MISS WISCONSIN 2025

Willow Newell, hailing from Racine, Wisconsin, made history this past June by becoming the first Black woman crowned Miss Wisconsin. A recent graduate of Carthage College with a  Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater, Willow is thrilled to embark on a statewide journey to connect with Wisconsinites and champion her Community Service Initiative: Expression Without Exclusion – Transforming Lives Through the Arts.

Expression Without Exclusion aims to educate all, young and old, on the importance of including an arts education. Including art in a person’s life can help foster soft skills such as creativity, communication, and collaboration, along with gaining confidence and providing opportunities for success. Expression Without Exclusion also works to make arts accessible to all, from elementary school to nursing homes. Willow has created a series where she interviews individuals in her community about how the arts has impacted their lives.

At the 2025 Miss Wisconsin Competition, Willow captivated the judges by earning two preliminary awards: first for her powerful vocal performance of “And I Am Telling You” from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, and secondly for her elegant evening gown presentation. Willow also won many additional scholarships throughout the week.

Willow is no stranger to the stage. She participated in the Racine Theater Guild and played the lead role of Dion in Hair in 2022 at Carthage College. Willow hopes to continue her musical passions by continuing acting, writing, and hopes to find a career in directing award-winning theater and film.