Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
– Tony Robbins
These words define the life and mission of Tina Perry, Ms. Wisconsin Galaxy 2025. From her roots in Illinois to her impactful work across the Midwest and beyond, Tina has turned unimaginable hardships into a platform for hope, empowerment, and advocacy.
A Life of Passion and Resilience
Tina Perry’s story begins in Melrose Park, Illinois, where she was born and raised in River Grove. At the age of 22, she relocated to Wisconsin to begin a new chapter. Her life has been marked by both profound challenges and extraordinary achievements, including raising her children and founding a nonprofit organization.
Tina is a proud mother and grandmother, roles she considers her greatest honors. She is also the founder of Just Listen, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advocacy and decreasing stigma around mental health and substance use.
Her professional journey reflects her determination to create change. As a former cardiac heart and lung transplant floor worker, Tina now dedicates herself to speaking to medical professionals about improving patient care. She has addressed over 300 doctors, sharing her story to teach them how to better connect with their patients and break down biases.
From Loss to Legacy
In 2013, Tina experienced a life-altering tragedy: the loss of her daughter, Angelina, at just 28 years old. Angelina’s passing, due to a blood infection and mistreatment in the medical field, became the catalyst for Tina’s advocacy work.
I share my story to decrease stigma across the world so another does not have to die the way Angelina did. Through my voice, Angelina is saving lives from heaven.
Her advocacy extends far and wide. She has partnered with nonprofits, law enforcement, and community organizations, speaking to recovery groups and medical professionals to promote awareness and compassion. Her platform is Decreasing Stigma, is a call to action to create change in how patients are treated and how communities approach recovery and mental health. Tina is the founder of Just Listen, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advocacy and decreasing stigma around mental health and substance use.
The Greatest Lessons in Hardship
Tina’s life has been shaped by unimaginable struggles. Her daughter’s passing, her son’s battle with cancer, another son’s motorcycle accident, and the challenges her youngest son faced after a devastating injury have tested her resilience. Despite it all, Tina remains a beacon of strength.
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned from hardship is that one can move forward with a healthy lifestyle through self-care and self-love. We need to grieve in our own ways but always remember to get up each day and be our best selves.”
Tina emphasizes the importance of honoring loved ones while continuing to take care of oneself. Her advice is simple yet profound:
Remember their memory, grieve as you need, and take each day as it comes.
Finding Empowerment in Pageantry
Tina’s journey in pageantry began in 1995 when she answered a newspaper ad. With her daughter Angelina by her side as her princess, Tina won the title of Mrs. Wisconsin Woman in 1997. After a hiatus, she returned to pageantry in 2022, reigniting her passion and finding new purpose.
“Pageantry has given me the opportunity to serve, share my platform, and connect with other incredible women. The sisterhood is one of the most beautiful aspects—surrounding myself with women who have visions and passions and helping each other achieve them.”
Now crowned Ms. Wisconsin Galaxy 2025, Tina’s goal is to earn the title of Ms. Galaxy 2025 and continue using her platform to make a global impact.
A Commitment to Self-Care
For Tina, self-care is a cornerstone of her journey. She practices mindfulness, lives in the present moment, and focuses on gratitude. Her favorite forms of self-care include:
- Physical: Walking trails and appreciating the beauty of all seasons
- Mental: Gym workouts and creative outlets like abstract art and poetry
- Social: Building genuine relationships
- Community: Bringing people together
- Professional: Collaborating with trustworthy partners
I prioritize my mental health because I know how vital it is to be present for myself and others.
Looking Ahead
Tina’s ambitions are as inspiring as her journey. She plans to expand her speaking engagements across the U.S. and worldwide, continuing her work to teach medical professionals how to better support their patients. Her nonprofit, Just Listen, remains a powerful force for change, and her advocacy ensures that Angelina’s legacy lives on.
Our words matter—they can save a life or take a life.
With every speech, every event, and every life she touches, Tina Perry is turning the invisible into the visible and showing the world the power of resilience, love, and advocacy.
Tina Perry’s Favorites:
- Quote: “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
- Hobbies: Abstract art, poetry, public speaking, and event planning
- Platform: Decreasing Stigma
Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-care and advocacy. Through her work and her voice, Tina Perry is proving that even in the face of tragedy, hope and healing are always within reach.
Leave a Comment