Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization Names Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews as Miss Shoreline 2026

Submitted by Kelsey Matthews:

EAST HAVEN, CT — The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization names Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews as Miss Shoreline 2026, representing Connecticut’s shoreline community as she prepares for the 2026 Miss Connecticut competition this June.

A native of East Haven, Matthews graduated from East Haven High School in 2016. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2023 with her Bachelor of Social Work degree and is currently completing the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at the University of Connecticut, with a concentration in Policy Practice. She is completing her practicum internship with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and is scheduled to graduate in May 2026. Matthews attends UConn on a full-ride scholarship and was just one of 58
students nationwide to be named a Truman Scholar in 2022, a nationally recognized honor awarded to students demonstrating exceptional leadership potential, academic achievement, dedication to public service, and commitment to civic impact.

In addition to her academic work, Matthews is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Rising Coaching and Consulting, LLC, providing leadership development services for individuals, teams, and organizations. As a TEDx speaker, published author, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member, she delivers coaching, training, speaking, and strategic consulting focused on confidence, communication, emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and values-based leadership. Her work centers on helping leaders clarify who they are, lead with intention, and create meaningful impact within communities, institutions, and systems.

Matthews’ Community Service Initiative, Phoenix Rising: Leaders Rising to New Heights, expands leadership capacity across generations by supporting youth, young adults, and college students as they build confidence and foundational leadership skills. Through leadership development opportunities, community partnerships, and scholarship fundraising, the initiative promotes access to higher education and prepares emerging leaders for long-term success. This work also reflects her broader vision for expanding leadership development and scholarship opportunities through a future non-profit organization that is currently in development.

Her connection to the shoreline began early in her life through volunteer work and community involvement in East Haven and Branford, particularly Our Lady of Pompeii Church and Branford Compassion Club’s Feline Rescue and Adoption Center. These experiences helped shape her passion for service, leadership, and community engagement.

Matthews previously served as Miss Shoreline’s Outstanding Teen in 2015, marking the beginning of her involvement with the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization.

She also credits the influence of her grandmother, lovingly known as “Nana,” Vivian Matthews, whose encouragement, values, and unwavering belief in her potential helped shape her commitment to service and leadership. Nana recently passed away in September, and Matthews views her Miss Shoreline journey as part of the legacy her grandmother inspired. Nana was Kelsey’s “pageant buddy,” and she is honored to dedicate this title and endeavor to her as she competes within the Miss America Organization one final time.

During her eight years in Las Vegas, Matthews continued to deepen her leadership experience, community service efforts, and professional development. Her return to Connecticut reflects a renewed commitment to the community that shaped her early leadership journey. Stepping into the Miss Shoreline title a decade later highlights both her personal growth and the evolution of her leadership perspective, grounded in experience, service, and purpose. “The shoreline is where my leadership journey began, and returning home in this role is deeply meaningful,” Matthews said. “I
believe leadership is about empowering others, uniting communities, and leaving people and organizations better than I found them. I feel privileged to serve as Miss Shoreline 2026 and to continue this work alongside the communities that shaped me while honoring my grandmother’s memory and legacy in the process.”

Upcoming Appearances

Matthews will begin her appearance schedule this month, participating in community events, nonprofit collaborations, and regional initiatives. She is available for appearances, interviews, speaking engagements, booking requests, and community service opportunities. Organizations interested in working with Miss Shoreline 2026 may contact kelsey@phoenixrisingleaders.com or visit www.kelseyelizabethmatthews.com/booking.

About the Miss Shoreline Title

Miss Shoreline is part of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization and the Miss America Opportunity, which support women through scholarship, leadership development, and service.