Meet the new Miss Tri-Cities. She plans to use the platform to serve others

After a weekend filled with sparkles, service and sisterhood, the Tri-Cities crowned two new ambassadors ready to lead with heart and purpose.

Julia Henry was named Miss Tri-Cities 2026, and Marci Mendoza took home the title of Miss Tri-Cities Teen 2026 at Saturday’s pageant. Now the two are preparing for a year of community outreach, personal growth and for Henry, a run at the state crown.

For her, this moment has been a long time coming. Though Henry was born in Spokane, she grew up in the Tri-Cities attending Miss Tri-Cities pageants with her mom and sisters.

“It’s been an annual tradition in our family,” Henry said. “Last year I ran for the first time and was named first runner-up. This year, I came back and feel so lucky to be crowned.”

Mendoza, a rising junior at Richland High School, said she first discovered the program in middle school and felt a spark of inspiration.

“I remembered meeting a former Teen Miss Tri-Cities back then — she was so confident and carried herself beautifully,” Mendoza said. “This year, I was finally old enough to compete. It’s been such an amazing experience, and I’ve already gained so much confidence.”

More than a Crown: Platforms with Purpose

Both titleholders come to the role with personal platforms that reflect their passions and a drive to make an impact.

Henry’s platform, “The Power of One: Everyone Can Make a Difference,” encourages youth to get involved in community service that aligns with their interests. She hopes to start a nonprofit that connects young people to meaningful volunteer opportunities.

“Every single one of us has something to contribute,” she said. “We’re all enough as we are, and when we serve from that place, it’s powerful.”

Mendoza’s initiative, “Paint a Path,” uses art as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Through her platform, she teaches community art classes, sells her work to raise funds and dreams of creating a large scale community mural in the Tri-Cities.

“Creative minds create great leaders,” she said. “Art is how I express myself and how I want to give back.”

Building Confidence, Growing Sisterhood

Both Henry and Mendoza spoke about the personal transformation they’ve undergone through the competition, not just in grace and public speaking but in self-worth.

“You’re pushed outside of your comfort zone a lot,” Henry said. “But because of that, you grow so much. I’ve gained confidence in just being myself.”

For Mendoza, it’s also been a way to connect with others.

“You meet so many amazing people. Everyone lifts each other up. You really do form a sisterhood.”

They both credited the competition for helping them develop leadership and communication skills, and for providing meaningful scholarship support. Mendoza has already earned thousands in scholarships, she plans to use toward studying business or law. Henry who holds a communications degree from BYU is putting her winnings towards a masters program.

“This scholarship money helped me pay for school and really encouraged me to aim higher academically,” Henry said.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Pageant director Dot Stewart, who’s led the Miss Tri-Cities program for 27 years said the competition has always been about more than gowns and titles.

“When I started, we gave away about $3,000 in scholarships total,” Stewart said. “Now, we’ve given up to $30,000 in a single year. It’s about empowering young women through leadership, education, and service.”

The Miss Tri-Cities program is part of the Miss America organization and emphasizes community service, interview skills, talent and fitness as part of its competition scoring.

Looking Ahead

Over the next year, Henry and Mendoza will appear at community events, fairs and school programs and represent the Tri-Cities at the state pageant in hopes of moving on to Miss Washington and potentially Miss America.

They’ll also be cheering on the current Miss Washington, Amber Pike at this year’s national competition in September.

As for their own future goals, Henry hopes to one day step onto the Miss America stage and maybe find love along the way. Mendoza, only 16, is excited for college, more pageants and becoming someone younger girls can look up to.

“I want to be a positive role model,” Mendoza said. “It’s a big honor to represent Tri-Cities, and I want to make this community proud.”

Follow their journey:

Miss Tri-Cities Instagram: @misstricitieswa

Julia’s platform: @servewithjules

Miss Tri-Cities Teen Instagram: @misstricitiesteen

Marcy’s Platform: @paint.a.path

More info: misstricities.org