The spotlight was on Nitsaniyah Fitch this past weekend as she captured the title of Miss Illinois 2025 at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center on Saturday, June 28. The event capped off four days of fierce, uplifting competition, where young women from across the state showcased their talents, poise, and platforms.
The 2025 Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois’ Teen competitions ran from June 25–28, featuring interviews, talent performances, evening gown presentations, and on-stage questions. The day before Fitch’s win, Lillie Brown was crowned Miss Illinois’ Teen 2025.
As Miss Illinois 2025, Nitsaniyah Fitch will go on to represent the state at the Miss America competition in September.
“Thank you God for putting me in the position to serve and to the judges for trusting me to represent our state proudly,” Fitch posted on Instagram. “I’m beyond excited to join the Miss Illinois/Miss America sisterhood and add to its legacy!”
Fitch, a 26-year-old fundraising professional, emerged as a standout at the 2025 Miss Chicago and Miss Chicago’s Teen competition, held at the Irish American Heritage Center on Saturday, January 18. That evening, she was crowned Miss Windy City 2025, one of the most prestigious and competitive local titles in the state.
Since joining the Miss America competition in 1927, Illinois has carved out a legacy as one of the most successful states in the pageant’s history. That legacy began when Lois Delander won Miss America in the state’s debut year and continued with four additional national winners:
- Judith Ford (1969)
- Marjorie Judith Vincent (1991)
- Katherine Shindle (1998)
- Erika Harold (2003)
The Miss America Organization, founded in 1921, is the nation’s leading provider of scholarship assistance to young women. Through its focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and community impact, the organization has opened doors for generations of leaders.
The Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization, in partnership with Miss America, upholds that mission by equipping candidates with scholarship opportunities, interview skills, leadership development, and a platform to drive real change in their communities.
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