Miss Michigan's platform advocates for sexual assault survivors

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Emily Sioma, the recently crowned Miss Michigan, is using her platform to advocate for survivors of sexual assault.

Sioma was just given the state title on Saturday at the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant. She previously held the title of Miss Shoreline.

"The biggest thing I do with my platform is talk about what happened to me because it can happen to anybody" said Sioma. "I really want to encourage young women and young men that have been victims of sexual assault to not feel ashamed of what has happened to them."

The 24-year-old stood in silent protest at her 2016 graduation from the University of Michigan to take a stand against sexual assault.

Two years ago I decided it was time to take a stand (quite literally) against sexual assault. Protesting my own graduation was never something I planned, but it is something I will always be proud of. In that moment I found a voice in silence. I found strength through the support of a true friend. I found that even though I was standing alone, I was standing for so much more For every voiceless survivor, I stood. For every survivor, I still stand. I Believe you. 📸 @mlivenews #SAAM #ibelieveyou

A post shared by Emily Sioma (@missshoreline) on Apr 7, 2018 at 10:43am PDT

Sioma will compete in the Miss America Scholarship Pageant in New Jersey in September.

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