From Miss Alabama to Real Estate: Jessica Gilmore on Faith, Family, & Career

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Jessica Procter Gilmore—Miss Alabama 2017 and Top 7 Finalist at Miss America 2018—to talk about her unexpected entry into pageantry, her heart for service, and the way her faith has guided her through every chapter of life. From national spotlights to real estate closings, Jessica brings intentionality and joy to everything she does.

Jessica opens up about the highs and lows of her pageant experience, including behind-the-scenes details, how she overcame unhealthy thinking around food, and her platform to combat food insecurity. Today, Jessica lives in Hoover with her husband and daughter, works as a top-producing realtor in Birmingham, and sees her work as a ministry to love and serve others well.

Whether you’re interested in the world of pageants or faith-driven living, this conversation is full of wisdom, grace, and inspiration.

Episode at a Glance:

How Jessica entered her first pageant with no experience—and how she eventually went on to win Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen and Miss Alabama 2017
What it was like to compete at Miss America and meet celebrity judges like Jordin Sparks and Thomas Rhett
A behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities and realities of being Miss Alabama
How Jessica’s platform, “Step Up to the Plate,” helped fight food insecurity across Alabama
The struggles she faced in pageantry and how her faith became her anchor
How she healed from food-related challenges and now promotes healthy relationships with food
Her love story: Meeting her husband at Church of the Highlands
What her life looks like today as a wife, mom, and realtor, and how pageantry helped shape who she is today

Who is Jessica Gilmore?

Jessica Procter Gilmore was Miss Alabama 2017, a Top 7 Finalist at Miss America 2018, and recipient of the Miss America Community Service Award for her work with food insecurity. Today, she works as a realtor with ARC Realty in Birmingham and was named a 2023 “Rising Star” by the Birmingham Association of Realtors. She and her husband, Gray, live in Hoover with their daughter Amelia. They attend Church of the Highlands, where Jessica sings on the worship team and leads small groups alongside her husband.