Meet Eva Benjamin: First-Year Student and Miss Maine’s Teen

For the past several months, Eva Benjamin, a first-year Management major at the University of Maine, has been balancing life as a student with her role as Miss Maine’s Teen. Originally from Hermon, Maine, Eva recently returned from Orlando, Florida, where she proudly represented her home state on a national stage.

Balancing her academic responsibilities, pageant commitments, and personal life has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. “My first semester at UMaine taught me the importance of time management,” she says. “I grew in ways I never expected.”

Eva chose to attend the University of Maine because it offers a high-quality and affordable education close to home. “I’m studying business because of the Maine Business School’s commitment to student success,” she says. “MBS allows me to explore multiple educational interests, which is why I declared a concentration in International Business and a minor in Spanish.”

Her interest in pageants began while researching college scholarships. She discovered the Miss America Opportunity and was drawn to its mission of empowering female leaders. “I was inspired by the chance to grow as a person and make a difference in my community,” Eva explains.

Since being crowned Miss Maine’s Teen in June 2024, Eva has logged over 5,500 miles traveling across New England. One of the most meaningful aspects of her role has been promoting her Community Service Initiative (CSI), Couragefully. A CSI is a requirement for all contestants in the Miss America system, and delegates must find a cause or issue they are passionate about. “I chose youth mental health, particularly anxiety, because I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life,” Eva says. Through Couragefully, Eva aims to show that people can accomplish their dreams and goals despite anxiety. She has shared her message in the schools of her hometown, partnered with UMaine Counseling Center to encourage students to seek out help, and was featured on “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman,” a local talk show. 

Eva also takes pride in being the first Brazilian-American to hold the title of Miss Maine’s Teen. “It’s an honor to represent my Maine and Brazilian heritage,” she says. “This milestone demonstrates the importance of diversity and representation. I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique identities and believe in their dreams.”

As Eva continues her journey at the Maine Business School and in the pageant world, she’s proving that with determination, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s possible to achieve great things—both in and out of the classroom.