Miss WV for America Strong

   Andrea Gray’s life reflects a long-standing commitment to service and leadership shaped by

personal experience, education, and community involvement. As a veteran of the United States

Army, she developed a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and respect for the people she

served alongside. Those values continue to influence how she approaches her professional

work, her advocacy, and the ways she engages with her community.

Andrea currently works at Marshall University in the Office of the President, where she

contributes to efforts that support students and strengthen connections between the university

and communities across West Virginia. Through this work, she has had the opportunity to help

advance initiatives that focus on student success, community engagement, and regional

development.

Education has remained an important part of Andrea’s path. She earned an Associate’s Degree

in Paralegal Studies before completing her Regents Bachelor of Arts at Marshall University. She

is currently continuing her studies at Marshall while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Leadership

Studies. Her educational journey reflects her belief that learning and leadership development

remain important at every stage of life.

Andrea’s experience as a veteran was also featured in the award winning documentary Served

Like a Girl, a film that shares the stories of women who served in the military and the challenges

they faced as they transitioned into civilian life. Participating in the documentary provided an

opportunity to highlight the resilience of women veterans while also bringing attention to their

experiences after military service.

Her advocacy work also includes the creation of Portia Boxes, an initiative that provides care

packages and encouragement to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. The program

grew from Andrea’s personal experience and her desire to offer support in practical and

meaningful ways to women facing difficult diagnoses. Through this effort she hopes to provide

comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that individuals facing treatment are supported by a

community that cares.

Andrea has also been active in pageantry, where she has held several titles including 2024 WV

Pumpkin Festival Ms. Queen, Ms. West Virginia Captivating 2023, Ms. WV Country Roads

2022, and 2019 CK Autumn Festival Ms. Queen. Competing at local, state, and national levels

allowed her to build connections across communities while using the platform to promote

service and mentorship.

She now serves as Director of the WV Pumpkin Festival Queens and Kids Pageant. In that role

she mentors young contestants as they develop confidence, improve communication skills, and

learn the responsibility that comes with representing their communities. Guiding young

participants as they grow into confident leaders remains one of the most rewarding aspects of

her involvement in the program.

Andrea considers her role as a mother to five children the most meaningful part of her life. Her

family provides constant motivation and reminds her that leadership is best demonstrated

through compassion, perseverance, and a willingness to support others. Through her work,

advocacy, and mentorship, she continues to represent West Virginia with pride while

encouraging others to pursue growth, service, and community leadership.