The reigning Ms. Petite USA Angelica Smith has strong connections to Dillon County.
Angelica, originally from Red Springs, North Carolina, now resides in Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Fitness Management with a concentration in Business Administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2014. While in college, Angelica served as Senior Class Queen, was a student leader, danced for the university’s drumline, and became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 2013.
Angelica began her professional career as an Event Coordinator for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics with the Aggie Athletic Foundation. After six years, she transitioned to Norfolk State University, where she served as Director of Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships for Athletics. Currently, she works as an Event Manager with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, traveling across the country to multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to raise awareness about scholarships, internships, and professional development opportunities offered by her organization.
Alongside her work, Angelica passionately advocates for her platform, “Stature Does Not Determine Strength,” encouraging women to embrace their potential regardless of size. As Ms. Petite USA, she is committed to challenging societal stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating individuals of all sizes for their contributions and capabilities.
Angelica has deep-rooted ties to the Dillon community. Throughout her childhood, she spent every summer with her father and family between the Tall Pines and
Little Rock communities, visiting South of the Border and creating cherished memories playing with her cousins at their grandmother Betty Jo’s house.
Whenever she’s not traveling for work or Ms. Petite USA, she’s able to visit with family and sometimes attend her family’s home church, Great Expectations Church. However, is tradition for Angelica to return to the area every Thanksgiving and Christmas, keeping her connection to the community strong.
In her free time, Angelica enjoys creating content for social media, trying new restaurants (especially for French toast or sushi), and exploring the city. She lives vicariously through Beyoncé and is a strong advocate of treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Angelica says the title of Ms. Petite USA “means a great deal to me as it represents empowerment, confidence, and the ability to break stereotypes. I’m proud of this accomplishment and what it represents in terms of promoting strength, beauty, and resilience, no matter one’s stature.”
