MANSFIELD — For many pageant winners, the crown is a symbol of status and recognition. For World Miss Tourism of 2025, DeAnna Hardeman, it’s a tool for giving back to her community.
Born and raised in Mansfield, in a single-parent household, Hardeman credits her mother and grandparents for the values instilled in her that continue to shape her mission today: respect your elders and give back whenever you can.
“My mom worked at Community Action for over 13 years, and she loved serving the community,” she said. “My grandparents lived here too — my grandfather was a Korean War veteran and my grandmother was a nurse at MedCentral.
“They really taught me that life isn’t just about you. You have to support others, and that’s how blessings come back to you.”
After graduating from Mansfield Senior High School in 2008, Hardeman went on to earn her degree in International Business and Spanish from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where her global outlook began to take shape.
Inspired by her grandmother, who encouraged her to travel and embrace new cultures, she went on missionary trips to Canada, Brazil, and Belize. In Belize, she provided LifeStraw to remote villages, helping to combat the waterborne illnesses, such as malaria, and promote education.
“Many of the children there were only educated through the eighth grade,” she explained. “We wanted to show them that access to clean water will keep them healthy and they then can continue their schooling.”
In 2024, Hardeman earned the title of World Miss Ohio and later competed at the national World Miss Tourism Pageant in Nashville, Tennessee. Over three intense days of interviews, evening gown presentations, and public speaking events, she emerged with the national crown — World Miss Tourism 2025.
Yet for her, pageantry has never been about appearances.
“It’s beyond beauty,” she said. “It’s about being a role model, especially for children in my community.
“No matter your background or income level, you can lead with power, inspire others, and shine a light.”
That light shines most clearly in her community work, especially through her platform, Elderlink.
Elderlink is a community service initiative she developed to connect older adults with food, transportation, medical resources, and perhaps most importantly, emotional connection.
“Sometimes they just need someone to talk to. They’re used to being alone, and I never want them to feel like a burden. I want them to know there are young people who care deeply.”
Once a week, she dedicates her day off from her full-time job to coordinate transportation for elders in her neighborhood. She keeps a handwritten schedule in a journal, takes notes on medications, and checks in regularly.
“It’s like doing wellness checkups. I always want to make sure they’re doing okay,” she says, “Even just a quick phone call can make a difference.”
Hardeman is also a dedicated partner of the Urban Aging Residents Coalition, meeting monthly at the Ohio State Community Center in Columbus to organize food distributions and connect elders with Medicare options.
“We want them to eat healthy, save on their prescriptions, and know all the help that’s available to them,” she continues, “When they register, we even provide lunch and conversation. It’s a full-circle experience.”
Her work has earned national recognition, including the prestigious Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award, honoring her for more than 120 hours of community service in Ohio.
“Receiving that award reminded me that all those hours had a purpose,” she stated. “It’s not just about volunteering, it’s about listening to people’s stories and helping them feel seen.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand Elderlink across state lines and even internationally.
“So far, I’ve taken it to Florida and connected with elders at senior expos in Clearwater. My next goal is Canada,” she said, noting the large number of Canadian-America retirees living in Florida.
“There are so many elders living between countries, and I want to make sure they have access to resources too.”
In addition to Elderlink, she also mentors young women through Christian Girls Rock, a program designed to foster intergenerational relationships between girls and their grandparents.
“Even if you come from a broken home, your grandparents still love you. They have wisdom, and that connection can help you go further than you ever imagined.”
Her source of motivation remains close to home.
“My mother’s voice still echoes in my head–telling me to be brave, to speak up, to utilize my education,” she said. “That’s what pushes me forward, even on hard days.”
And it’s that quiet strength that continues to guide her mission.