Melaney White Uses Miss Fairbanks Crown to Champion Women in the Trades

At just 20 years old, Melaney White, newly crowned Miss Fairbanks and a rising contender for Miss Alaska USA, is redefining what it means to wear a crown. Far from the traditional image of a pageant queen, she is also a civilian maintenance generalist at the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, where she works on everything from plumbing and heating systems to structural upkeep and building operations. Her platform, Women in the Trades, reflects her mission to break down gender stereotypes and highlight opportunities for women in skilled labor.

Her path to the trades began modestly, starting as a groundskeeper before training in general maintenance and automotive technology. Through persistence and a willingness to learn, she built her reputation as a capable tradeswoman. “Some people may not take you seriously, but you have to keep proving yourself,” White said. “But once they see you know your stuff, it gets better.”

Interestingly, her journey into pageantry wasn’t about glamour at first but about opportunity. Searching for scholarships to help fund a commercial driver’s license, she discovered most were only for college programs. She entered a pageant simply for the experience and ended up placing fourth overall, winning the title of Miss Fairbanks. That unexpected success gave her a new stage—one she now uses to advocate for women like herself in skilled labor.

“Even though I didn’t win to go on to Miss America, I’m happy to use this platform to give back and highlight the importance of skilled labor in Alaska,” she said. “Women can serve in the trades and have a good career. You can be strong, skilled, and still be beautiful – all at once.”

Melaney’s commitment to service extends beyond her work and pageantry. Since the age of eight, she and her mother have volunteered at the Fairbanks Veterans Stand Down, serving coffee to veterans in nostalgic USO-style attire. Her mother also serves in the 168th Wing, and White admits it’s special to work somewhere she’s been known since childhood.

Art and creativity are equally central to her life. She recently painted the civil engineering patch on her squadron’s wall, blending her artistry with her workplace. Her love for painting began when her mother gifted her an easel years ago, and today she balances tradesmanship with creativity. She is also an accomplished singer, often performing the national anthem at community events, retirement ceremonies, and promotions, amplifying her message through song as well as service.

A proud North Pole native and Fairbanks leader, Melaney embraces her many sides: artist, tradeswoman, pageant queen, and “giant nerd” who enjoys Dungeons & Dragons. Her favorite part of pageantry was the hair, makeup, and photos, but beyond the sparkle she takes pride in representing Alaska. “Alaska is a great working state,” she said, emphasizing the opportunities it offers for skilled labor.

For Melaney White, the Miss Fairbanks crown is more than a title—it’s a tool. She’s using it to challenge misconceptions about women in plumbing, heating, welding, and construction, showing that strength, skill, and femininity can coexist. By bridging grit and grace, she is empowering young women across Alaska to pursue careers in the trades without giving up their individuality or style.