The first Latina is crowned the new Miss Wisconsin Teen USA
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At just 16 years old, Leia Ríos is making history. The Brookfield East High School student recently became the first Latina to win the Miss Wisconsin Teen USA title.
With more than 4,000 hours of community service, Ríos is already making an impact and hopes to inspire the next generation of young women as she prepares to represent Wisconsin on the national stage this August.
Leia Ríos
"It feels like an honor to represent not only Wisconsin, but also all the Hispanic women out there," Ríos said.
But beyond the crown is a story of breaking barriers.
"I know there hasn't been a Latina queen before, but I really hope this year opens doors for other young women who look like me and for people who feel their dreams are out of reach. I want to show them that they can achieve their dreams too," she said.
The milestone comes with a sense of responsibility.
"My favorite thing is the community I've been able to build through my sponsorships. With UMOS and other Latino communities, I've been able to connect with my culture, connect with people who look like me, and be an advocate for that minority in Wisconsin," Ríos said.
She hopes her achievement will pave the way for other young women while proudly embracing her Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage.
"I used to spend every summer in Puerto Rico helping my aunt on her lettuce farm," she recalled.
Leia in Puerto Rico
Her mother is from Puerto Rico, and her father is from Mexico. Becoming a first-generation college student on her father's side of the family is one of her next goals.
"I want to become an immigration attorney. A lot of my family members are immigrants, and I've seen firsthand the challenges they face. I want to help people achieve the American dream," she said.
Leia Ríos
Ríos' love for pageants began when she was just 8 years old, though her passion for performing runs even deeper.
"I love dancing. I come from six generations of circus performers, so I've always been comfortable on stage," she said.
She also values being able to share her performances with family members who do not speak English.
"My family who doesn't speak English can watch my dance performances and experience the same thing as everyone else. That's what makes it beautiful—it's a universal language," she said.
The pageant platform has also allowed her to expand her community involvement and leadership efforts.
"I'm on the varsity dance team at Brookfield East. I've also created my own nonprofit organization, Journey to Confidence, and became the youngest executive director for Generations Against Bullying," she said.
Ríos acknowledges that winning the state title was no easy feat. She competed against talented and well-prepared contestants and, despite being one of the youngest participants, stood out through her dedication and more than 4,000 hours of community service.
Leia Ríos
Now, she is preparing to represent Wisconsin at Miss Teen USA 2026.
"I hesitated to sign up because I wasn't sure I was ready, but I realized I'd never learn if I didn't challenge myself. That decision helped me step out of my shell, and now I have the honor of becoming the first Latina to do this," she said.
Her biggest dream is to one day become Miss Universe.
"Although it's a lot of hard work, this is my dream," she said.
And she hopes her success will inspire others.
"It's opening doors for other young women who look like me, and that's exactly what I want to continue doing throughout my reign," she said.
Ríos will represent Wisconsin at Miss Teen USA 2026, which will take place in Miami, Florida, from Aug. 20-28. She will compete against delegates from all 50 states and hopes to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison as she works toward her goal of becoming an immigration attorney.
You can follow her journey on social media:
