Averie Bishop – 20 Under 40

The first Asian American Miss Texas’ nonprofit work is in keeping with her message of “y’all means all.” 

Before being crowned Miss Texas in June 2022, Averie Bishop was the first Asian American Miss Dallas in 2020. Most recently, Bishop represented Texas at Miss America this December, where she was named second runner-up, making her the highest-placing Miss Texas in 15 years.

“I grew up in poverty, experienced food insecurity, and faced discrimination,” Bishop said. “My social platform aims to make every child feel at home and teaches them how to grow into their greatest potential, even through challenging adversities.”

Bishop, a first-generation graduate of SMU’s Dedman School of Law, is the youngest member of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s Anti-Hate Advisory Council and the statewide ambassador for Texas Cares for Children, which provides low-to-no-cost mentorship and educational programming to Title 1 schools across the state. With her mother, Marevi, a Filipino immigrant, she founded the Tulong Foundation, a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities and clean drinking water for impoverished communities in southeast Asia. She’s also written a children’s book, Miss Melody the Marigold, about the importance of diversity and inclusion that benefits the Tulong Foundation.

Among her recent business ventures is social media consulting. 

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Bishop said. “I incorporated my own small business (for social media consulting) just last year and found the confidence to encourage others to do the same.”

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

I was a hostess at a Mexican restaurant in North Texas (perhaps that’s why I acquired a love for queso). I learned to get my hands dirty. Nothing is given; you’ve got to earn it. 

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Stop waiting. I waited through middle school and high school, hoping someone like myself would become the representation I desperately needed. I waited until I felt prettier, smarter, richer, and thinner. Don’t wait. Allow yourself to try, even when failure seems like the imminent end.

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I have a vegetable garden in my small backyard where I’ve grown giant-sized green bell peppers. 

Biggest business/career success in the past 12 months?

While I graduated with a juris doctorate degree from SMU law school, I incorporated my own small business for social media consulting. I acquired a million followers across social media and get to help companies like Google and Microsoft create engaging media campaigns.

Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

I used to shrink myself, especially as a woman of color. I would speak quietly, question my decisions, and even hesitate to speak up during law school or during meetings. I always remind myself and others that you deserve to take up space. 

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

Really depends on my mood. If I’m in a silly, pick-me-up type mood, I love a good Mean Girls night. If it’s something (educational), I loved the book and movie, Just Mercy. 

Toughest business/personal challenge?

I grew up poor, my family relied on government food programs and experienced housing insecurity. Both my parents work two jobs each to open doors for my brother and I. One of my greatest business challenges was simply convincing myself that I have what it takes to be successful, despite my circumstances. Getting over my insecurities was my greatest challenge.