What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about?
I’m most passionate about dance because it has shaped so much of who I am today. I have been dancing since I was 4-years-old and finished my competitive dance career back in 2025 as a three-time national champion with the Oklahoma City University pom team. Growing up to be 6-feet-tall, I was often told that I didn’t fit the “dancer mold” and that my height would keep me from being successful. Instead of allowing those words to define me, dance taught me to embrace what made me different and recognize it as one of my greatest strengths.
That experience is exactly what inspired my community service initiative, Tap N2 Your Uniqueness, which I have been advocating for since I was 17. Through it, I encourage others to embrace their individuality, challenge societal pressures and stereotypes, and prioritize their mental well-being. I believe no one should ever feel that something they cannot control is a flaw or something they need to change to belong. The very things that make us different deserve to be celebrated.
Dance may be my greatest passion, but what it has given me is an even greater purpose: helping others find the confidence to stand tall in exactly who they are.
What does a perfect day look like?
A perfect day is waking up bright and early and starting off with a Solidcore class. Then getting ready in a cute business casual outfit for work with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a Fan Development Associate. After work, nine times out of 10 I find any excuse to make a Target trip because why not! In a perfect day, I would also have a super fun appearance as Miss Oklahoma City prior to going home to wind down. Lastly, I’d just watch some television, probably Big Brother, and enjoy time with my sweet doggie, Bandit!
How do you define success differently today than when you were younger?
When I was younger, I defined success by the things I could physically achieve; the trophies I won at dance competitions, making the A honor roll, or receiving an award. Those accomplishments made me feel successful because they were tangible proof that my hard work had paid off. Today, I define success very differently. Success is knowing that the things I pour my time and energy into also fill my cup. It’s being able to look at who I am and know that I’m showing up as the best version of myself, not because of a title, trophy, or recognition, but because I’m proud of the person I’m continuing to become. This past year especially has taught me that success isn’t always something you can hold in your hands; sometimes, it’s simply becoming someone you’re proud of.
Delaney Walker
Miss Oklahoma City 2027
How important is a formal education for young people?
I think formal education is incredibly important for young people because it gives us more than just knowledge. Education gives us the foundation to discover what we’re passionate about and the tools to pursue it. Education has played a huge role in my own life because, from a young age, it encouraged me to set goals for myself, including becoming a college graduate. Now, as I work toward earning my graduate degree, I’ve realized that education has not only prepared me for my career ambitions, but has also taught me discipline, curiosity, and the importance of continuing to grow. To me, education is ultimately about creating opportunities and giving young people the confidence to pursue what’s next.
Who do you consider one of your most important mentors?
One of my greatest mentors and inspirations is my grandmother, who I know and love as my Nainai, the Chinese word for grandmother. My Nainai immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in her 20s, not knowing any English and having to adapt to an entirely new way of life. Despite the obstacles she faced, she was determined to build a future for herself and her family, eventually building and finding our family business, Well Go USA, from the ground up.
Her strength extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. She is also a fighter against heart disease, having undergone a successful quadruple bypass surgery and later surviving cardiac arrest. Through every challenge, my Nainai has shown me what it means to thrive under pressure, always put my best foot forward, and understand just how far determination and a strong work ethic can take you.
She is a true testament to the power of never giving up. As I continue to navigate adulthood, pursue my goals, and build a life and career of my own, I constantly carry the lessons she has taught me. She will forever be one of my greatest inspirations and most important mentors.
What philanthropic activities are you involved in and why?
I am currently serving on the committee for the Walking With Worth event with the Oklahoma Eating Disorder Association. This organization and its mission are especially meaningful to me because they align closely with my community service initiative, Tap N2 Your Uniqueness. Both allow me to advocate for individuals to recognize their worth, build confidence, embrace what makes them unique, and rise above the obstacles and societal pressures they may face.
Beyond OEDA, I am also passionate about supporting and advocating for the American Heart Association. Heart health is incredibly personal to my family because of my Nainai’s journey with heart disease. After undergoing a successful quadruple bypass surgery and later surviving cardiac arrest, she is a powerful reminder to me of the importance of cardiovascular research, education, and awareness. The advancements supported by organizations like the American Heart Association have helped make stories of survival like hers possible.
Because of her, I am especially passionate about advocating for women’s heart health and raising awareness surrounding cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Supporting these organizations allows me to advocate for causes that have not only shaped my family but also reflect my commitment to helping others recognize their worth and live healthier, more empowered lives.
Do you have a pet, and if so, what is his/her name?
Yes! I have an 11-month-old aussiedoodle named Bandit! He is the perfect addition to my life and brings energy and love to anyone he meets! He loves playing fetch, meeting new friends, and chewing on ice cubes. Fun fact: he has black fur but has 3 white paws and 1 black paw! We always tell him he’s missing a sock!!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received actually came to me this past year: it is okay to say no. As someone who has always loved jumping in and helping wherever I can, I have learned that constantly saying “yes” can eventually become draining, both mentally and physically. A coworker reminded me that it is okay to say no every once in a while, and instead prioritize the things that truly fill my cup.
I have learned that being busy does not always mean being fulfilled or productive. There is value in recognizing your limits, listening to your mind and body, and permitting yourself to recharge. That advice has taught me to be more intentional with where I invest my time and energy so that when I do say “yes,” I can show up as the best version of myself.
What would you like people to remember about you?
I would want people to remember me not necessarily for what I accomplished, but for how I made them feel. I hope people remember me as someone who made them feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. Whether through a conversation, a friendship, or simply being there when someone needed encouragement, I want to leave people feeling a little more empowered than when I met them.
I also hope I am remembered as someone who never allowed what made me different to hold me back but instead used it as one of my greatest strengths. If my life can remind even one person to embrace what makes them unique, believe in their worth, and confidently take up space in this world, that is a legacy I would be incredibly proud to leave.
Do you have a special childhood memory?
First, my family and the memories we’ve created together are absolutely important to me. Their love and support throughout my life has been the absolute best!
Some of my favorite family memories and traditions started when I was 9 years old. My dad became a season ticket holder for the Dallas Cowboys, and we became a huge Cowboys family and attended so many games together! I also have great memories of our family watching the Cowboys together on Thanksgiving Day!
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Yes! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. This verse proves that even through uncertainty and stepping into the unknown, God is with us every step of the way, guiding us in the path he has set forth for us. Knowing we can trust in the Lord and his plans for us even if we start a new journey into the unknown.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be…..
To quote 6-year-old Delaney, “I want to be a pop star, cause I’m a rockin girl!”
Did you have any sports heroes when you were growing up? Why was he/she your hero?
Yes! I have loved being a Dallas Cowboys fan my whole life. Tony Romo and Jason Witten were my favorite Cowboys players growing up!!
What is a question I haven’t asked you that you’d like to answer?
Not so much a question, but a few extra fun facts! My current employment other than being Miss Oklahoma City is working for the Oklahoma City Thunder as a Fan Development Associate. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Marketing from Oklahoma City University and am currently pursuing my Graduate degree in Sports Administration from the University of Miami Online. As I make my way into the sports industry, I am grateful for the opportunity to work and support the Oklahoma City Thunder!