Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Addo-Yobo.
Annette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Ghanaian immigrant and emigrated to Canada and the United States, acquiring triple citizenship! I also serve as Miss Dallas 2023, where I advocate for equitable access to mental health and educational programming and resources for at-risk youth. Several life experiences have led me to be a mental health advocate, including my brother’s diagnosis on the autism spectrum at a young age, losing my mother to Lewy Body Dementia, and my personal battle with depression. I knew from a young age that I wanted to bring equitable access to mental health resources to all children and their families.
When I competed at Miss Dallas Park Cities last September, it was the first Miss America local competition I had competed in. I did not think I would win the Miss Dallas title that night, and when my name was called, I was in complete shock. The last 8 months as Miss Dallas have been incredible, and I am so excited at the prospect of becoming the first immigrant-born Miss Texas.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My path has been filled with many bumps and holes in the road. I struggled with depression since I was a teenager but was not able to get a formal diagnosis until I was 24 years old due to stigma and limited access to mental health resources. I was also a caretaker at a very young age, assisting with my brother’s and my mother’s care while balancing a job, leadership roles, and completing my college degree.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of Miss Dallas, I work as a Clinical Research Coordinator, where I assist in leading a clinical trial study benefiting children with Major Depressive Disorder. I am also studying for the LSAT with plans to attend law school in Fall 2024.
I am proud of the many things I have accomplished. I am the first in my family to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the United States. I am a Texas ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a North Texas chapter volunteer. I mentor a high school student in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and am part of the 4th Cohort of the Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas at Austin.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is justice; it’s the basis of my platform as Miss Dallas. The youth of today depend on the advocacy and representation of older generations. If we want to build a stronger, equitable, and sustainable generation, we must advocate for justice and doing the right thing no matter the political affiliation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: missdallas2023
Image Credits
Brent Weber
