HER Story

Founder & CEO, Queens Arete Foundation

More than a titleholder, Kayanna Lovett is a living testament to perseverance and growth. Born in Lansing, raised in Indianapolis, and now proudly rooted in Houston, her journey has been one of survival, transformation, and grace. Life didn’t make it easy for her.  From surviving homelessness to being misunderstood for her uniqueness, even to the streets trying to claim her, Kayanna transformed every challenge and weapon formed against her into fuel for her purpose. Each trial became a lesson, each wound a source of wisdom, shaping her into the unstoppable, purpose-driven woman she is today. What once felt like broken pieces have become the foundation of her strength. Now, she uses her story to remind others that purpose is often born from pain, and that even the hardest seasons can bloom into something beautiful.

At just fourteen years old, Kayanna turned her pain into purpose by founding KL Teen Pageants (KLTP) a space where middle and high school girls could find what she once needed most: belonging, self-worth, and a voice. Through pageantry, mentorship, and confidence-building workshops, she began guiding girls to embrace who they are and walk boldly in it. What started as a small dream in a teenage girl’s heart became the foundation for something much greater.

Years later, Kayanna realized that her purpose had evolved because growth never stops at one age. After witnessing the women around her quietly struggle with identity, motherhood, and the weight of simply being strong all the time, she knew it was time to expand. That’s when the Queens Arete Foundation (QAF) was born. Inspired by the Greek principle of Arete; the pursuit of excellence and living in alignment with one’s highest potential. Kayanna built QAF as a safe haven for women and girls in every season of life. Its flagship programs include KL Teen Pageants, the “Your That Girl” Empowerment Series, and “Forever Linked,” a grief support program for siblings navigating loss. Together, these initiatives create a circle of healing, sisterhood, and rediscovery.

To Kayanna, healing is not a destination - it’s a daily choice. After more than 13 years (and still counting) of counseling and self-work, she learned that healing means getting out of survival mode and finally allowing yourself to live. It means facing the fears that once controlled you, forgiving the parts of yourself that didn’t know better, and stepping into the woman you were always meant to be. Her foundation reflects that truth: that healing and growth are lifelong commitments, not quick fixes.

Now, as the reigning Miss U.S. United 2025, Kayanna uses her national platform to amplify her message. That confidence isn’t something you build; it’s something you uncover. With her state and national title, she’s been involved in many volunteer engagements, mentoring youth, involved with other women led foundations and continues to serve her community with compassion and authenticity. Her journey through pageantry has never been about perfection or prestige, it’s been about transformation, faith, and sisterhood.

Through it all, Kayanna Lovett remains the flower that grew from concrete - proof that even when life tries to bury you...you can still bloom. Her story is a love letter to every woman who has ever felt unseen, unworthy, or unfinished. Through her crown, her foundation, and her unwavering heart, she continues to remind the world: healing is hard, but it’s worth it - because you are.

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