About · Gianna Buff

Welcome

Welcome to my journey.

Hi! My name is Gianna Buff and I am a rising junior at NC State University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I am a member of the University Honors Program, Real Estate Club, Women in Business Club, and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

With this being my first year ever doing pageants, I was so nervous. I felt like maybe I lacked the experience or confidence that everyone else had, or that as the "newbie," I wouldn't make it. However, this journey ultimately helped me discover my purpose, strengthen my confidence, and recognize the power of using my voice to serve others.

As a college student, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for young people to balance academics, leadership responsibilities, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Many students appear successful or happy on the outside while privately struggling with stress, burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt. Having personally struggled silently at times, I felt inspired to create my service initiative, Building Balance, which is all about supporting health and wellness, and empowering confidence.

My initiative focuses on promoting realistic wellness, confidence, and sustainable habits for young people, particularly college students and young women. I believe wellness should not feel restrictive or unattainable. Instead, I want people to understand that taking care of their mental and physical health is an act of self-respect, and that growth comes from consistency rather than perfection.

"Motivation is a feeling — but consistency is a system that creates lasting change."

About Gianna

Growth & Goals

One of the greatest accomplishments of my life so far has been earning the title of Miss Wake County 2026 through the Miss America Organization. Competing in my second pageant ever and becoming the first-ever Miss Wake County taught me the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and believing in my ability to lead. Through this opportunity, I have grown tremendously in confidence, public speaking, leadership, and service. The Miss America Organization has given me a platform to advocate for wellness while also helping me pursue my educational and professional goals through scholarship and community engagement.

As Miss North Carolina, my goal is to speak to at least one school in every county about my service initiative and the importance of the Miss America Opportunity, hold a major fundraising event collecting wellness items for women's centers across North Carolina, and continue partnering with local businesses on percent-of-purchase fundraising events that benefit School Meals for All NC — a nonprofit I am a member of that ensures every public school in North Carolina gets free lunch.

More than anything, I want to use my education, leadership experiences, and platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I believe true success is measured not only by personal accomplishments, but by the impact we leave on the people around us. Through service, leadership, and continued growth, I hope to inspire others to pursue both success and well-being without feeling they must sacrifice one for the other.

By continuing to spread my message, I hope to inspire others across North Carolina to build a healthier, happier, and more balanced life — because balance builds confidence, confidence builds leaders, and leaders change communities.