Meet Tisha Abdul, the new Miss Chapel Hill 2026!

We’re so excited to introduce Tisha Abdul, the newly crowned Miss Chapel Hill 2026! She is from Concord, NC. She earned her title on October 25, 2025, and will go on to represent her community on the Miss North Carolina stage in June 2026!

Let’s get to know her a little better!

Digital Spotlight interview with Tisha Abdul

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!
A: I’m from Concord, NC. I am a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. My goal is to attend dental school and become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I am extremely passionate about merging healthcare and advocacy to create accessible, community-based approaches to wellness! My Carolina Star is Abigail O’Neil.

Q: What inspired your Community Service Initiative?
A: My Community Service Initiative, The Smile360 Initiative, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing dental and nutritional education through standardized health curricula in schools across North Carolina and the nation. By integrating oral and nutritional health education into classrooms, my goal is to empower children with lifelong knowledge, confidence, and healthy habits while addressing healthcare disparities from an early age!

Q: What talent did you perform at your local competition?
A: I performed a semi-classical Indian dance to Dhoom Taana. 

Q: Do you have any previous experience within the Miss America Opportunity?
A: Previously, I have held the title of Miss Orange County 2025.

Q: What’s one fun fact about you?
A: I’ve been a Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical) dancer for over ten years and performed my four-hour solo debut, known as an Arangetram, at Halton Theatre!

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off when you’re not competing or volunteering?
A: On my days off, I love going to Solidcore and enjoying Pilates classes, reading, cuddling with my cats, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Q: What’s your favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit?
A: As someone who studies nutrition as a science, my favorite way to stay #MissAmericaFit is to incorporate as many different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients into my meals as I can to keep my body feeling its best. I love cooking meals at home, trying new foods, and keeping up with working out to feel strong & confident!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger girl who looks up to you, what would it be?
A: “Be yourself, unconditionally. The world will always try to define who you should be, but your greatest power lies in embracing who you already are.”

Q: Where can people support your American Heart Association efforts?
A: Visit my Spotfund page to support my efforts and learn more about heart health awareness!

Follow Her Journey

Be sure to follow Tisha Abdul, Miss Chapel Hill 2026, throughout her year of service as she represents her community and embodies the spirit of Scholarship, Style, Service, and Success.