Born and raised in Farmington, school counselor Stepheny Atencio is taking her community mission of mental health awareness to the national spotlight as the newly crowned Miss New Mexico for America Strong 2026.
Atencio won the state title on June 6 during a pageant held in Albuquerque. She was crowned alongside Mrs. New Mexico America 2026 Faith Rogers and Mrs. New Mexico American 2026 Sarah Houghteling.
Atencio will represent the state at the national Miss for America Strong competition in Las Vegas this August. The pageant system emphasizes community service, requiring contestants to select a nonprofit platform to support and promote during their reign…