Ghanaian-American Annette Addo-Yobo Breaks Barriers as Miss Texas, Earns First Runner-Up at Miss America 2025
Annette Addo-Yobo, a Ghanaian-American and the first immigrant to win the Miss Texas title, achieved first runner-up at the Miss America 2025 pageant, where Miss Alabama, Abbie Stockard, was crowned the winner.
Trailblazing Journey to Miss Texas
Addo-Yobo’s path to the Miss America stage is marked by several historic milestones. Born in Ghana, she immigrated to the United States, becoming a citizen a few years ago. Her family moved from Ghana to Maryland, then Canada, before settling in the Dallas metropolitan area, where she completed high school. She earned the Miss Southlake title en route to becoming Miss Texas, making her the first foreign-born immigrant to hold the state title.
Challenging Beauty Norms
In addition to her immigrant status, Addo-Yobo made history as the first woman to compete in—and win—the Miss Texas pageant with short hair, challenging traditional beauty standards.
Advocacy for Autism Awareness
Motivated by her non-verbal autistic younger brother, Addo-Yobo has been a passionate advocate for autism awareness. She has raised funds and lobbied for legislative support, including traveling to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which was signed into law by President Biden on December 23, 2024.
Academic Achievements and Future Aspirations
Academically accomplished, Addo-Yobo holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and child development from the University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s in clinical psychology from Sam Houston State University. She plans to attend South Texas College of Law after fulfilling her duties as Miss Texas, aiming to combine her legal aspirations with her advocacy work.
Public Reception and Impact
Although she did not win the Miss America crown, Addo-Yobo’s performance resonated with many. One Instagram user commented, “Represented well, rocking her natural God given hair! Love it!” Her representation and continued advocacy for autism have garnered widespread admiration.
