Every once in a while, you meet someone who doesn’t just inspire you — they ignite something in you. That’s exactly what happened during my conversation with Abigaille Batu-Tiako, Miss Polk County 2024, collegiate track star, worship leader, and soon-to-be business graduate from William Penn University. ✨
In Episode 3 of Black. Girl. Iowa., we explored what I now call “queen consciousness”: the unapologetic belief that you are worthy, you are capable, and you deserve to take up space — without apology, without shrinking, and without waiting for anyone else’s permission.
And Abigaille is walking, talking proof of that consciousness in action.
From New York to Iowa: A Leap of Faith and Freedom
Abigaille’s story started with a leap — and not just the ones she makes as a long jumper.
Originally from Plattsburgh, New York, Abigaille made her way to Iowa in 2020 — during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And she didn’t find her school through a carefully laid-out plan or a massive college tour. No — she found William Penn University three days before she enrolled, thanks to a scholarship offer buried in her spam folder.
Talk about divine intervention. 🙌🏾
Moving halfway across the country, to a predominantly white town, during a global pandemic, with no family nearby, would have been enough to make most people hesitate. But not Abigaille. She chose to see the opportunity for freedom, exploration, and growth.
“There was so much freedom to explore who I was as a woman.”
How many of us can say we entered a new chapter with that much open-heartedness?
More Than a Crown: Pageantry as Purpose
When you think of beauty pageants, what comes to mind?
For many, the stereotypes persist: superficial competitions based solely on looks.
But in speaking with Abigaille, you quickly realize that for her — and for so many women in pageantry — it’s so much more.
Pageantry, for Abigaille, is a ministry. It’s a platform. It’s a way to unify, uplift, and advocate for young women, especially those who don’t always see themselves reflected in leadership roles here in Iowa.
“The crown doesn’t determine your worth.”
Instead, the Miss America Organization offers a stage to showcase intelligence, leadership, community service, and talent — qualities Abigaille embodies so effortlessly. Whether she’s walking the runway in an evening gown, sprinting down a track, or leading worship through song, her authenticity shines through.
In fact, she told me that she’s living out every section of the competition in real life — training her body, sharpening her mind, nourishing her spirit.
The pageant just puts a crown on what she’s already been building.
Gems for the Next Generation
Throughout our conversation, Abigaille shared advice that every young Black woman in Iowa — and honestly, everywhere — needs to hear:
- Give yourself grace. Growth isn’t linear. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
- Create your own opportunities. Don’t wait to be chosen — choose yourself.
- Stay rooted in faith. Remember where your true worth comes from.
- Never limit yourself. The world may try to shrink you. Don’t you dare do it to yourself.
Hearing her speak to younger listeners reminded me how much power there is in positive, authentic representation. She isn’t just running for Miss Iowa — she’s showing other Black girls in Iowa what’s possible when you lean into your own magic.
Reflections: What Queen Consciousness Means to Me
I said it during the interview, and I’ll say it again:
I wish I had this kind of mindset when I was in my 20s.
Hearing Abigaille talk about giving herself grace, creating her own spaces, and standing confidently in her purpose made me reflect on my own journey — especially the times I doubted myself, second-guessed my value, or hesitated to dream bigger.
In many ways, “queen consciousness” isn’t just about winning titles.
It’s about knowing that even if the world says no, even if the crown goes to someone else, even if the opportunity doesn’t come the way you expect — you are still enough.
Period.
What’s Next for Abigaille?
This June, Abigaille will compete for the title of Miss Iowa — and I’m already rooting for her with everything I’ve got.
Regardless of the outcome, she’s already won in my eyes. Because she’s shown us what it looks like to bet on yourself, walk in your purpose, and love yourself through every step of the journey.
Be sure to follow her journey:
- @MissPolkCountyIA
- @abigail.mau
- Check out her women’s Bible study: @weardoc_
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