Nitsaniyah Fitch is in Orlando this week for the Miss America competition.
Fitch was crowned Miss Illinois 2025 on June 28 at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center in Marion, Illinois. Now, she is one of 52 women competing for the title of Miss America 2026.
Fitch, a 26-year-old fundraising professional, has raised nearly $1 million for child-focused nonprofits across Chicago.
Her path to Miss America is personal. Growing up in Israel, Fitch didn’t have mentors or role models pushing her to dream big.
Now, she is determined to give that support to other women and girls. She leads a community service platform called Aspire Flourish Rise and Manifest (AFRM), which empowers young girls to pursue education and leadership opportunities. Through AFRM, she partnered with Chicago Women & Philanthropy to mentor 12 girls and organize a college and career conference.
Fitch is also a proud graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences. At UIC, she was active as a Student Senator, Orientation Leader, Vice President of the Black Student Union, Study Abroad Ambassador, Peer Advisor, African American Academic Network Ambassador, and member of the Terra Society. Her academic and leadership experiences shaped her passion for environmental advocacy, mentorship, and public serice.
Now, Fitch brings that passion to the national stage.
The Miss America 2026 competition is being held this week at the Walt Disney Theater inside Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Events run from September 2 through September 7, culminating in the Miss America Finals on Sunday, September 7 at 6 p.m. CT. Fitch will represent Illinois as one of 52 contestants vying for the crown, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to carry forward Miss America’s legacy of service and leadership.
The Miss America 2026 winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship, with $10,000 for the first runner-up and additional awards for other finalists. Semi-finalists can earn $4,000 each, while contestants also compete for preliminary awards in categories such as Evening Wear, Talent, and Fitness. Specialty scholarships, including the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award, the Heart of the Advocate Award, and the Quality of Life Community Service Awards, provide further recognition and support.
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