Actor, model, and lacrosse coach Kyle “Kiki” Fragnoli chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing the state of Vermont in the 2025 Mister USA competition.
President Woodrow Wilson once said: “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” This quote applies to Kyle Fragnoli.
Fragnoli on being a part of the 2025 Mister USA pageant
This summer, Fragnoli will be representing the state of Vermont in the 2025 Mister USA competition.
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment.
It believes in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants. Jino Cabrera serves as President and CEO of the Mister Universe Organization.
“I am beyond excited to represent the state of Vermont,” he exclaimed. “There is no one that can represent the state as well as myself for this year due to the fact that I feel as if I am the embodiment of this state.”
Fragnoli on his love for Vermont
“Vermont is a state where the people are very hard-working, they are loyal, and they will never shy away from a challenge,” Fragnoli noted. “The people of Vermont will always put their best foot forward and they will always strive for success. That is what everyone from Vermont stands for, and that is what I stand for. That’s why I feel I am a great fit as the candidate for Mister Vermont for Mister USA.”
On being a part of the 2025 Mister USA competition, Fragnoli said, “The feeling is like no other. When I first found out that I was going to be representing the state of Vermont, I put my phone down, took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and envisioned all the wonderful people in the state of Vermont that wanted to be representing them.”
Fragnoli on his advocacy for Mister USA
“My advocacy is mainly focusing on the environmental impact of fires explicitly the wildlife fires in Southern California,” Fragnoli said. “This year, in particular, Los Angeles had the biggest fire damage in the past 50 years. There were billions of dollars in damages, and the areas affected suffered greatly.”
“Donations have dropped significantly since the fires happened, and it’s my job to make sure that the people who lost their livelihoods aren’t forgotten, so it’s in my best interest to help advocate for this group but also help educate and prevent future fires from happening in this region,” Fragnoli explained.
Fragnoli continued, “Raising awareness on the wildfire relief efforts is important to me because I am on my quest to help better my community, and I am also trying to become a Los Angeles firefighter (for the state of California). This is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time, especially growing up on the East Coast, and being so close to Ground Zero, and having many family members and friends that were impacted by the September 11th, 2001, event.”
“This has helped carry on my passion to help prevent fires, to fight fires, and to help re-build the communities that are affected from these fires,” Fragnoli added.
Fragnoli on the possibility of winning Mister USA
When asked what he would do, if he were to win Mister USA, Fragnoli responded, “If I were to ever win Mister USA, I would be in such disbelief because I am always so hard on myself. I am never happy with the work that I put out. If I were to win, it would mean that the effort I’ve been putting into this world is paying off.”
“I would use that as a constant reminder of the values that come with this competition, and continue my life using this competition as the exemplary track for a great life,” he noted.
“I just want to uplift everyone and the communities around me,” he added.
Message for his fans and supporters about Mister USA
“The one thing I want people to get out of me, my message for individuals who are watching, is to use me as a galvanizer,” he expressed.
“When life gets hard remember me, when life gets tricky remember me. When you want to give up, remember me. Know that there is someone in your corner that is watching you and looking over you; someone who is praying for you, and someone who wants the best situation for you, and wants the best outcome for you,” he elaborated.
“Think of me when life gets hard because I will always be in our corner,” he added.
Fragnoli on Turning 30
Most recently, he turned 30 years old in his personal life. “I’m another year older and another year wiser. Just because I’m 30 doesn’t mean that I still can’t have fun,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Best thing about being his age
On the best thing about being his age, he shared, “The one thing that comes with age is perspective, and I now have a newfound perspective that I can accomplish anything that I want to in this world. I just want to make sure that I’m the one that starts it. This took me 30 years to realize that, where I am the only one that can change my situation.”
Fragnoli on completing nine marathons
“I’ve completed a total of nine marathons,” Fragnoli revealed. “Marathon running has brought a bunch of different perspectives in my life due to the various terrains, climates, and people that decided to run it. These marathons have helped me understand America much better, and they’ve helped me explore all different walks of life.”
“It was truly wonderful and it helped me develop a bunch of different qualities in life, which I find really important,” he said. “It has taught me patience and to become comfortable in my own skin. It has taught me how to go with the flow because all you can do when things go badly is to take one step forward; there is no going backwards in a marathon.”
“Lastly, a marathon has taught me to maintain a leveled head,” he said.
An individual that Fragnoli looks up to in his life: Todd Girvin
Fragnoli praised his adopted father, Todd Girvin, who took him in when he was 12 years old. “Todd has been in my life ever since, and I hope he stays in it as much as he can,” Fragnoli said.
“This incredible man took me in and he raised me. I am the man I am today because of this man (Todd), and he has helped me develop all the qualities needed to become a Mister USA winner,” he expressed.
“Without a doubt in my eyes, he is not recognized enough, and he is someone I hope I continue to make proud as I continue in my pursuit in Mister USA and in life,” Fragnoli added.
Success
“Success is not about failing,” Fragnoli noted. “It is about making sure that I am continuing to take steps forward regardless of the outcomes. Success comes in all shapes and sizes. It means feeling happy and fulfilled in every situation… Feeling fulfillment in my job, my relationships, my family, my religion, my faith, and the pillars around me that ground me as an individual holistically.”
Ancient philospher and writer Lao Tzu once said: “Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Kyle Fragnoli embodies this wise quote from the Chinese philosopher.
“Finally, success is the peace of mind that comes with it,” Fragnoli concluded.
To learn more about 2025 Mister Vermont contestant Kyle “Kiki” Fragnoli, follow him on Instagram.
