Posted on   1/23/2012  5:02 PM

It’s not often that celebrities take on issues concerning children of prisoners.

Laura Kaeppeler, the new Miss America, is different.

The 23-year-old Wisconsin beauty queen was once herself the child of an incarcerated parent. Her father was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to federal prison while she was a teenager.

When she was crowned Miss America earlier this month, she pledged to be an advocate for children of incarcerated parents. It's a painful issue that's close to her.

She is the founder of Circles of Support. Here’s how she describes her cause on her website:

“She understands the shame, pain and difficulties associated with having a family member in prison. While this was the most painful period of her life, Laura believes it was a blessing in disguise. This adversity has shaped her into a strong, forgiving, and compassionate young woman. Most importantly, Laura is grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for children of incarcerated parents. She has found this cause to be her passion in life and source of inspiration. “

Congratulations Laura on your incredible achievement. Thanks for championing this important cause. Hundreds of thousands of children of prisoners will look to you for inspiration.