By: Ihor Lonk

When Adriana Pushchak was announced as the winner of Ms. USA Universe Petite 2025, the room erupted in cheers, but few in the crowd knew just how powerful her journey had been. For many, the pageant finale in Las Vegas marked a moment of celebration, glamour, and grace. For Adriana, it marked something far deeper: the triumph of self-belief over doubt and the transformation of a quiet, determined woman into a national symbol of power, resilience, and authenticity.

In this interview, Adriana opens up about her past, the emotional and physical trials she has overcome, the relentless preparation behind her win, and the message she hopes to pass on to every woman who feels underestimated.

Interviewer: Adriana, congratulations on such a remarkable achievement. Let’s start with your story—what was the road to this crown like?

Adriana Pushchak: Thank you. The road was anything but easy. I was born in Drohobych, a small town in the Lviv region of Ukraine, into a humble family. My father was a truck driver; my mother worked at a local sanatorium. We didn’t have much, but I was raised with strong values: discipline, respect, and never giving up. As a child, I spent over ten years in ballroom dancing—it gave me structure and poise, but it also gave me my first dream: to perform, to shine.

But dreams don’t always unfold the way we imagine. My father wanted me to pursue a secure career, so I studied Psychology at the Lviv University of Internal Affairs. It wasn’t what I had originally wanted, but looking back, it gave me a powerful foundation. Understanding human emotions, communication, and internal strength helped me in ways I never expected.

Interviewer: What inspired you to shift from psychology to the beauty world?

Adriana: I’ve always had a passion for beauty, transformation, and making people feel confident. Permanent makeup became that outlet for me—it combined precision, art, and emotional impact. I started working tirelessly, earned championship titles in Ukraine, Italy, and Spain, and became an international judge. But deep down, I knew I wanted to do more than just improve appearances—I wanted to speak, to share, to represent something greater than myself.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned in past interviews that your family played a big role in shaping your resilience. Can you share more about that?

Adriana: Absolutely. My parents were my first inspiration. They worked hard and sacrificed a lot so I could have opportunities. My father, despite being strict, taught me the value of discipline and persistence. My mother showed me what quiet strength looks like. Even when we struggled financially or emotionally, they never let me feel like my dreams were too big. Their belief in me, even if not always spoken, gave me courage during the darkest times.

Interviewer: Let’s talk about the preparation leading up to the competition. What did your routine look like?

Adriana: It was intense. Winning this title wasn’t just about showing up beautiful—it was about being physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. I trained six days a week: cardio, strength training, posture, stage presence. But just as important were the things people don’t always see—my mental preparation. I worked with a coach on public speaking, and I practiced daily meditations to stay grounded. Every morning, I would write in my journal, reminding myself why I was doing this—not to prove something to the world but to honor the woman I’ve become.

Interviewer: What was the hardest moment on this journey?

Adriana: Honestly, there were many. Self-doubt is a loud voice. There were nights when I questioned everything—was I good enough, was I too “different,” did I belong here in the U.S. competing at this level? But in those moments, I remembered my roots. I reminded myself of the challenges I’ve already faced, of how far I’ve come. And I leaned on the support of people who reminded me: “You are enough. Just as you are.”

Interviewer: What message do you want your win to send to other women—especially those who don’t see themselves as “pageant types”?

Adriana: That’s exactly who I want to reach. You don’t need to fit into a box to be powerful. You can be soft and strong, gentle and fierce. You can be humble and still walk into a room with presence. I want women to understand: you can be modest but mighty. You don’t have to chase perfection or mold yourself into something you’re not. The true power is in embracing who you are—flaws, scars, and all. That’s when you shine.

Interviewer: What’s next for you as Ms. USA Universe Petite 2025?

Adriana: I want to use my platform to speak openly about self-worth, mental health, and the immigrant experience. I want to create mentorship opportunities for young women—especially those who are new to the U.S. and are trying to find their voice. And I want to continue growing as a woman, not just in titles, but in impact.

Adriana Pushchak is not just a beauty queen—she is a force of transformation. From a small town in Ukraine to the stage in Las Vegas, her journey is proof that no dream is too bold and no woman is too “quiet” to rise. With humility, strength, and wisdom far beyond her years, she now wears a crown that represents not just one victory but a lifetime of choosing belief over fear.

Published by Joseph T.