Landry Champlin was crowned Miss Plano Sept. 1, 2019. Due to the pandemic, she received the opportunity to hold the title for an additional year, and will finally get her chance to compete for the title of Miss Texas in June. Throughout her time as Miss Plano, she has used her platform to volunteer, speak, advocate, perform and serve. Specifically, as a person who stutters, Landry has used this opportunity as a chance to spread stuttering awareness.
“Prior to my experience stepping outside of my comfort zone by competing in the Miss America Organization, I struggled to confidently articulate my thoughts and ideas,” Landry shared. “Speaking publicly, ordering my own food at a restaurant and participating in classroom discussions were all tasks that appeared seemingly impossible.”
When Landry began competing in the Miss America Organization, she found that it was an opportunity to confront her stutter head-on. Instead of shying away from speaking, she decided to share her story each time she competed. After she realized that she didn’t need to fear stuttering, she was able to overcome it. Now, she works to empower anyone who stutters to “discover their fearless.”
Landry is the founder of a global mentorship program called “Dear Fearless: Mentorship Around the World,” which she created in partnership with the International Stuttering Association. People all around the world can share their experiences, advice, and stories regarding stuttering with one another through the program. She has also partnered with the Stuttering Association for the Young, the National Stuttering Association and the Stuttering Foundation.
In addition to her mentorship program, Landry also founded a nonprofit organization, the “Live Fearless Foundation.” The mission of her nonprofit is to empower students across the state of Texas to be the most confident and courageous versions of themselves. Her organization will provide scholarship opportunities, character development programs, educational resources and empowering discussion series.
Landry’s desire to empower young people extends to kids, too. She recently published her first children’s book, “Fiona the Fearless Fox.” It is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book sellers.
“This book tells the story of Fiona, a fearless fox who wears a crown, never frowns and sets out on a quest to empower her forest friends to face their biggest fears in pursuit of their dreams,” Landry shared.
On April 10 Landry hosted the Live Fearless Foundation’s launch at Love and War in Texas. The event featured Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Nicole Jia, as well as special performances and conversations around empowerment. Landry presented the foundation’s first scholarships to Texas students Therese Malayil and Ana Belmonte.
“This 501(c)3 has been years in the making and it was absolutely incredible to not only impact the lives of two deserving students by awarding them with scholarships, but empower an audience to face their fears, find comfort outside of their comfort zone and live fearlessly,” said Landry.
