4th runner-up 2019
A native of Leawood, Hayden Brax was crowned Miss Kansas USA 2020 on 19 January 2020 and represented Kansas in the Miss USA 2020 pageant in Memphis, Tennessee. Hayden is passionate about domestic violence advocacy and has participated in a service trip to eSwatini.
Born and raised in Kansas, Hayden has achieved her childhood goal to be a University of Kansas Jayhawk like her father. Today she is a proud rising senior at KU and aspires to obtain a doctorate in Occupational Therapy so she can assist in the rehabilitation and recovery of children with disabilities.
Hayden’s passion for serving children in need was ignited as a special-needs classroom volunteer at her high school. She cares deeply about empowering children and is an active volunteer with the Douglas County Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As part of Hayden’s advocacy work for disadvantaged children, she participated in a service trip to eSwatini, Africa that opened her eyes to the prevalence of gender inequality and domestic violence. As an active volunteer with Give Hope, Fight Poverty (GHFP), Hayden continues to support the important work of elevating women (and their children) in eSwatini. Since domestic violence is sadly not an issue limited to developing countries, Hayden also volunteers with local programs in her hometown of Kansas City, including the Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter.
In her free time, this 21-year-old enjoys exercising, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her pet hedgehog, Hemmingway. When she is not studying or serving in the community, you’ll find her at Arrowhead stadium cheering on the Chiefs!
As Miss Kansas USA, Hayden wants to use her platform to advocate for children in need and shine the spotlight on gender inequality and violence.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Gracie’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
Hayden was 4th runner-up to Alyssa Klinzing in 2019.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Hayden’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Gracie Hunt as Miss Kansas USA 2021.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life – especially when you’re a Vanbros girl! Here are Hayden’s “after the crown” photos.
