Is this 50-year-old NC carpenter ‘too old’ — or ‘not relevant’ enough — to be Mrs. America?

Danelle Martin, a longtime Charlotte resident with three kids and a general contractor’s license, will head to Las VegasPhoto byDanelle Martin

Danelle Martin, the reigning Mrs. North Carolina America, embodies resilience and empowerment. At 50, she became the second-oldest woman to win the title, defying the stereotypes of age and beauty.

Martin's journey into pageantry began unexpectedly at 19 when her mother signed her up for a competition. Initially reluctant and unprepared, she later found success, winning Miss North Carolina in 2002.

After nearly two decades away from competition, a pivotal conversation in 2022 with a friend's husband, who doubted her chances due to her age, reignited her passion.

This criticism motivated her to return to the pageant world, and she soon launched the podcast "Diary of a Queen," focusing on women's empowerment.

Danelle Martin reacts to being crowned Mrs. North Carolina America at the pageant, held in May at James W. Warren Citizens Center in LincolnPhoto byDanelle Martin

In 2023, she finished as second runner-up and in 2024, claimed the crown. Martin, who is also a skilled carpenter and general contractor, embraces the duality of her life, balancing the ruggedness of construction with the glamour of pageantry.

“Some people knit. Some people eat. Some people exercise. I like to work with wood.”Photo byDanelle Martin

She views her victory as an opportunity to challenge societal norms and inspire others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams at any age. Martin's story is a testament to perseverance and the belief that it's never too late to redefine what’s possible.

Martin will represent the Tar Heel State at the 2024 Mrs. America Pageant, to be held on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, in Las Vegas, Nevada.