Parsi journalist, autism advocate and community volunteer Feroza Mehta has been crowned Mrs. Minnesota International 2026 and will represent the state at the Mrs. International 2026 pageant, to be held on 23^rd and 24^th July, in Skokie, Illinois. The prestigious competition brings together married women from across the United States, recognising excellence in leadership, service, fitness, personal achievement and public speaking.

For Feroza Mehta, the pageant presents an opportunity to spotlight an issue close to her heart, late autism diagnosis in women. Diagnosed with autism at age 37, she launched her advocacy platform, ‘Never Too Late’, to raise awareness about how autism often presents differently in women and girls, leading to delayed diagnoses. Through community outreach, public speaking and her pageant journey, she encourages women, families, educators and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs and seek timely support.

Born to Parsi Indian parents who immigrated to Canada, Feroza was raised in Calgary, Canada, and studied journalism at Carleton University before completing postgraduate studies in international journalism in London. She has worked with Canadian broadcasters Citytv and CTV and currently serves as Editor of Edina Magazine in Minnesota.

A mother of two, Mehta credits her family’s encouragement, particularly that of her daughter Ava, for inspiring her pageant journey. As a proud Parsi representing Minnesota, she also hopes to raise awareness about the Zoroastrian community while reflecting its enduring values of education, service, perseverance and compassion.