Growing up near the waterways of Long Island, Lexi Christensen developed a deep appreciation for the ocean and the fragile ecosystems that surround it. The Oceanside native is now combining that lifelong environmental passion with an unexpected new platform: pageantry.
Christensen, 27, recently earned the title of Ms. Atlantic Coast Petite 2026, a regional crown within the Petite USA pageant system that celebrates women under 5 feet 6 inches. She will represent the Atlantic Coast at the Ms. USA Petite national competition in Chicago in July, when contestants from across the country will compete for the national title.
Standing 5 feet 3, Christensen said the Petite system stands out for challenging traditional beauty standards while promoting community service and personal growth.
“I feel like there’s not much representation for women who don’t fit the typical modeling or pageant height,” Christensen said. “This system celebrates women from all walks of life. Some contestants are married, some have children — it’s very diverse and supportive.”
Christensen’s journey into pageantry began last year, when she discovered a local competition online while searching for activities on Long Island. Entering the Miss Long Island preliminary pageant in 2025, she said she had little idea what to expect.
Instead, she found an extremely supportive community.
“I thought pageants would be very competitive or intimidating because of what you see on TV,” Christensen said. “But it turned out to be more like a sisterhood. I’ve met so many incredible women and made lifelong friends.”
Christensen’s rapid rise in the pageant world surprised even her. After competing in several events, she captured the Ms. Atlantic Coast Petite title in December 2025. She began her official appearances as titleholder in January, waiting to start her reign in the New Year out of respect for the outgoing titleholder.
“It was honestly shocking,” Christensen said of winning the title. “I didn’t expect to get this far so quickly. It’s exciting, but also nerve-racking.”
Outside the spotlight, Christensen works professionally as a water quality specialist for Liberty Utilities, helping ensure safe drinking water for communities across Long Island. Her career aligns closely with the advocacy platform she promotes through pageantry: “Preserving the Beauty of Our Coastlines.”
Christensen grew up in Oceanside and spent much of her childhood on or near the water. Witnessing pollution and environmental damage firsthand inspired her to get involved in conservation work.
“We live on an island, and the beaches are such a huge part of life here,” she said. “Seeing things like oil spills or pollution in the water made me realize how important it is to protect these environments.”
Since 2021, Christensen has volunteered with Operation SPLASH, a Long Island-based environmental group that organizes shoreline cleanups and waterway restoration efforts. Through both the organization and her pageant title, she participates in beach cleanups and community outreach initiatives promoting coastal stewardship.
While pageant systems typically require titleholders to make at least one public appearance per month, Christensen said she often participates in far more.
“I just enjoy volunteering,” she said. “It feels good knowing you’re helping your community.”
Her title has also brought unexpected opportunities. Last month, Christensen walked in New York Fashion Week, an experience she said she never imagined undertaking.
“If you met me outside of this, you’d probably consider me a tomboy,” she said. “But pageants have helped me build confidence and discover a different side of myself.”
Christensen said participating in pageantry has strengthened her public-speaking skills and broadened her professional and personal horizons.
“It’s helped me with everything from interviews to networking,” she explained. “People don’t always see that side of pageants.”
As she prepares for the national competition this summer, Christensen is focused on strengthening her advocacy work while maintaining a training routine and continuing her community service.
If she wins the Ms. USA Petite title, Christensen hopes to expand her environmental platform far beyond Long Island.
“I would love to use the opportunity to raise awareness about protecting our coastlines across the country,” she said. “Every shoreline — whether it’s here in New York, in Florida or in California — deserves to be preserved.”
For now, however, she remains focused on representing Long Island and the Atlantic Coast region at nationals.
“I’m just incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Christensen said. “To be able to represent where I come from and advocate for something I care about means everything.”
