As if she were not busy enough, Madison Oh's life just got a bit more intense. 

Madison '23 is a rising senior at Columbia University in New York City, president of her sorority, and a volunteer with Minds Matter NYC. And she will represent New York state in the Miss America competition, which crowns a winner on September 6 in Palm Beach, Fla. 

Madison earned the Miss New York title on June 27 as one of 34 contestants representing various New York regions. She qualified for the Miss New York competition by being crowned Miss Empire. 

"I was surrounded by such incredible women. I had no expectation," Madison said. "I entered Miss New York week truly wanting a learning experience and to meet new people. I received that and more. … I feel so grateful to my Miss New York Class of 2026 for such warmth and guidance throughout the whole process." 

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are represented in the Miss America competition. Madison is seeking to become the ninth Miss New York to win the Miss America title.  The reigning Miss America is Cassie Donegan, who won the 2025 Miss New York title. 

Madison said she is honored to represent New York at the national competition. "I want to make everyone proud. In the short weeks leading up to Miss America, it has been my goal to embrace all parts of the job, meeting with sponsors, prepping for the upcoming competition, and most of all, getting into my community in meaningful ways." 

For the next year Madison will represent the Miss New York organization at events. The selection criteria for Miss New York, according to its website, includes academic achievement, community service, public speaking ability, a live talent performance, private interviews with judges, an on-stage interview, health and fitness routines, and evening wear. The Miss America organization ended its swimsuit competition in 2018.   

Madison is an English major with a concentration in business management. She said she has enjoyed her time at Columbia, as she did at Loomis Chaffee. 

"Coming from Loomis, I felt really prepared for the rigor of classes but also the need to be well-rounded and curious," she said. "I absolutely loved my Loomis experience; it cultivated my love for communications, creativity, and dance. It was a community that really allowed me to flourish. As Miss New York, I am grateful to have had such diverse experiences at Loomis that have prepared me for college and leadership." 

Madison said one her most rewarding opportunities at Columbia has been "as a member, and now the president, of Kappa Alpha Theta, leading over 200 sisters. Like the Miss America opportunity, this sisterhood cherishes support, scholarship, and one another’s success." 

Her work with Minds Matter NYC also has been rewarding. Minds Matter NYC is the founding chapter of Minds Matter, a national nonprofit that seeks to give opportunities to students from low-income families. 

As Miss New York, Madison plans to advocate for equal educational opportunities in the state. Through her work with Minds Matter NYC, Madison helps to “cultivate spaces where students in underserved communities can receive college and career preparation so that their dreams can become reality,” she said. “The Miss America organization is a scholarship program that champions young women’s success. In the same way, I aim to be a leader that empowers the next generation." 

When asked how to dispel the stereotypes of "beauty" pageants, Madison said it is important to raise awareness about the core purpose of the “Miss America opportunity,” which she describes as “an opportunity for women to strive for scholarship, success, style, service, and sisterhood." She said the women are judged "on the way we carry ourselves to make an impact on our communities. It is an experience that allows women to grow in their own identity and take what they are passionate about to a larger platform." 

A member of Dance Company when she was at Loomis Chaffee, Madison dances in the talent portion of the competition.  

"Dancing is my outlet, and I have such a passion for storytelling," she said. "The dream is to one day dance professionally on Broadway, but I know no matter what, it will always be a big part of my life and creativity."