Cori Graham, the reigning Mrs. Circle City Indy, is preparing to compete for the state title.
Presented by Circle City Productions, the Circle City Indy pageant is a “natural pageant” designed for women of all ages and marital statuses, focused on leadership, community service and personal growth, according to the website.
Graham grew up in Indianapolis and has always had a heart for public service, having interned for the Democratic Caucus and volunteering for organizations such as Make-A-Wish, The Amore Movement and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. In addition to holding the Mrs. Circle City Indy title, Graham is the executive assistant to the Marion County Recorder, a committee person for Pike Township and working on a master’s of public affairs at Indiana University Bloomington.
Next month, Graham will compete for the National American Miss Indiana Elite title and travel to Orlando, Florida to compete in the National American Miss competition. The Recorder sat down with Graham ahead of the state competition to talk about her journey.
Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
How did you first get into pageantry? When did you realize this was something you wanted to pursue?
Graham: Pageantry kind of ran in my family for a bit, but when I was actually a House intern, I came across Senator Shelli Yoder, who was a former Miss Indiana. Just looking at her poise and things like that. I realized (from) talking to her a little bit, she told me she learned from pageantry, so I wanted to give it a shot. I didn’t realize I was going to learn so much in pageantry as far as your presentation, how you communicate, how you handle questions on the spot, your poise and grace and teamwork and sisterhood and dealing with other people. While it’s still a competition, it’s still a very supportive system. So, you just really learn to embrace so much in it.
What has your journey been like in the pageant circuit? What are some things that surprised you or challenged you?
Graham: What surprised me, honestly, and please don’t laugh when I say this, is me winning. One, because it was my very first one. I’ve never had any practice. I’ve never had a coach because … I really couldn’t afford a coach. I studied as much as I could on YouTube and practiced (with) myself, giving myself questions or having people question me. I had to learn how to practice my own walk at my local gym, and I know people thought I was crazy because I was wearing high heels in the gym in the mirror, trying to break my shin.
I think just the sisterhood as well. I thought that it would be a little bit more competitive, you know? But there was one incident where we were changing backstage. Someone couldn’t get their dress up, and even though they were my opponent, I was still very willing to help them. It’s just about the support system. I think it is a huge surprise to me, and also how much service, not only myself, all the people that I’m competing against have really put into the community. I think that a lot of people think pageants are about gowns and things, but you can’t just go up there and just be a pretty girl. You have to have done something for the community.
As the reigning Mrs. Circle City Indy, what are some of the ways you use your platform?
Graham: I think just speaking out more and getting to collaborate with different people and organizations. I have been exposed to organizations that I’ve heard of, but I’ve not really known much about prior to me winning Mrs. Circle City — for example, one of my favorites was the Epilepsy Foundation. I didn’t know what it was, and if somebody you know maybe doesn’t have it, somebody that they know probably does have it. I’ve been able to do a lot of work with that foundation.
Can you talk about the work you do for the city and what that means to you? Why do you do what you do?
Graham: I’m a survivor of child abuse I had a rough home life… I try to do things to make sure that I’m a safe space for others, and I’m always doing something that can help and benefit others. For me, my passion is child welfare because I know how crucial that time period is, and some of the things that I’ve gone through as a child have negatively impacted me, and I’ve just recently been able to get back on my feet after dealing with that. I just don’t know what other people are going through.
I live in Indianapolis. This is where I grew up at the time. I love it here. This is home. This is why I make sure I participate; I’m involved. That’s also why I ran for precinct committee person. Also trying to just make sure that like my neighbors know what’s going on, things like that.
What does it mean to you to be named Indiana State Finalist for the National American Miss pageant?
Graham: I’m super excited. I was very scared to apply because it’s competitive, but I feel very grateful that I’ve even been considered. I’m actually looking forward to meeting everybody and learning about all the things that they do. But it does mean a lot. These things can … take a mental toll, and I’m super excited to get to share about all the organizations that I care about and help bring some light to them. Hopefully, being able to raise money for them. I work with a lot of nonprofits, and at the end of the day, people need money. That’s how we keep helping people by raising money for them.
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What is the significance or value in competing for these titles? What does it represent?
Graham: For me, I think it represents that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. Because of how I grew up, I never thought I would ever be able to finish undergrad, which was a huge surprise to me when I did.
I want, especially girls, to know that they can achieve their dreams. They can work hard. You can go to college. You can have a degree. You can have a family or you can be an astronaut. You do not have to be limited, and where you started from does not determine how far you can go.
If you win the state title, what comes next? What are your hopes moving forward?
Graham: If I win the state title, I will be competing for the national title in Orlando, Florida, the weekend of Thanksgiving. … State is Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4th-7th. For the state title, I know that we have formal wear interviews, a self introduction, and I know that interviews are usually the most heavy in any kind of system, because the judges are really getting to know you in person. I’m excited to get to know them individually and for them to get to know me. And then I know the second top scoring is your formal wear, which I think is probably my favorite part because I don’t get to dress like that for anything.
I’ve only done one pageant, so I was winging it. At this time, I am still looking for designers to find a gown, … I know it does come at a cost. My cousin who’s also into pageantry, we both have thrifted things for my last pageant, which was fun for me.
My hope moving forward would be to raise more money for the three organizations that I’m specifically involved with, including the Amor Movement, Make-A-Wish, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. That’s my main goal: is just to bring more attention and more resources to all three of those organizations, and also learn about other organizations and learning how I can work with them to help them
For more information about Cori Graham’s advocacy or to follow along her journey, visit amormm.org/getinvolved or follow her Instagram @corigraham317.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
