Jerry MacWilliams, 30, from New Jersey, chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing his home state in the 2025 Mister USA competition.
Albert Einstein once said: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” This quote applies to Jerry MacWilliams.
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.
On being a contender in the 2025 Mister USA competition, MacWilliams remarked, “Honestly, I am so blessed and honored to be the candidate to represent New Jersey. I never thought this would be something that I would qualify for. This wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025 but I am so excited to be on this journey. I would have never pictured myself partaking in this. I am super excited for something new.”
Advocacy for Mister USA
Regarding his advocacy for Mister USA, MacWilliams shared, “Basically, helping people who feel like they are not good enough. I feel like I’ve always been a misfit in life, and an underdog. I feel like I’ve been overlooked, and I just want to represent the people that feel like they are not good enough, or not worthy enough, or not smart enough. Whatever the case may be.”
“I want to be someone who represents those people that feel like they’ve never been good enough but they have an opportunity to shine through,” he explained.
MacWilliams traces his New Jersey roots
Presently, he lives in Philadelphia, but he was born and raised in New Jersey. “New Jersey has been in my blood forever,” he admitted.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “I have never been someone who really plans. I wing life day by day. I’ve learned that when you plan things, God laughs in your face, and He throws you curveballs. I take life day by day, honestly.”
“I just try to better myself each and every day, I do things that I love each and every day, I surround myself with people that I love each day, and that’s what gets me through,” he added.
“Right now, I work a corporate job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I work in IT (Information Technology),” he said.
Daily motivations
On his daily motivations, he disclosed, “I am motivated by trying to be the best version of myself. I know what it feels like to be in a dark spot, especially with all of the hurdles and struggles that I’ve gone through. I wake up each day and I focus on what I can do, what I can control, and I strive for my own happiness each and every day.”
“Honestly, what makes me happy is making the people around me happy,” he admitted. “So, if I can be a light in other people’s lives that makes me feel good inside.”
Defining moments in life
Regarding his defining moments in life, he responded, “Honestly, coming to terms with my sexuality was a defining moment in my life. That was very hard for me. I struggled with that my whole entire life. When I came out, my family and friends didn’t take it so well, so I felt super alone for the longest time.”
“I felt very misunderstood, and when you are able to stand alone and go through those dark times alone, it makes you a stronger person. I appreciate how far I’ve come and the struggles I’ve gone through to get here,” he explained.
Superpower of choice
His superpower of choice would be “flying.”
“It would definitely be to fly,” he admitted. “I love to travel, I love to see new places, so I would be happy to fly to a new place each and every day just to be able to explore and see new things. I would like to immerse myself in different places, as well as to expand my horizons to see what is out there.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, MacWilliams said, “Finding Myself.”
“I am on a path to self-discovery,” he admitted.
Success
On his definition of the word success, MacWilliams said, “Success means being content, satisfied and happy with who I am, what I am, and what I stand for.”
“For me, it is not wealth, money or any achievements, it’s about being true to who I am, doing what makes me happy and just following my heart, wherever that leads,” he added.
Closing thoughts
MacWilliams stated, “I want people to know that I have a big heart, and I really care about people. I am super empathetic, and I think the world needs that right now. We are in some dark and scary times.”
“I want to be someone that shines through for people, especially those that feel alone, or feel unfit, or feel like they are an outcast, or feel like they are not seen or not heard,” he acknowledged.
“I know how that feels, and I think in today’s world, we really need to spread love and light, and that’s my mission,” he concluded.
To learn more about Jerry MacWilliams, follow him on Instagram.
