Crowned Miss Texas 2024, LBJ Women's Campaign School (WCS) alumna Annette Addo-Yobo has made history as the first immigrant and Ghanaian to win the title. She is passionate about leveraging her platform to make a significant impact during her reign, particularly in public service. As Miss Texas, Addo-Yobo plans to apply for a grant to develop law enforcement autism safety training, expand her advocacy with Autism Speaks and engage with schools, law enforcement agencies and businesses across Texas on autism awareness, safety and workforce inclusivity initiatives if awarded the grant. Her dedication to these causes exemplifies how public service can be integrated into various roles, using her visibility and influence to drive meaningful social change and community engagement.
Addo-Yobo’s education and experience at the WCS have been pivotal in her success, particularly the impactful practical exercises that helped her develop a business plan and visualize her responsibilities as Miss Texas.
“The LBJ Women’s Campaign School gave me several tangible skills and tools that helped me in my quest to become Miss Texas,” Addo-Yobo said. “Most notable were the trainings and classes related to media training, fundraising, social media and crafting a campaign speech. Further, the cohort of supportive women that championed me along the way was incredibly helpful.”
Recalling a memorable moment from her time at WCS, Addo-Yobo shared that during the kickoff week, cohort members discussed their aspirations to run for office or manage campaigns. Initially, she hesitated, feeling too young and inexperienced for such roles. However, several cohort members dismissed her doubts and encouraged her to pursue this path, emphasizing the need for her generation's voice and representation in politics. This support early in the program allowed her to open up and share her experiences and concerns with the women in her cohort, many of whom had faced similar challenges.
Addo-Yobo offers guidance to current students, particularly women looking to make a difference in their communities. “Take notes and keep them! Even if you never decide to run for office or manage a campaign, the skills you will use in this program will help you for life,” she said.
“I have used many of the skills I learned in LBJ repeatedly, in pageantry, in school, at work, and with the advocacy work I do.”
She also emphasizes the significance of networking and attributes her current job to a classmate’s referral and underscores the interconnectedness among classmates. “Every student is connected, and you never know how these connections can change the trajectory of your life,” she said.
Addo-Yobo is currently pursuing an MBA at Lamar University and also serves as the Leadership Programs Manager at the Dallas Regional Chamber. In the future, she plans to attend law school, specializing in business and intellectual property law, and pursue a career in public service by running for office in a school district or state senate. Despite deferring law school for a year due to winning Miss Texas, she is eager to strengthen her network and advocacy portfolio, which will support her in achieving her educational and political ambitions. Addo-Yobo’s journey from the WCS to Miss Texas is a remarkable testament to how education, determination and passion can drive extraordinary accomplishments.
Learn more about the LBJ Women’s Campaign School.