Latter-Day Saint Mrs. America Contest Whose Response is Shocking the World

Hannah Neeleman is know by many thanks to her Instagram account Ballerina Farm that boasts 6.2 million followers.

Source: Ballerina Farm Instagram

This week, millions more have come to know Hannah as Mrs. South Dakota is the Mrs. America Contest.

A video of her response to a question in the round of Top 3 has gone viral.

“When have you felt the most empowered?” was the question asked to Neeleman.

And she was quick to answer.

“I have felt this feeling seven times now, as I bring these sacred souls to the earth. After I hold that newborn baby in my arms, the feeling of motherhood and bringing them into the earth is the most empowering feeling I have ever felt,” Neeleman said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hannah @Ballerina Farm (@ballerinafarm)

Responses to Hannah’s Answers

Many people appreciated Hannah’s heartfelt answer to her round of questioning, and some of the responses she has received from viewers have been shared below. Her comments clearly struck a nerve and tugged at the heartstrings.

“Thank you for honoring motherhood and the value of life in a culture that seems to be inconvenienced by both. Congratulations!!!!!”

“I know that was THE EASIEST question to answer!! As a mother, there is no other answer.”

“I admire you! It is so refreshing to see such a great role model for girls these days. What I mean by this is you could have said you felt empowered by following your dreams to fulfill your passion to be a dancer in the big city BUT BUT your answer is simply of motherhood!!!! This is so beautiful, inspirational, powerful, emotional and all young girls need more role models like you. Bravo!!!!!”

Source: Ballerina Farm Instagram

“Awesome! This is real life! Perfect answer during such crazy times! God bless 🤍 thank you for this!”

“I have cried a couple times thinking about your response. I have never felt so represented as a mom. Your heartfelt answer when there was so many other parts of your life you could have responded with. It really made me feel understood. Sometimes I feel like society undermines mothers’ contributions especially when they do not work full-time outside of the home. I really struggle with the need to work outside of the home against the strong desire I have to stay home full-time while I have the opportunity before my children grow up so fast.”

“The minute they asked I KNEW you were going to say it! 1000% agree I have never felt more empowered than when I brought my babies into this world.”

“My 9 girls are all jumping up and down! As a homeschool mama to 11, thank you!! You are such a role model! You are honoring motherhood and the value of life!!”

On to Victory

It appears that the viewers weren’t the only one’s impressed with Hannah’s response. The judges also awarded her the crown as the winner of the 2023 Mrs. America Pageant. Hannah was representing South Dakota, which has an open contestant policy and allows anyone to compete from their state. Hannah and her husband, Daniel,  have seven children and live on a farm in Kamas, Utah.

Hannah was featured last year in Utah Valley 360’s 40 under 40 with the profile below.

Hannah Neeleman’s life is a twirl-wind. In 2012, she graduated in dance from the Julliard School and danced professionally as a ballerina. Shortly after marrying, she and her husband lived abroad in São Paulo Brazil for four years while he worked and she danced. She learned Portuguese and fell in love with Brazilian cuisine and agriculture. In 2017 they started Ballerina Farm, a farm-to-table agriculture business where they sell beef, pork, as well as sourdough accessories and other kitchen products worldwide. Hannah was Mrs. Utah for 2021, and her family has 1.1 million followers on Instagram (now 6.2) — where they share the heart and hard work of their family life on the farm raising their business and seven children ranging from 10 all the way down to a newborn.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT Creating a business where I get to work with my husband and children each day. HARDEST MOMENT Our business is in the public eye on social media for over 1 million followers. This can get tricky. The I’s must be dotted and T’s crossed! LEADERSHIP STYLE Operationally I am not detail oriented. I am rarely on time and don’t write many things down. On the artistic side of things, however, I am very picky. BEST PART OF BEING YOUNG IN BUSINESS You still have a long runway to make your dreams come true. HARDEST PART OF BEING YOUNG IN BUSINESS You still have a lot of mistakes to make. MAIN MOTIVATION My husband and seven kids. ULTIMATE CAREER DREAM I hope I can inspire others to chase dreams that seem out of the ordinary.