KUTV — ShayLee Raye Hunter, crowned Mrs. Utah Petite 2025, is a woman of many accomplishments and a passionate advocate for invisible disabilities.
Throughout her pageant career, ShayLee has held several prestigious titles, including Ms. Utah Prime 2023, and competed in the Miss America Organization, where she won 2nd runner-up for Miss Davis County. She spoke to Elora Murray about her work.
Her accolades include Most Photogenic, People’s Choice, Sponsorship Award, and the Presidential Service Award, with her current goal set on achieving the Lifetime Service Award.
Beyond her pageantry success, ShayLee works as the Lead Children’s Advocate for Safe Harbor Crisis Center, the only domestic abuse shelter in Davis County, Utah. Her dedication to advocacy also extends into her professional career and academic endeavors. She is on track to graduate this Fall with a Master’s in Professional Communication and holds an undergraduate degree in Communications with an emphasis on Civic Advocacy from Weber State University. Throughout her career, ShayLee has worked with numerous organizations that champion advocacy, including the Oley Foundation and Girls with Guts.
Invisible Disabilities: Visible Awareness
ShayLee’s social impact platform, Invisible Disabilities: Visible Awareness, is deeply personal. She was born with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (CIPO) and underwent ostomy surgery at the age of 16. Later in her early 20s, she had a colectomy, which left her with Short Bowel Syndrome. As a result, ShayLee has been dependent on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for much of her life.
Her platform centers around raising awareness for invisible disabilities and advocating for those who rely on medical devices. Many people live with disabilities that are not immediately visible to others, and ShayLee aims to create a broader understanding and greater acceptance of these conditions.
One of her key goals is to foster empathy and inclusion for individuals with medical devices, encouraging society to see the person beyond the device. She is an advocate for body positivity and believes in promoting confidence and self-acceptance for those who live with conditions like hers.
Advocating for Change in Schools
ShayLee’s personal experience with bullying from both peers and teachers due to her invisible disability has driven her to extend her advocacy into schools. She believes that early education and awareness are essential in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for students with invisible disabilities.
A Lifelong Dedication to Advocacy
ShayLee’s commitment to advocacy is clear in both her personal and professional life. Whether it’s through her platform in pageantry, her work at Safe Harbor Crisis Center, or her involvement with organizations like the Oley Foundation and Girls with Guts, she has made it her mission to raise awareness and support for those living with invisible disabilities.
As she continues to inspire others, ShayLee Raye Hunter embodies the spirit of resilience, compassion, and determination. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, awareness, and advocacy for those who live with invisible challenges.
To learn more about ShayLee’s platform and advocacy work, follow her on Instagram.
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