Meet Miss Illinois 2021

Isabelle Hanson

Local Title: Miss Northern Suburbs

Hometown: Glen Ellyn

Social Impact Initiative: The Media Literacy Movement

Total Scholarships Awarded: $23,700

"The Media Literacy Movement develops of generation of responsible and informed social media consumers and creators who feel empowered to effectively engage and thrive in today's digital world."

Isabelle Hanson graduated Cum Laude from Miami University of Ohio in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and marketing minor. She currently works as an on-air news anchor and reporter at KFVS12, a CBS-affiliate news station that covers southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and western Kentucky. Isabelle anchors the most watched and highest rated weekend newscast in the market, reaching more than 31,000 households every night. Isabelle started formal violin training at the age of 4 and played as a principal violinist with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and Southeast Missouri State University Orchestra. She is also a vocalist and can be heard singing with The Miami Misfitz on two a cappella albums found on Spotify and iTunes. Isabelle served as Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen in 2013. During her time competing with the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization and Miss America Organization, she has earned $23,700 in scholarship. Isabelle credits both organizations for her success as a working professional in the news industry.

Social Impact Initiative:
"The Media Literacy Movement"

Founded by Isabelle Hanson, The Media Literacy Movement develops a generation of responsible and informed media consumers and creators who feel empowered to effectively engage in today’s digital world. Media literacy, a 21st century skill, enables young people to critically analyze social media messages, better understand the impact of social media on their thoughts and behaviors, and more thoughtfully create, share and engage with media content. Children ages eight to 18 in the U.S. average more than seven hours of entertainment and social media every day, not including screen time required for school and homework. Studies show this amount of media consumption can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, and other wellness-related issues in teens and children.

During her year of service as Miss Illinois, Isabelle will be promoting The Media Literacy Movement by advocating for media literacy education in schools, providing resources to educators and parents, and by empowering students.

Get to know Isabelle

Isabelle is a dog mom!

She is skilled in videography and video editing.

She is a proud Asian American.

She has played violin since the age of 4.

She worked for Seacrest Studios.