Raechel Warren, the 2024 Miss Nebraska, Discusses Her Passion for Youth Mentoring

We are pleased to introduce Chronicle readers to Raechel Warren, the newly crowned Miss Nebraska 2024. Raechel brings a refreshing perspective to the role, particularly in her passionate advocacy for youth mentoring. As you’ll see, her commitment to this cause is evident in her recent partnership with TeamMates Mentoring, a collaboration aimed at supporting both mentoring and literacy among Nebraska students. Raechel’s dedication to lift mentoring isn’t just a pageant platform; it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in her own experiences. From her early days as a multi-sport athlete to her current role as Miss Nebraska, she has consistently recognized the profound impact that positive role models and mentors can have on a young person’s life

Jean Rhodes (JR): What inspired your interest in youth mentoring?

Raechel Warren (RW): From a young age, I was involved in multiple sports and activities. From soccer, to basketball, band and roller skating, I was always being coached up. I feel so fortunate to have had such positive role models and mentors in my life, but I didn’t recognize the true impact they had on me until after what I thought was my identity, being an athlete, was almost taken away by a career ending soccer injury. Upon a LOT of reflection, immense time spent in a purple cast, and lots of conversations with the mentors in my life, I realized that I was more than an athlete. These individuals encouraged me that I had learned so many strengths, gifts, and talents THROUGH sports, but we just needed to refocus them in a different way! It was then, as I went back to my rural skating rink, that I wanted to ensure that all young people had access to that extra encouragement and guiding hand that I had growing up. That is when, almost 10 years ago, my personal service initiative, Passion to Purpose, was born.

JR: Can you tell us about a mentor who had a significant impact on your life? What made that relationship so meaningful?

RW: This is so tough to answer because there are 3 or 4 that come to mind right away!! But I have to say my roller skating coach, Diana. Diana was my moms coach, and quickly became like a second mom to me over the years! I traveled with her, hung out at her house and with her grandkids, but she was also my coach and ALWAYS pushed me to be better. Diana inspired me to never give up, to always work hard, and to have fun no matter what. She instilled the love of roller skating in me that I have to this day. I may not have been the winningest skater, but I worked hard, competed well, learned a lot, and never burned out on the sport I love.

JR: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing youth today, and how can mentoring help address those challenges?

RW: Youth are inundated with so much information and a lot of screen time. They are constantly being pulled in a variety of directions, while also having to learn who they are, grow up, and yet still be a kid. Statistics show that we are in a loneliness epidemic as a society and our youth are impacted the most. I firmly believe that if we could get youth ‘off the couch’ and involved in extracurricular activities, learning new skills and spending time around positive role models, like outside mentors, we would drastically see these statistics improve!! Mentorship breeds HOPE and our youth need it more than ever. I firmly believe you never know how one positive interaction can impact someone, and if youth could have just one more positive adult encouraging them…just think of the results!

JR: What qualities do you think are most important for an effective mentor to possess?

RW: Anyone can be a mentor! But A mentor needs to be compassionate, encouraging, and have a desire to create a growth environment: full of room for the mentee to succeed, to fail and to come into the best version of themselves.

JR: How do you plan to use your platform as Miss Nebraska to promote and expand mentoring opportunities?

RW: The platform of Miss Nebraska enables me to not only advocate to a larger audience, but to have bigger doors opened for important conversations. I have also had opportunities to connect with organizations, individuals, and demographics that I would have not had otherwise. Leveraging a social media following of roughly 12K, allows me to spread awareness and share the stories of others. Through roller skating videos, and tiny mic interviews, the message of mentorship resonates with both rural and urban communities.

JR: Are there any specific mentoring programs or initiatives you’re particularly passionate about?

RW: Miss America is one of my favorite programs for the development and success of young women. I love how it provides the opportunity for young girls to become confident in who they are, learn what gifts they bring to the table and recognize that who they are is enough! Umbrella organizations like MENTOR are also under appreciated because many still don’t know of the amazing resources they offer to mentors! Here in Nebraska, our Governor established an initiative to incentivise state employees to become mentors. While this is amazing, I look forward to the day where people are so equipped and encouraged to mentor, that they don’t need to be incentivized!

JR: How do you think your experience as a contestant and titleholder has prepared you to be a mentor yourself?

RW: In so many ways I can’t even count them on two hands!! Being a contestant has empowered me to know that my story is important, deserves to be told and can make a difference. I’ve become confident in being vulnerable, and in turn become a better listener and more empathetic; able to have conversations with ANYONE I meet. I’ve also learned how to encourage yet also provide constructive feedback that enables growth. This is so powerful, especially for young women! I could talk about this all day long to be honest! The mentorship I’ve experienced through Miss America fuels me everyday to be the best version of myself, and to give back 10 fold.

JR: How do you envision your platform contributing to the field of mentoring if you were to become Miss America?

RW: It would be an absolute honor to serve as Miss America and advocate for our nation’s young people. Students are feeling hopeless and helpless, and as a Miss America, I would have the platform to reach MILLIONS. I am confident that sharing my story through roller skating, being a light and encouraging our young people that they have a purpose, would leave such a positive impact on society. The title of Miss America also opens up big doors for productive, lasting change. My goals include amplifying and elevating the work of national mentoring organizations like MENTOR, meeting with members of the legislative branch, and speaking nationally in front of large corporations to make the case for funding, resources and opportunities for mentors and mentees alike. Miss America is a leader of change. I can’t think of a more perfect mission for Miss America to lead than empowering adults to become mentors, while simultaneously encouraging youth to seek out opportunities to discover their purpose.

JR: How do you plan to continue advocating for mentoring beyond your time as Miss Nebraska?

RW: The title of Miss Nebraska provides me with an even larger vehicle to advocate for the importance of youth mentorship. I am already looking forward to how I can continue this work after the crown! Not only will I continue my role as a mentee and camp counselor through Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC), but I will also become a volunteer at the local level within Miss America, and give back to young women in the same way that helped shape me into who I am today!