Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia, first runner-up at the United States of America’s Mrs. New Jersey Pageant, poses with a USA headband and torch in a Statue of Liberty–inspired photo.
A Voorhees resident, physician and advocate for women’s wellness was recently named first runner-up at the United States of America’s Mrs. New Jersey Pageant.
Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia also received the Women’s Empowerment Award for her platform and community involvement. As the pageant’s Mrs. Camden County 2025, Relia has championed mind-body healing and breast-cancer awareness, using her platform to help women prioritize both emotional and physical well-being.
An associate professor of radiology at Jefferson Health, Relia specializes in breast cancer imaging and has spent her career supporting women through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Her work bridges medicine and emotional health, empowering women to find strength through compassion, awareness and connection.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me,” Relia said. “It reflects not only my personal journey, but also the resilience and spirit of the women I serve every day.”
Relia’s message of holistic healing stems from years of medical and personal experience.
“I wanted to share a message that bridges science and compassion, that healing begins from within,” she explained. “Pageantry gave me a new platform to amplify that message and to model that women can be both accomplished and deeply authentic.”
Winning the empowerment award, Relia revealed, was especially significant.
“It was an incredible honor and a deeply emotional moment,” she recounted. “Standing among so many strong, inspiring women reminded me that empowerment is not about titles, it’s about the impact we create.”
Relia’s advocacy, she notes, is deeply rooted in both her career and her personal philosophy.
“As a breast-imaging specialist, I’ve witnessed first hand how fear, stress and emotional suppression can affect the healing process,” the doctor pointed out. “When women feel emotionally supported and safe, they cope better with treatment, make clearer medical decisions and heal more holistically.”
In her teaching and patient interactions at Jefferson Health, Relia emphasizes that healing extends beyond the body.
“My message is that when a woman heals, she doesn’t just rise alone, she lifts everyone around her,” she added.
Representing Camden County and Voorhees has also been a source of pride for Relia.
“This community is full of resilient, compassionate people who care deeply about one another,” she observed. “Knowing that I was carrying that spirit on stage gave me a profound sense of pride and responsibility.”
Relia continues to engage with the community through educational outreach and wellness initiatives focused on prevention, resilience and healing.
“This experience has strengthened my commitment to advocating for women’s health and empowerment at every level,” she related.
Looking ahead, Relia plans to expand her advocacy through community partnerships and educational outreach in the county.
“My goal,” she promises, “is to keep creating conversations in clinics, classrooms and communities that help women heal, lead and thrive.”
For updates on Relia’s advocacy and initiatives, follow her on Instagram at @the_feeler_healer.
