Story & Lesson Highlights with Chelsea Roberts of Astoria

We recently had the chance to connect with Chelsea Roberts and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of the moments I feel most proud of recently is connected to my platform, Team Hope, and the Huntington’s Disease community. Just this month, we received the incredible news of a groundbreaking advancement in treatment that gives families real hope where, for so long, there has only been uncertainty. To witness the dedication of scientists, advocates, and families finally leading to progress is deeply emotional and empowering.

For me, this isn’t just news—it’s personal. It reminds me why I work so hard to raise awareness and support. Knowing that the voices of our community, the years of fundraising, and the relentless advocacy are making a difference fills me with pride and renewed determination. It’s a moment that proves hope is never wasted, and impact is possible when we come together.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chelsea Roberts, and I was recently crowned International Ms. 2025 during New York Fashion Week. While I cherish the opportunities that pageantry and fashion bring, my true purpose lies in advocacy. Through my brand, Team Hope, I raise awareness for Huntington’s Disease, a cause that is profoundly personal to me as it has impacted five generations of my family.

What makes my work unique is the way I bring together the worlds of pageantry and service. I use the visibility of global stages not only to celebrate beauty and achievement, but to shine a light on the urgent need for education, research, and compassion for those affected by Huntington’s Disease. With the community recently celebrating a groundbreaking advancement in treatment, I feel more driven than ever to share hope and create impact. My journey is about transforming a personal legacy of challenge into a platform of resilience, action, and meaningful change.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without question, it was my husband. Every accomplishment I’ve been blessed to achieve—whether as an advocate, a social media creator, or even being crowned International Ms. 2025—traces back to his belief in me long before I believed in myself. He saw potential in me that I couldn’t yet recognize: the courage to advocate for Huntington’s Disease awareness, the creativity to build and share meaningful content, and the strength to step onto the stage as a beauty queen. His unwavering support and encouragement have strengthened my confidence and allowed me to step fully into the woman I am today.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When my mom was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, our family was suddenly faced with a lot of fear and uncertainty. Not only were we navigating what the disease meant for her, but my siblings and I also had to come to terms with the reality that each of us had a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene. That weight at such a young age was overwhelming, and there were many moments filled with sadness and questions about the future.

What carried me through—and continues to carry me today—was my faith in God and a deep belief in HOPE. Even when I didn’t know what the future would hold, I trusted that there was purpose in my journey. That foundation of faith gave me the courage to face the unknown, to undergo genetic testing myself, and ultimately to step into the role of an advocate. It has transformed my fear into a driving force to support others walking the same path, reminding them that even in uncertainty, hope is always possible.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe—much like Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality—that beauty pageants were all about looks, crowns, and gowns. I thought they were more about appearances than substance. But after training, competing, and ultimately being crowned International Ms. 2025, I realized how wrong that belief was.

Behind the sparkles and the stage are some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and compassionate women I’ve ever met. These women are true changemakers—pouring their time, energy, and hearts into platforms that create real, lasting impact in their communities and around the world. They advocate, they fundraise, they volunteer, and they lead with passion and purpose.

Being part of this sisterhood has completely changed my perspective, and I’m honored every day to stand alongside women who prove that pageantry is not just about beauty—it’s about impact.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that despite being crowned an International beauty queen, I never lost who I truly was—a down-to-earth woman with the grit and determination to roll up her sleeves, work hard, and get the job done. The titles and crowns are an honor, but at the end of the day, I want to be remembered for my authenticity, my willingness to serve, and my refusal to let success change my heart. I’m still me, and I hope that legacy of humility, hard work, and purpose is what lives on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.internationalmspageant.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelswaltonroberts
• Other: https://hdsa.org/

Image Credits
April Maroshick Photography