Ronnetta Griffin

Spokesperson | ambassador | keynote speaker | philanthropist

Chapters of Grace and Purpose

Life has a way of weaving together chapters that, at first glance, seem unrelated — yet in time, they form a story of meaning and purpose. For me, the journey from crowns and pageants to health advocacy and entrepreneurship has never been about titles; it has always been about service, resilience, and using each platform to make a difference.

In 1991, I was honored to be crowned Miss South Carolina and earned the opportunity to compete in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Almost overnight, I suddenly found myself traveling the state, meeting people from every walk of life, and presenting my Be a Winner for Life self-esteem program. Over the course of more than 450 appearances, I learned lessons that have never left me — how to connect with people in a meaningful way, how to listen as much as I speak, and how to step into opportunities with courage and grace. Along the way, I was humbled to receive the Quality of Life Community Service Award and three Lifestyle & Fitness awards, but the real reward was the chance to encourage others, especially children, and remind them of their worth.

Nearly twenty-five years later, I slipped on those competition heels once more — this time as a wife, a mother, and a woman with a deeper story to tell. In 2015, at the age of 50, I was crowned Mrs. South Carolina. My reason for returning to the stage was not for recognition, but for a cause that had become deeply personal. After battling iron deficiency anemia so severe that it nearly cost me my life, I felt called to use the visibility of that title to raise awareness about a condition that quietly affects millions. Competing at Mrs. America was not about winning another crown, but about shining a light on an issue that needed a voice.

That chapter became the seed of something larger: the founding of Ironology.life — a company dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives by addressing iron-related disorders. Over time, I came to be known affectionately as the “Iron Queen” — not for a crown or sash, but for my determination to turn personal struggle into a platform of hope and education.

While these milestones mark important seasons, they are only part of my story. At the heart of everything I do is a lasting commitment to community service. Today, I am especially passionate about supporting Switch, a local non-profit devoted to ending human trafficking and restoring the lives of survivors; Lindley’s Alliance, a charity close to my heart that uplifts disabled youth; and the Iron Disorders Institute, which continues vital work in education and advocacy. This service reminds me daily that true impact happens when we look beyond ourselves and use our gifts to lift others.

When I look back, these milestones are less about the titles themselves and more about the threads they represent — service, courage, resilience, and faith. From standing on a stage to sitting across a table from a client, the lessons are the same: the details matter, people matter, and every opportunity can be used to make a difference.