After the murder of her friend and colleague Alice Morrin, French became an advocate for domestic violence victims and worked with Connecticut legislators to make 911 texting available statewide.
[citation needed] She was born in Dallas, Texas, but grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and moved to Columbia, Missouri, to attend college.
French did not place in the nationally televised pageant, which was won by Shelley Hennig of Louisiana, but she did win the Miss Photogenic award.
"[citation needed] She has also volunteered with the Special Olympics and has written articles for Life & Home Magazine, where she established a monthly health and fitness column.
[citation needed] As Miss Missouri, French worked as a spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Children's Miracle Network, traveling the state giving motivational speeches and speaking with young students through a program called Right Decisions, Right Now.