Alexis “Lexie” Johnson is a civil litigation defense attorney, entrepreneur, public speaker, and mentor serving as Miss Cosmo USA 2026. With Southern roots and a naturally curious spirit, she is grounded in faith and driven by purpose, using her voice and influence to help others champion themselves. Lexie earned her bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Spanish from Virginia Tech, including studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. She holds a Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law, an MBA from Liberty University, and a certificate in Women’s Executive Leadership from the Yale School of Management. Admitted to practice in Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., she has been recognized by The National Black Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her commitment to service extends beyond her litigation practice. She has led fundraising initiatives that raised nearly $10,000 for the Virginia Legal Food Frenzy and provided pro bono estate planning through the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation, helping underserved Central Virginia residents protect their families’ futures and establish their legacies. Beyond practicing law, Lexie serves happiness by the cup as the manager of her family-owned sweetFrog franchise, one of the highest-performing locations in the country and recently recognized as the best in Wake County, North Carolina. She also invests in real estate alongside her family through renovation and Airbnb projects, combining her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, love of family, and pursuit of generational wealth. Rooted in her own journey of challenging limiting beliefs, her company and platform, Inspire Esquire, unites two passions: helping young women and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities champion themselves. Through mentorship, public speaking, and compassionate advocacy, she helps high school and college-aged women grow holistically, recognize their strengths, and use their voices. She encourages them to pursue their goals while honoring their inherent worth and extending themselves grace. Lexie also advocates for the abilities, choices, and aspirations of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work affirms their right to dignity, inclusion, and the opportunity to shape meaningful lives on their own terms. At its heart, Inspire Esquire transforms personal experience into purposeful impact. It empowers individuals to feel seen, heard, valued, and embrace their potential. This title represents a pinnacle of an 11-year pageant journey for Lexie. She has held the title of Virginia’s Homecoming Queen 2014, Miss Virginia Collegiate America 2021, and Miss Cosmo Virginia USA 2026. She views her crown as an opportunity to expand the reach of Inspire Esquire, connect with marginalized communities, and shape the landscape of how women are viewed and valued throughout the world. Outside her professional and service commitments, Lexie enjoys gathering family and friends around the table, preparing traditional Southern dishes as an expression of love and hospitality. Her roots shine through her love of the outdoors, hunting, and riding four-wheelers, while Pilates, fitness, and fashion round out her interests. Lexie is also a devoted dog mom to her Yorkie, Louis—the love of her life, whose unconditional love brings her peace and reminds her of the message she shares through Inspire Esquire: even as we strive to become more, we are already worthy of love exactly as we are.