Meet Lindley Mayer: Miss South Carolina United States 2016

I was featured and interviewed in the Lady Code Blog recently. Here’s some exerpts from it—make sure to read it yourself!

“Lindley Mayer is the current Miss South Carolina United States 2016 and she has always had a special place in her heart for giving back. She founded her non-profit (501c3) organization called L.A.D.Y Bugs Across America; Lindley’s Alliance for Disabled Youth in 2005 in honor of her two special needs siblings and enjoys making a difference in the community. Lindley has also danced for 23 years and moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue her dancing and acting careers. She has been able to perform on projects such as; GLEE, The Oscar’s with Host Seth MacFarlane, Bunheads on ABC Family, America’s Got Talent, Victorious and performing for Lady Antebellum for the American Country Music Awards. She most recently worked on the Dirty Dancing remake for ABC which will be airing in the fall. She loves the outdoors, South Carolina football, ladybugs, Audrey Hepburn and anything Kate Spade!”

“Growing up, who was your inspiration?

‘My inspiration has always been my two younger siblings, Brock and Brantley. Because of my siblings intellectual and physical disabilities, the doctors told my family that they would never walk, talk, or be of normal size or ability. They bring light to my life every single day and have taught me the importance of staying strong, being brave through times of adversity, and living each day to the fullest. This inspired me to create my non-profit organization to raise awareness, funds and hope for children like my siblings. Lindley’s Alliance for Disabled Youth is a constantly growing group of individuals who go above and beyond to promote inclusion and respect for these courageous kids. A few of the most inspirational moments were watching my brother, who was told he would never walk, RUN the 50 yard dash at the Special Olympics and seeing my sister light the torch to kick off this special day among the other 1300 athletes. Seeing them shine and realizing that being a voice for them has truly made a difference in the lives of others makes me very proud.'”

Read the rest of the interview on the Lady Code Blog!