Compassion in Action: Maisie Adams on Inclusion, Leadership & Impact

Send us Fan MailAt just 17 years old, Maisie Adams is proving that leadership, compassion, and impact have no age limit.In this inspiring episode of Act to Impact Podcast, Brandi sits down with the first runner-up at Miss Teen USA 2025 to talk about overcoming a childhood speech impediment, building confidence through pageantry, and using her platform “Compassion in Action: A Movement, Not a Moment” to create meaningful change.Maisie shares how volunteering with Best Buddies Minnesota and Special Olympics Minnesota sparked her passion for inclusion and community connection. From raising more than $41,000 for Best Buddies to helping lead inclusive events like the Dreaming Big Without Limits fashion show, Maisie is inspiring young people everywhere to use their voice, step outside their comfort zone, and take action.You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes moments from her experience competing at Miss Teen USA, what she’s learned through DECA and leadership, and why kindness backed by action can truly change lives.If this episode inspires you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs encouragement to start making an impact in their own community.Key Takeaways & Show Notes How Maisie Adams transformed a childhood speech impediment into a platform for advocacy and leadership  What competing at Miss Teen USA 2025 taught her about confidence, friendship, and resilience  Why inclusion and compassion became the foundation of her platform, “Compassion in Action”  How volunteering with Best Buddies Minnesota changed her perspective and inspired lifelong advocacy  The story behind raising more than $41,000 in six weeks to support inclusion programs  How the Dreaming Big Without Limits fashion show creates confidence and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities  Why action matters more than simply talking about kindness  How young people can begin volunteering and making a difference right now — even in high school  The importance of friendship, empathy, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued  Maisie’s advice for girls interested in pageantry, leadership, and community impact  How DECA, pageantry, and volunteerism helped shape her communication and leadership skills  Why “Compassion in Action” is meant to be a movement, not just a moment 💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.Thank you to guest Maisie Adams.STAY CONNECTED.IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpodWant to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now.SPOTIFYEdit This EpisodeEpisode is LivePublished:May. 13, 2026 @ 1AMEditAdd a TranscriptAdd Chapter MarkersCreate a Visual SoundbiteMid-Roll PlacementsShare Link to EpisodeEpisode Share URLCopyDirect Link to AudioCopyDownload MP3Embed Audio PlayerWhat's New