Meet Mya Cash: Miss Oregon 2025 and Advocate for Invisible Illness
At 23 years old, Mya Cash is Miss Oregon 2025—but her story goes far beyond the sash. A faith-filled leader, professional dancer, and first-generation college student, Mya brings resilience, heart, and vision to every step of her journey.
Representing the state she loves and the communities she serves, Mya is using her year of service to shine a light on lupus and the power of hope.
A Heart for Ministry and Advocacy
Mya is a student of ministry at New Hope Christian College, where she’s preparing to lead women’s faith-based programs across the Pacific Northwest. She also works as a dental hygiene assistant, balancing work and school while preparing for Miss America.
Her dream? To combine her faith, voice, and lived experience to empower women who feel unseen or overlooked.
Project Butterfly: A Voice for Invisible Illness
Mya’s Community Service Initiative, Project Butterfly, was born from personal experience—her mother was diagnosed with lupus nearly three years ago.
For much of her life, Mya had never heard of lupus. Today, she is an official advocate for the Lupus Foundation of America, committed to raising awareness of this often invisible autoimmune disease that affects millions—especially Native and Latina women.
Through Project Butterfly, Mya creates care kits, speaks at events, and shares her family’s journey, reminding others that even fragile wings can take flight.
A Proud Heritage and Deep Roots
Mya is Latina and Native American, proudly reconnecting with her Cahuilla tribal heritage after generations of lost connection. Her cultural identity is central to her advocacy and shapes how she shows up in every space—with humility, grace, and fire.
She’s also a first-generation college student and shares one car with her family—proof that dreams don’t require perfect circumstances, just the courage to keep going.
Ballet and the Power of Performance
Before she stepped into scholarship competitions, Mya trained and danced with the Houston Ballet. Her Miss America talent—a stunning solo dance—reflects her discipline, grace, and ability to tell stories without saying a word.
Mya believes dance is worship, advocacy, and expression all in one—and her stage presence speaks for itself.
Faith, Family, and Joyful Living
Mya’s life is grounded in her Christian faith and her incredibly close-knit family. Her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31, reminds her that strength comes from the Lord—and that those who hope will rise up on wings like eagles.
Or in her case, like butterflies.
Outside of school and service, Mya loves matcha, traveling with her family (Italy is a favorite!), and cheering on her siblings. She also has a bubbly future sister-in-law named Jane, and together they’re building lifelong memories.
Looking Ahead
Mya’s goals for the next five years include:
🦋 Competing for the job of Miss America
🦋 Launching a regional faith and wellness retreat for women
🦋 Mailing Project Butterfly kits to every U.S. state
🦋 Deepening ties to her Cahuilla roots and continuing tribal enrollment efforts
These aren’t just dreams—they’re part of the flight plan she’s already in motion.
Follow Mya’s journey:
Instagram: @missamericaor
TikTok: @missamericaor
Mya Cash is more than a titleholder—she’s a woman on a mission, carrying the stories of those who can’t always speak for themselves. And she’s only just getting started.