DEARBORN — With the 2019 Miss Muslimah USA pageant set to take place next month, Dearborn’s own Andrea Rahal is preparing to represent the state of Michigan, and Muslim women across the world, taking her position as a role model seriously.

“I am proud to represent my home state of Michigan as this year’s Miss Muslimah Michigan USA,” Rahal, a 29-year-old mother of two, said.

“In this life I hope to be the best mother towards my angels and I hope to be their role model forever, and never let them need anyone or anything more than their family and their own success.”

The third annual Miss Muslimah pageant is set to take place on July 18 at 6 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Contestants compete in categories including best abayah, best burkini, best modest special occasion dress and the performance aspect, which includes either a Qur’an recitation, spoken word or cultural dance.

Rahal said she’s looking forward to the pageant in large part because it allows Muslim women to compete without sacrificing any of their beliefs.

“The pageant celebrates courage, modesty, poise and grace in women who will become role models for not only Muslims, but every person in the United States and internationally,” she said. “It shows that there are no barriers to achieving your dreams.”

Rahal currently works as a certified medical assistant and is also a certified phlebotomist and patient care tech who loves helping and caring for people.

She previously worked in a hospital emergency room, but her 12-hour shifts made it difficult to keep up with her two young children.

Now, her goals include winning the pageant on behalf of Michigan, while using it as a springboard to an even better future, including the potential founding of a worldwide charity to help those in need.

Rahal’s dedication is evident as she has been busy preparing for the event by practicing her Qur’an recitation, which will be from a Surah (a chapter in the Qur’an) about modesty in women.

She’s also purchased a billboard that is expected to be displayed on Greenfield Road in Dearborn and has been rallying support for the pageant by getting the word out about ticket sales.

Tickets for the event are currently available through EventBrite and can be purchased on its website. They will also be available at Lava Lounge Too in Dearborn Heights.

Rahal is looking for a sponsorship to help cover the costs of items like her abayah, dress, burkini, cosmetics and other costs, including her $150 entry fee. Sponsors may choose to receive a ticket to the event and may have their logo featured in the program booklet as well as the event backdrop, she said.

Rahal, who has a sister and three brothers, said she is inspired by family. She hopes to provide inspiration to her children to show them that anything is possible and to show Muslim women and non-Muslims the true essence of her faith and culture.

“I am proud to represent my home state of Michigan at this year’s Miss Muslimah Michigan USA pageant,” she said. “I am confident in my ability to succeed in this pageant and that it will lead to many opportunities in the near future.”

Those interested in sponsoring Rahal (any amount) may call (313) 559-5176. Her Instagram page is @MissMuslimahUSAMichigan.