From being Miss Philadelphia 2025 to working as a multimedia journalist for “Gulf Coast News Now”, Jaylen Baron carries the confidence and work ethic that first took root in her at the Mount.

Alum Jaylen Baron ‘21 credits her diverse and successful career to the foundation she gained at the Mount. Long before reporting or representing Philadelphia, she was a Mountie discovering her passions and involved in basketball, theater, leadership, and service.

“The Mount taught me how to use my voice with confidence and purpose,” Baron said. “Whether on the court, on the stage, or in the classroom, I learned leadership, discipline, and how to handle pressure—skills I use every single day as a journalist and titleholder.”

Her most cherished memories at the Mount come from her “two different worlds”: basketball and theater. Not only did she thrive as an athlete, with the team’s competition and spirit, but she also found a home in the performing arts. Under the guidance of Ms. Ochs, she served as assistant choreographer and dance captain for Mount’s theater program where she shaped the musical’s numbers.

“Jaylen was not only a gift to the Mount community, but she was a gift to me personally. She faced deep adversity and loss at a young age, but despite her obstacles, she was an incredibly bright light. She was amazing and a source of positivity. I always found her to be mature beyond her years,” Ochs said.

During her sophomore year at the Mount, Baron began competing in pageants. Inspired by the values of service, scholarship, and performance that pageantry presents, she went on to win Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen in 2021, and Miss Philadelphia in 2025.

In the role of Miss Philadelphia, Baron represents one of the oldest and most historic titles in the Miss America Opportunity. As a titleholder, she balances community outreach, advocacy meetings, nonprofit partnerships, writing speeches, and constantly being in conversation, with grace.

“Winning those titles changed the way I saw myself. Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen helped me learn how to handle responsibility at a young age. Miss Philadelphia has empowered me to step into my career and advocacy work with the responsibilities I learned while in college. Both titles opened doors, taught me professionalism, and reminded me that my voice can create real impact,” Baron said.

Jaylen’s pageant platform involves advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness. She was inspired after losing her mom to cancer in May 2016. As a spokesperson and media chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, working with this organization allows her to honor her memory and support families who are facing the same heartbreak. She was able to turn loss into something special that fulfills her mom’s legacy.

“The Miss America Opportunity gave me a way to turn grief into purpose and to make sure her story continues to impact others,” Baron said.

Jaylen attended the University of Alabama through earning a scholarship with the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation, allowing her to graduate debt-free. At UA, she was a delegate and executive council member of the Phi Mu sorority, which shaped a lot of her college experience.

“Greek life gave me community and countless leadership opportunities. It built my confidence, sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for public-facing work,” Baron said.

The University of Alabama gave Jaylen the ability to grow into her confidence. She gained newsroom experience, mentorship, and opportunities that pushed her out of her comfort zone.

“I learned how to be independent, resilient, and intentional with my goals,” Baron said.

Before starting her professional career, Baron served as a video technology media intern for the Philadelphia Eagles. Her role on the job consisted of capturing and editing content throughout the NFL season. This experience not only allowed her to grow her confidence, but also prepared her for the fast-paced environment of journalism.

“Interning with the Eagles was one of the most exciting experiences of my career. Being behind the scenes in professional sports taught me how to work under pressure, how to communicate effectively, and how much teamwork goes into large-scale productions,” Baron said.

Now, Jaylen serves as a reporter for “Gulf Coast News Now” in southwest Florida. Her days consist of interviewing, gathering video, writing scripts and editing on tight deadlines. Some involve breaking news and live shots, while others are more feature-focused.

“Every day is different, but that’s what I love. It’s fast-paced and demanding, but so energizing,” Baron said.

Jaylen’s personal values directly helped her in finding her purpose as a reporter.

“Journalism combines everything I love: connection, storytelling, advocacy, and service. When I walked into a newsroom for the first time, I felt that spark. I knew I wanted to be the person who helps communities make sense of what’s happening around them,” Baron said.

Jaylen credits much of her success to her experience at the Mount. Specifically, English classes she took helped to deepen her writing skills and encouraged her to think critically. For Mounties interested, Baron offers insight on pursuing a career in journalism.

“Start early and don’t be afraid to try everything. Write, interview, film, edit, get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Baron said.

Though she found her passion, Jaylen was once a Mountie with doubts and fears. She was in high school before, too, not sure where her future would take her next.

“Trust the process and don’t rush the journey. Don’t shrink yourself. Your voice, your ideas, and your perspective matter even before you feel ‘ready’,” Baron said.