For Sonni Kate Nye, “home” will always be defined by weekends at the beach with her dad. A Corpus Christi native, she found her first stage confidence thanks to a middle school drama teacher who urged her to step into the spotlight. The spark grew into a passion that carried her through acting in New York, culinary school and even a stint in real estate, each chapter adding fuel to her determination and her role today as both artist and advocate.
Now back in the Coastal Bend, Nye serves on the Board of Directors for Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend and lends her voice to causes such as mental health awareness and suicide prevention. With the title of USOA Ms. Corpus Christi 2025, she represents not only her city on a statewide stage, but the values of authenticity and community connection.
Kylie Cooper: What does the title of USOA Ms. Corpus Christi mean to you? Not just to wear the crown, but to represent this city?
Sonni Kate Nye: I am Ms. Corpus Christi! That is an honor. I am so proud, and I say that with enthusiasm. Growing up, the thought of pageants never crossed my mind, so to be here in this moment, representing my hometown, is very surreal. I like to take a step back and tell myself, “Oh yeah, that is so cool.” I just hope I have made Corpus Christi as proud as it’s made me.
KC: What’s a misconception people have about women who compete in pageants?
SKN: That it’s all about looks and how much money you have. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I have met incredible women from all over Texas through pageants that are not just beautiful on the outside, but they are radiant on the inside. These women are doctors, business owners, CEOs, mothers … the list goes on. You do not have to have thousands of dollars in the bank to compete. I learned that it’s okay to lean on your community for financial support because others truly want to see you succeed. To my sponsors: I am so grateful for you!
KC: How do you draw from your acting background when stepping into the role of USOA Ms. Corpus Christi, or even when speaking at events or panels?
SKN: In acting, the number one lesson you learn is to let go. Let go of what doesn’t serve you, as it allows you to listen and be open to possibilities. As USOA Ms. Corpus Christi, listening and being open are key qualities I value in a great leader. So, for me to be that for my community and show up as my most authentic self each time, I utilize the power of letting go to be more present, mindful and open to all.
KC: I can imagine there is pressure to present a polished version of yourself when holding a title. How do you make space for the unfiltered or imperfect parts of who you are?
SKN: It goes back to that acting rule: Let go. I did not get to this point overnight; it took years of working on accepting myself, and I still take it each day at a time. Something I try to do each morning after I wake up is tell my body how much I love it and that it is beautiful. That’s helped a lot with accepting my natural beauty in this world. Also, I remind myself that a random person in H-E-B isn’t going to remember in an hour that I showed up in shorts and a beach shirt looking like I just rolled out of bed.
KC: Competing at Miss Texas USA must have brought a whirlwind of emotions. What did you take home from that experience?
SKN: That a smile goes a long way. When you’re competing for such a coveted title, it’s easy to get stuck in your own head. It’s important to remember you’re not alone, so smile and smile big. I made it a point to smile at every woman competing, and it was powerful to see their faces light up in those moments and return the smile.
KC: You’ve represented Corpus Christi on a state stage, but also in community efforts such as the YWCA YTeens Camp and Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend’s Coffee Chats. How do you balance the big platform moments with the smaller, community-rooted ones?
SKN: I think of that saying “no stage is too big or too small”; the same could be said here, no platform is too big or too small. I balance them all with the same grace and excitement as I would at a big pageant, and I bring my most authentic self each and every time.
KC: You’re also a panelist for NAMI’s Suicide Prevention Symposium. What role does mental health awareness play in your journey?
SKN: When I was 17, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. I was too afraid to leave my apartment, I was in and out of mental health hospitals and I struggled with belonging in this world. It caused me to stop acting for seven years. Today, it is important for me to share that part of myself and not shy away from it, because the more we talk openly about mental health as a society, the more comfortable we are with accepting it. For anyone who is struggling, your anxiety and depression do not define you, and you belong in this world.
KC: You speak about bridging generational gaps and fostering connection. What does “belonging” look like to you, and how has that definition changed over time?
SKN: Belonging is community. It’s where people accept you wholeheartedly. My goal, for instance, with my coffee chats is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable, whether they share 10 times or don’t speak at all. They showed up as their most authentic self in that moment, and I love that. That is belonging. It’s something I wished I’d had in my early 20s when I was experiencing so much loneliness, and I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I felt.
KC: What are a few of your top local recommendations?
SKN: Food: As a Greek woman, anywhere that serves Greek food! | Activity: Hot Yoga on Friday nights at Nueces Brewery with Divine Moon Yoga. | Theatre: Port Aransas Community Theatre.
Contact: sonnikate.com | @sonni.nye
