“I chose to come to FSU because of the opportunities I saw. Florida State was far enough away from home where I could explore my independence but also was secure in knowing I wasn’t too far from home if I ever wanted to visit.”
Fast Facts
- FSU Family: Fourth member of her family to attend FSU
- Community Service: Accumulated 200 community service hours as of August 2025
- Miss Florida Seminole: Holds the title for 2025-2026
- Talents: Double-jointed and has sung the National Anthem at various FSU sports events
- Favorite Animal: Giraffe
Bailey Marie Latchford, a junior at Florida State University, is pursuing a dual degree in social work and criminal justice. Her journey to FSU was influenced by her three brothers who attended the university before her, the size of the campus and the many opportunities it offers.
Latchford is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and comes from the Hollywood Reservation, one of the Indian reservations governed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Bailey has been a singer since she was a child and during her time at FSU has performed the National Anthem for men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball at the Seminole Heritage games hosted by the university.
Her commitment to community service is equally noteworthy. Latchford is actively involved in various clubs at FSU, including the Big Sister Little Sister mentorship organization and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
How do you think your personal experiences at FSU will impact your professional career?
In my time at FSU, I have been granted many opportunities to connect with people from different areas of life. Through these connections, the lessons and wisdom I’ve learned and gained will stay with me forever. The openness and welcoming nature on campus have helped me to better communicate and connect with people who are on different paths in their lives. I have also been able to meet potential future employers and make connections with people in various fields that I can see myself reaching out to in the future as a social worker.
What does it mean to be able to represent your heritage as Miss Florida Seminole?
It means the world to me that I am not only able to represent the tribe and my Seminole heritage as a student, but now as Miss Florida Seminole. This title isn’t just for me, but my ancestors before me who didn’t have the same opportunities that I do; it’s for my family after me, so they don’t have to face the struggles and roadblocks I did; and for the youth of the Seminole Tribe to continue striving for greatness and showing that we are still here. I take great honor and responsibility with the crown and my culture, as it is bigger than just me. I strive to show my heritage in any way I can, big or small. Whether I am wearing traditional clothing or public speaking, I aim to educate wherever and whenever I can about the strength and resilience of my ancestors, who fought hard for their right to exist as Seminole people and become the entity we are today.
What are your plans after you graduate?
I plan to pursue my master’s in social work and aim to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to work within Indigenous populations throughout the states and learn about the various Indigenous cultures worldwide. While I have not made a final decision on where yet, I look forward to what is to come in my career!
What role do you play in both the NAACP and Big Sister Little Sister (BSLS)?
Within the NAACP, although I am a general member, through this organization I can stay updated on current social events, primarily within our government. As a future social worker, it is important that I stay updated with events that go on in our government that pertain to policy, as I aim to be a good advocate in my future career. Through the NAACP, I am also able to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who motivate me to be the best version of me, and I do the same for them. I’ve made some amazing friendships within the NAACP and continue to learn a lot. Within BSLS, I’ve created deep bonds and have fostered a sense of sisterhood in my time at FSU. From knowing no one to being membership chair for the 2025-2026 school year, this organization has helped me break out of my shell and help guide incoming freshmen and transfers to give them that amazing feeling of sisterhood that BSLS has given me. I can connect with these amazing girls on so many levels and learn something new every day in various topics.
