepts' Cold Beers Cares initiative made this drive so impactful," says Mimi. "Thanks to our incredible community, we collected countless stuffed animals for children affected by the California fires. Drop-off locations at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers and Famous 48 made it possible, and I was honored to personally deliver thousands of donations."
Now, as Miss Paradise Valley, Mimi is competing for Miss Arizona, with her sights set on Miss America.
"I was second runner-up last year. This year, I’m going for the crown."
The journey requires intense preparation—gown selection ("blue is my power color"), fitness, and talent.
"I sing Over the Rainbow in half English, half Italian. It ties into my story—finding hope after a storm."
Beyond pageantry, Mimi is earning an MBA on a full-ride scholarship and hopes to build a career in disaster relief.
"Whether through my nonprofit or the Red Cross, I want to make a difference."
comfortbearsinacatastrophe.org, squareoneconceptsinc.com
"I was second runner-up last year. This year, I’m going for the crown. For the Miss Arizona talent competition, I'll sing Over the Rainbow in half English, half Italian. It ties into my story—finding hope after a storm." -Mimi Hymel, Miss Paradise Valley