Meet Lydia Fisher

We were lucky to catch up with Lydia Fisher recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lydia , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose has always been rooted in service and in using the knowledge and voice I’ve been given to make a difference for others.

When I was ten years old, I watched my grandmother survive two massive heart attacks on Christmas Eve. I became her caretaker, medication organizer, and advocate, but I also became a witness to the power of compassionate, competent healthcare. Her medical team didn’t just treat her heart; they treated her humanity. That experience gave my childhood dream of becoming a doctor real urgency, not just to heal, but to protect dignity and hope.

As I grew older, I wanted to do more than dream about making an impact, I wanted to take action. That led me to create “Don’t Skip a Beat: Advocating for Cardiovascular Health of Americans”. What began as a tribute to my grandmother has become a mission to educate, empower, and equip communities with the tools to prevent heart disease and live healthier lives. Through school programs, community screenings, and public advocacy,

My role as Miss Iowa strengthened my sense of servant leadership. It has allowed me to meet people where they are whether that is in classrooms, community centers, and health fairs. I strive to remind them that prevention starts with awareness and small, consistent choices. Each conversation and connection reaffirms why I chose this path.

Finding my purpose hasn’t been a single moment but a journey. One shaped by loss, love, and learning. I’ve realized that my calling is to serve, to listen, and to lead with compassion. Before I ever earn a medical degree, I hope to continue making a difference as a servant leader who bridges science and humanity, empowering others to live longer, healthier, and more hopeful lives.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a recent graduate of the University of Alabama, where I earned my degree completely debt free thanks to the Miss America Organization, an opportunity that has truly changed my life. Now, as Miss Iowa, I’m using this platform to continue serving others through my Community Service Initiative, Don’t Skip a Beat: Advocating for Cardiovascular Health of Americans.

Don’t Skip a Beat focuses on education, access, and advocacy to improve heart health in communities across the country. I host health talks and interactive presentations in schools, workplaces, and council meetings to make conversations about prevention approachable and empowering. My goal is to be a voice for Iowans’ health and help people understand that small, consistent choices can lead to longer, healthier lives.

What excites me most is seeing people realize that they have the power to take charge of their health. Whether I am teaching a classroom of students about heart healthy habits or speaking with city leaders about community wellness, I am reminded that prevention starts with awareness, and awareness begins with connection.

Outside of my role, I am someone who loves staying active. I have been a dancer for 18 years, and I also enjoy running and strength training. Movement has always been a form of self-expression for me because it keeps me grounded, energized, and connected to the message I share through my initiative.

I also love trying new things and showing up authentically in everything I do. As Miss Iowa, I believe it is important to show young women that anything is possible when you lead with purpose, work hard, and stay true to who you are.

Right now, I am focused on expanding my reach by speaking to as many audiences as possible across Iowa and beyond. My hope is to inspire healthier communities, one conversation at a time, and to continue being an advocate for heart health until the day I become a physician myself.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and authenticity.

Resilience has been the constant thread through every chapter of my life. From pursuing my education to serving as Miss Iowa, there have been many moments that tested my patience, confidence, and determination. Whether it was balancing academics, community service, and competition, or facing personal loss and growth, I learned that perseverance is built through consistency. True resilience is not about avoiding failure but allowing it to refine you. My advice for those early in their journey is to view challenges as opportunities to develop strength. Every difficult moment has the potential to teach you something invaluable if you face it with purpose.

Empathy has shaped how I lead and how I serve. My life experiences have taught me that meaningful impact begins with listening. Whether in a hospital room or at a community gathering, taking time to understand people’s experiences and emotions builds trust and connection. For anyone seeking to grow in this area, I encourage them to intentionally step into spaces that broaden their perspective. I believe empathy deepens when you approach others with curiosity and compassion.

Lastly, authenticity has been the foundation of every meaningful success I have experienced. Both in the Miss America and in my journey toward medicine, I have learned that being authentic is not about perfection, it is about purpose. People connect most deeply when you are genuine, honest, and human. As a future physician, I want my future patients to see that same authenticity and know that they are being cared for by someone who listens, understands, and sees them as a person, not just a diagnosis. My advice to others is to never hide behind a title or expectation. Lead with who you are, because authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every great leader, advocate, and healer.

These three qualities — resilience, empathy, and authenticity have guided me through every milestone and challenge. For those beginning their journey, I encourage you to cultivate these traits intentionally. They will not only help you reach your goals but also allow you to make a lasting and meaningful impact along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. I am always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations who share my passion for improving the health and well-being of our communities. My mission through Don’t Skip a Beat: Advocating for Cardiovascular Health of Americans is to make heart health education accessible, engaging, and sustainable across Iowa and beyond.

I am especially eager to work with school officials, employers, and health professionals who are ready to make a difference through community engagement and wellness education. Heart health affects everyone regardless of age, background, or profession, and it is an area where proactive education can save lives. My goal is to bridge the gap between awareness and action by creating spaces where people feel empowered to take ownership of their health.

One of the most impactful aspects of my initiative is that every presentation is uniquely tailored to the audience. For younger students, I focus on practical lessons about nutrition, movement, and sleep, helping them understand how simple, daily habits can set the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. For young adults, I lead discussions on smoking and vaping cessation, lifestyle choices, and stress management strategies that promote long-term cardiovascular health. For professionals and community members, my presentations often explore topics like blood pressure, cholesterol awareness, and preventive care, offering real-world solutions that fit into busy lives.

No matter the setting, my approach combines evidence-based education with relatability and enthusiasm. I believe health education should never feel intimidating or unattainable. When people see that wellness is achievable, they are more likely to take those first steps toward lasting change. Whether it’s through a school assembly, a corporate wellness day, or a community council meeting, I bring both the science and the heart to every presentation.

Every community, every household, and every individual plays a role in improving the health of our state. Through partnerships, we can reach more people, spark more conversations, and create measurable change that ripples far beyond a single event.

I welcome invitations to collaborate with schools, universities, workplaces, community clubs, healthcare facilities, and civic organizations. Together, we can create programming that is informative, engaging, and empowering. If you are interested in bringing Don’t Skip a Beat to your community, please reach out to me directly at [email protected]
or connect with me on Instagram @missamericaia or Facebook @MissIowa.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.missiowa.com/request-an-appearance
• Instagram: @missamericaia
• Facebook: @MissIowa