The pageant’s goal, as stated at misshumanityinternational.com, is “to promote and raise awareness about humanitarian causes worldwide.” It is open to women aged 16-27 “who have a strong passion for community and humanitarian service.”

Thomas’ resume of humanitarian efforts is impressive. She has been an Ambassador for Americans for Indian Opportunity and is the first Nevadan to be selected for UpWithPeople. Additionally, she became the youngest person on her Tribe’s Language Advisory Board for Reno-Spark Indian Colony, the youngest teacher of the Paiute Language for Washoe County School District, and the youngest person to be featured as an emerging leader at the Pyramid Lake Cultural Museum. She was also invited by Nevada Senator Harry Reid to sing for Reid, First Lady Michele Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden. In her home community, she founded the youth group Native Butterflies.

Although the competition is still a month and a half off, the voting for the People’s Choice award is ongoing, and Thomas is reportedly in the lead. Yesterday, she posted the following message on her Facebook page:

News just in! I am still in the lead for People’s Choice, but not by much! Phillipines is just 88 votes behind USA! In an effort to get my FB votes up I’m putting you all to a challenge. I currently have 44 votes on the picture you see below. Lets match my votes on the MHI Official Website, 526 by the weekend. Please share this link and tell your friends to take 1 second to simply LIKE the picture.

MHI debuted in 2011, but the United States did not send one of the 15 delegates who competed (the inaugural winner was Karabelo Mokoallo of Lesotho). This year, there are 27 contestants.

Via Indian Country Today