Marsh, 22, entered the US Air Force in 2020 with ambitions of becoming an astronaut. It was around the beginning of her career in the Air Force that she followed in the steps of her cousin and began competing in pageants, hoping they would help her with community service and public speaking.

The platform she promoted during her early pageant days was pancreatic cancer research and education.

Her mother, Whitney Marsh died from pancreatic cancer in 2018.

Although they’re vastly different, Madison told The Harvard Crimson, pageantry “really relates to the military a lot because you’re serving but in a different way.”

“When I put on my uniform, I serve and I represent our country,” she said. “When I put on the crown and sash, I’m serving, representing my community.”

While Madison always planned to become an astronaut, the now second lieutenant has chosen to pursue a public policy degree at the Harvard Kennedy School in honor of her mother, Whitney.

She will also spend the next year honoring her mother as she begins her reign as the newest Miss America.

“To my momma – this whole year is for you,” Marsh wrote on Instagram. “If you were in the audience last night, I know you would have been my first hug. The world is about to know your story, light and love.”

Congratulations, Madison. You are living proof that women are capable of doing absolutely anything!