LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Whether it’s in the theater or classroom, KeNiesha Watkins-Bernard is used to being on stage. 

“I’ve always had that passion in me, and I just feel like theater and education in all schools, not just magnet schools, is so important,” said Watkins-Bernard, Meyzeek Middle School theater teacher. 

Thanks to her advocacy for the arts, Watkins-Bernard was crowned Mrs. Kentucky USA Universe earlier this summer. 

As the only African-American in the international competition, the duPont Manual High School Youth Performing Arts School graduate said she didn’t see many examples of people like her in the media growing up. She said she hopes she can help change that for her students.  

“I just wanted to see African-American women like myself being represented in the media because it’s so very important, whether it’s in that pageant world or on television or being a teacher,” said Watkins-Bernard, who has taught theater for 10 years. “There’s not as much representation as it could be, so if I can inspire other women of color to be in pageants or act or be a teacher, I hope I can do that.”

Eighth-grader Addison Phelps said Watkins-Bernard brings energy and positivity to the classroom. She said seeing her teacher succeed in pageants has helped encourage her to compete. 

“It makes me happy,” Phelps said. “It makes me know that I can be the same person.” 

The international competition will be held in Las Vegas in Aug. 2025. Until then, the mother of three said she’s focusing on preparing for the school’s performance of “Beetlejuice Jr.” while getting ready for the competition. 

“I get to be USA Universe for a whole year, and then I compete with women all over the world,” Watkins-Bernard said.