Meet Miss Macon Shelby Smith: Platform, goals and future plans

Shelby Smith shares her journey, platform and what’s next after being crowned Miss Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) —Miss Macon Shelby Smith is continuing her year of service, using her title to promote inclusion across Middle Georgia.

Smith, who was crowned Miss Macon in the fall, is now sharing her platform and preparing for the upcoming Miss Georgia competition.

The Miss Macon title is part of the Miss America Opportunity, which focuses on scholarship, service and leadership.

As part of her role, Smith promotes her community service initiative, “Inclusion Begins with I,” which focuses on disability awareness and creating more inclusive environments.

Smith is also helping raise awareness for upcoming community events that support autism acceptance, including the “Acceptance Autism Celebration” set for April 4, 2026, at Fulwood Park in Tifton.

The event will feature a 5K and fun run, food trucks, a silent auction, vendors and a raffle with a $10,000 grand prize. Organizers say the event will raise money for Kalos Academy’s building fund and support autism acceptance efforts.

Smith says she has been working to bring her message into schools and communities, encouraging others to embrace differences and foster acceptance.

She will represent Macon at the Miss Georgia competition, where she will compete for a chance to advance to the Miss America stage.