Yolanda Grayson is a native of Camp Pendleton California, raised just north of Quantico, Virginia and currently residing in Lexington, North Carolina. She took home 3 national titles at the 2025 United States Emissary Pageant.
- Ms. United States Emissary
- Entertainer of the Year
- Model of the Year
Yolanda Grayson is a mother of 3, Jayda (25), Cyara (22), Braxton (15). She believes that community service is the most important thing you can teach your children. Yolanda uses her platform at the international level to teach the youth of America, that it’s OK to put OTHERS FIRST, and to make time for their elders so we can take care of the people that took care of us. In her free time Yolanda enjoys volunteering, cooking, baking, traveling, singing and planning charity events. Yolanda hopes to honor her father who served for 21 years in the Marine Corps, as well as others that have served, and continue to sacrifice to keep our country safe daily. In 2017 Yolanda lost her husband at the tender age of 36, her focus shifted. She no longer wanted to just participate in community service; she wants to leave a legacy. The reality for Yolanda is tomorrow not promised, her mantra is “I am going to make a difference today.” She wants her story to inspire others to work on their legacy. Together we can honor those we have lost and give hope to the next generation. In 2017 Yolanda started collecting for a brand-new service project this project helps forgotten seniors, disabled veterans, and children in need. “Holiday Heroes” December 2017 she started Holiday Heroes which was the first annual Christmas adoption program to help families in need with the help of volunteers, Yolanda provided Christmas for 28 children and adults. Each year Yolanda Works to grow holiday heroes. In 2024 we will help over 100 veterans and children. Yolanda is determined to leave a legacy and believes “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy
Platform: Touching Hearts – The more hands we have, the more hearts we touch.
www.herotouchinghearts.weebly.com
Contact: touchinghearts@gmail.com
Follow: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.grayson.2025
FACT SHEET
Education: Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Stratford University
Career Ambition: Yolanda’s ambition is to one day own a food truck, Nana’s Crown Winning Sweets And Treats
Favorite Quote: “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy
Honors, Awards & Achievements:
- Positive Pageantry Award – 2019
- 5 Gold Presidential Volunteer Awards
- Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Award-2022
- Community Service Award-2023
- Saleswoman of the Year – 2019/2020
Fun Fact: Yolanda believes a smile can change someone’s day; but a cupcake can change someone’s life!
