LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet the team dedicated to advancing the mission of the Miss Alaska Volunteer Scholarship Program.
CEO | EXECUTIVE STATE DIRECTOR
Troy Michael Smith
Troy is an entrepreneur, author, mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and award-winning pageant director with more than 15 years of experience in the pageant industry. In 2023, he made history as the first American and first Black man to win the international title of Mr. Gay World.
As State Director of Miss Alaska Volunteer, Troy is passionate about creating opportunities for young women to grow in confidence, leadership, service, and purpose. A longtime pageant coach and mentor, he has worked with state and national titleholders and remains committed to building an organization where every contestant feels valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact.
CO-DIRECTOR
Kathleen Dyches
Katie Dyches is a graduate of the University of Alaska Southeast and has been an active member of Alaska’s pageant community since 2015. She has dedicated years to raising awareness and educating others about eating disorders, using her own experience as an anorexia survivor to advocate for prevention, recovery, and support for young women.
Katie was crowned Miss Alaska Sweetheart 2021 before making history as the inaugural Miss Alaska Volunteer. Following her year of service, she continued her commitment to the organization through leadership and mentorship. Today, Katie remains passionate about empowering contestants, strengthening the Miss Alaska Volunteer program, and helping the next generation of young women lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.