U.S. Air Force vet Joseph Lopez chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing the state of Louisiana 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.
How does it feel to be competing for the 2025 Mister USA?
It’s an honor. For me, this isn’t just about walking on a stage — it’s about walking through everything I’ve survived to get here. Competing for Mister USA feels like a celebration of growth, discipline, and purpose. I’m proud of the man I’ve become, and I’m ready to show up — not just for myself, but for everyone who’s ever felt like their past disqualified them from becoming something more.
How does it feel to be repping Louisiana?
I wasn’t born in Louisiana, but it’s where I became a man. It’s where I found confidence in who I am, where I healed from a lot of what I’d been carrying, and where I discovered my voice through content creation. That time in my life shaped me in ways I’ll never forget.
Repping Louisiana feels like honoring the place that helped build me — the version of me that’s standing here today wouldn’t exist without it.
Were there any moments in your life that helped define you?
Absolutely. I’ve lived through things that cracked me open — moments of pain, betrayal, and growth. But those moments didn’t break me — they built me. I learned to turn pain into purpose. Those defining moments didn’t just shape who I am… they clarified who I refuse to become.
What lessons did you learn during that trying time of being detained in a foreign country (Dubai)?
That experience changed everything. I learned how quickly your life can flip upside down — and how important it is to stay grounded when everything feels out of your control. I had to hold onto my values, even when the system around me felt unjust. It taught me resilience on a whole new level.
I haven’t told the full story publicly yet — but I will. I’ve been working on a book that goes deeper into what really happened, what I felt, and what I learned. And when it comes out, people are going to see a side of me they’ve never seen before.
What is your advocacy this year for Mister USA?
My advocacy is for mental health — especially for men who’ve been taught to suffer in silence. I want to use this platform to break the stigma, to normalize asking for help, and to create space for real conversations. Because strength isn’t about hiding your pain — it’s about healing through it.
Can you talk about the importance of mental health in this digital age? (What is your advice for anybody coping with mental health issues?)
In the digital age, comparison is one of the biggest threats to mental health. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you’re constantly measuring yourself against curated versions of other people’s lives. But the truth is, your only competition is who you were yesterday and who you’re becoming tomorrow.
If you’re being your truest self — online or offline — that’s a win in my book, no matter what the world says. Protect your peace. Stay authentic. And don’t let numbers on a screen define your worth.
What does the word success mean to you now?
Success used to be about recognition. Now, it’s about alignment. It’s waking up and knowing I’m living with purpose. It’s being proud of who I am when nobody’s watching. Success isn’t just measured by the wins — it’s measured by who you become while chasing them.
What would you like to say to your fans and supporters (that have been with you on your journey)?
Thank you — truly. Some of you have seen me at my lowest, and you never stopped believing in me. Your support gave me the strength to keep going when I didn’t know what was next. This journey isn’t just mine — it’s ours. And I’ll keep giving you everything I’ve got.
To learn more about Joseph Lopez, follow him on Instagram.
