Mrs. USA 2024 | Nurse | Nonprofit Founder | Family & Community Advocate
A Life in Motion
Andrea Bender’s story is anything but ordinary—it’s a mountain bike trek full of winding trails, uphill battles, muddy puddles, and breathtaking views. With resilience as her fuel and passion as her guide, Andrea navigates life’s terrain with strength, grace, and a heart wide open to service.
“I’m equipped with a lifetime of unique gears to handle the uphill challenges, downhill coasts, and unexpected wipeouts,” Andrea says. And she’s used every single one—balancing her roles as a wife, mother of five (including angel babies), lead ER nurse, infertility warrior, adoption champion, chronic illness survivor, and community service leader.
Crowned with Resilience
Andrea’s journey toward the Mrs. USA 2024 crown began more than a decade ago—as a new mom to four-month-old twins, searching for a sense of self again. What she found instead was a deeper purpose. Her life since has been shaped by the peaks and valleys of infertility, multiple miscarriages, the life-saving surgery that followed a battle with Crohn’s disease, and the blessing of not one, but two sets of miracle twins—and most recently, the long-awaited adoption of a beautiful daughter.
“I discovered perspective in the midst of pain, and joy in the most unexpected moments,” she shares. These experiences have not only made Andrea a stronger woman, but a louder advocate—for mothers, families, and anyone facing overwhelming odds.
Cycle of Service: Family, Community, and Giving Back
Community service is the “critical gear” in Andrea’s family—and her platform, Cycle of Service: Shifting Your Focus to Family, Community and Service, reflects just that. During her reign as Mrs. Wisconsin America 2023, Andrea made over 100 public appearances, promoted charity work through state and local media, and raised critical funds for dozens of causes statewide.
One of her proudest accomplishments: distributing over 500 free bike helmets to children while promoting safety and inspiring families to get outside and ride together. Through it all, her children were right by her side—learning, giving, and serving as a team.
“Our number-one goal is to instill service in our children’s hearts by living it ourselves,” Andrea says.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Mobilizing the Next Generation
Andrea’s passion for health and mentorship extends well beyond her family. As the founder and coach of the Southeastern Lakes Mountain Biking Team—a nonprofit organization—she has coached countless youth athletes toward personal growth, fitness, and goal-setting. “We’ve raised over $60,000 to support these promising athletes,” she notes proudly.
Her coaching doesn’t stop on the trails. A former Miss St. Francis and Miss Milwaukee, Andrea has spent the past 15 years mentoring young women across Wisconsin through local pageants—serving as a contestant coach, director, judge, interview advisor, and chairperson.
A Voice of Hope for Families
Perhaps one of Andrea’s most powerful contributions has come through her advocacy for infertility awareness. Having walked the heartbreaking and often silent road herself, she has shared her story on national podcasts, in social media campaigns, and at the National Infertility Convention, bringing comfort and connection to families searching for hope.
“In my ‘wide-open gear,’ I’ve opened my heart to offer hope to other families,” she says. And in doing so, she’s created a powerful ripple effect—helping others see that they’re not alone.
Living Her Legacy
Andrea Bender is not just Mrs. USA 2024—she’s a legacy in the making. A woman who’s embraced both the storms and sunshine of life. A mom who leads with love. A nurse who heals with compassion. A coach who builds confidence. A queen who serves with strength.
Her message is simple, but powerful: Whatever terrain you face—ride through it. Shift gears when needed. And never stop pedaling.
