01
Emma's Journal · 5 Nov 2026 · 5 min read
Remembering Dad at Light up a Life
Emma remembers her dad, Neil, and invites Derby to join her at Treetops Hospice's Light up a Life event on Sunday 6 December.
Read the story →
Emma Barker
Pageant · Advocate · PhD
Pageantry, advocacy and community, for everyone who has ever felt unseen.
From overlooked to understood.
- Pageant finalist ✦
- Autism advocate ✦
- PhD researcher ✦
- Charity ambassador ✦
- Public speaker ✦
About Emma
Emma Barker is a Derby-based PhD researcher at the University of Derby, Miss Pageant Queen UK 2026 National Finalist, representing Derbyshire, an autism and SEND advocate, public speaker and official Ambassador for Treetops Hospice. Her mission is simple: from overlooked to understood, so that every quiet voice knows it belongs in the room.
More about Emma Barker →
I use every spotlight I'm given to make space for someone else, so that every autistic child, every SEND family and every quiet voice knows they belong in the room too.
In numbers
66
Appearances
Next: Every Cloud Charity Ball
9
Press features
Most recent: Forge by Printlogik
£958
Raised & donated for charity
For five charities, as of Sept 2026
The journey
Every step, every stage, every voice along the way.
2023
University of Derby
Graduated, and kept going
Cap, gown, and the start of a platform.
graduation day 2026
University of Derby
Began PhD research
Investigating post-diagnostic support for autistic adults.
Read more about Began PhD research
the poster 2026
Miss Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire GB
Miss Derbyshire Finalist
My very first pageant Miss Derbyshire Nottinghamshire GB I didn’t place, but it started a whole journey that changed so much for me. And this was only the beginning
swimwear round 2026
Pageant Queen UK
Official sponsor announced
Printlogik Ltd became Emma's official sponsor.
Featured
the big reveal 2026
Miss Pageant Queen UK
National finalist
On the national stage, representing Derbyshire.
FeaturedRead more about National finalist
national final 2026
Rethink Mental Illness
Spoke for Rethink Mental Illness
A motivational speech for the mental health charity.
on the mic
And the next chapter…
Follow along ✦As featured on
Stories
Calm with Yarn
Sometimes you just need someone to sit beside you and say, 'Yeah, this is really bloody hard.
Sarah Barron- Rainbow Dandelion Crochet, Neurodivergent
Voices · Oct 2026 · Read →
Trapped in a Tic'ing Time Bomb
It's never just a habit. It's the way we're made, and we shouldn't be made to feel bad for the way we are.
Sharnie, Mum living with Tourette's
Voices · Oct 2026 · Read →
Where to find me
Pride Park, Derby
GuestThe Miss Pageant Queen UK 2026 Grand Final
Competing as a national finalist representing Derbyshire.
Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield
FinalistPoppy Appeal RBL
Wyvern Sainsbury's, Derby
VolunteerThe Warrior Charity Pageant
Competing as a national finalist. won - 3rd in swimwear Best catwalk Most confidence 2nd place in the miss category
Burntwood Memorial Community Association, Burntwood, Staffordshire
Finalist
Brands I've worked with
All brands →
SponsorOfferOfficial sponsorPaid partnership10% off
Ambassador for- All in danceOfferCollaborated withGiftedFirst class is free (Matlock or Darley dale)
Collaborated with
Collaborated with
Collaborated with
Collaborated with
Collaborated with
Collaborated with
Collaborated with- Forget-me-not Dementia Support GroupCollaborated with
Collaborated with
Emma represents resilience, intellectual ambition and genuine grassroots advocacy, and she’s putting Derbyshire on the national stage. Backing her was an easy decision.
Press kit
Full press kit →
Official headshot
JPG · 456 KB
Download Official headshot ↓
EB Royal Lockup (SVG)
SVG · 9 KB
Download EB Royal Lockup (SVG) ↓
