Maggie Jackson has always believed in the power of purpose and now, she’s taking that belief to one of the biggest stages in pageantry. Recently named Mrs. California, Jackson is preparing to represent her state at the upcoming Mrs. America competition at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas on August 27th.
Behind the glamour and competition lies a mission close to her heart: advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Through her platform, Your Mind Matters, Jackson champions open conversations about mental health, using both personal experiences and community outreach to inspire change. “I have experienced firsthand the loss of a loved one to suicide,” she shares. “It’s a pain that never truly goes away, but it’s also what drives me to make sure others know they are not alone.”
Statistics back the urgency of her cause with suicide remaining one of the leading causes of death in the United States among young people. Jackson is determined to be a visible voice in the fight against stigma, encouraging people to seek help and to check in on those around them.
“I want to make mental health just as important to talk about as physical health,” she says. “If I can help even one person feel seen and heard, that’s a victory.”
When asked what grounds her in such a high-pressure journey, Jackson credits her family — especially her husband and children. “I want my kids to grow up seeing that kindness matters, and that integrity is something you live out every single day,” she explains. “Competing for a title is exciting, but the real win for me is showing them the value of compassion.”
Her family has been by her side every step of the way, from rehearsals to appearances, and she sees their support as a reflection of the values they share. “We try to live in a way that inspires others to be better to each other,” Jackson adds. “That’s something I hope comes across in everything I do.”
With Mrs. America quickly approaching, Jackson’s days are filled with training sessions, community events, and the behind-the-scenes work that pageantry demands. While she acknowledges the pressure, she sees it as a privilege. “Representing California is an honor,” she says. “It’s not just about wearing a sash — it’s about using this platform to create real change.”
Part of that preparation includes refining her advocacy message to reach a wider audience. “The national stage is a bigger opportunity to bring awareness to suicide prevention,” Jackson explains. “If more people feel encouraged to talk about mental health after seeing my journey, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
We recently chatted with Maggie in person at the Gurus Magazine Beauty Awards. Check it out below!
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