
18 September 2021
Miss USA 2021 Contestants Crowning Moments
The 70th edition of Miss USA i.e., Miss USA 2021 will be held in November at the Paradise Cove Theater of River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fifty-one contestants from all over North America will compete to procure the coveted title and one of them is going to represent the USA at Miss Universe 2021. Now here are the crowning moments of all the finalists crowned till now and all the important things you need to know about them before the finale. Contestants heading to Miss USA 2021 are: Miss Alabama USA 2021 Alexandria Flanigan, Miss Alaska USA 2021 Madison Lea Edwards, Miss Arizona USA 2021 Cassidy Jo Jack, Miss Arkansas USA 2021 Stephanie Barber, Miss California USA 2021 Sabrina Lewis, Miss Colorado USA 2021 Olivia Lorenzo, Miss Connecticut USA 2021 Amanda Torchia, Miss Delaware USA 2021 Drew Sanclemente, Miss District of Columbia USA 2021 Sasha Perea, Miss Florida USA 2021 Ashley Cariño, Miss Georgia USA 2021 Cora Lynn Griffen, Miss Hawaii USA 2021 Allison Chu, Miss Idaho USA 2021 Katarina Schweitzer, Miss Illinois USA 2021 Sydni Dion Bennett, Miss Indiana USA 2021 A’Niyah Birdsong, Miss Iowa USA 2021 Katie Wadman, Miss Kansas USA 2021 Gracie Hunt, Miss Kentucky USA 2021 Elle Smith, Miss Louisiana USA 2021 Tanya Crowe, Miss Maine USA 2021 Veronica Iris Bates, Miss Maryland USA 2021 Layilah Nasser, Miss Massachusetts USA 2021 Sarah DeSouza, , Miss Michigan USA 2021 Taylor Hale, Miss Minnesota USA 2021 Katarina Sapsojevic, Miss Mississippi USA 2021 Bailey Mae Anderson, Miss Missouri USA 2021 Joye Forrest, Miss Montana USA 2021 Jami Linnea Forseth, Miss Nebraska USA 2021 Erika Etzelmiller, Miss Nevada USA 2021 Kataluna Enriquez Miss New Hampshire USA 2021 Taylor Fogg, Miss New Jersey USA 2021 Celina Ortega, Miss New Mexico USA 2021 Christa Schafer, Miss New York USA 2021 Briana Siaca, Miss North Carolina USA 2021 Madison Bryant, Miss North Dakota USA 2021 Caitlyn Vogel, Miss Ohio USA 2021 Nicole Wess, Miss Oklahoma USA 2021 Albreuna Gonzaque, Miss Oregon USA 2021 Allison Cook, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2021 Sydney Jane Robertson, Miss Rhode Island USA 2021 Karly Laliberte, Miss South Carolina USA 2021 Marley D'Lynn Stokes, Miss South Dakota USA 2021 Caroline Pettey, Miss Tennessee USA 2021 Elizabeth Graham Pistole, Miss Texas USA 2021 Victoria Hinojosa, Miss Utah USA 2021 JessiKate Riley, Miss Vermont USA 2021 Joanna Nagle, Miss Virginia USA 2021 Christina Thompson, Miss Washington USA 2021 Christine Brodie, West Virginia USA 2021 Alexis Bland, Miss Wisconsin USA 2021 Samantha Catherine Keaton, Miss Wyoming USA 2021 Mackenzie Kern.

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Alexandria Flanigan Miss Alabama USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Alexandria Flanigan of Cullman was crowned Miss Alabama USA 2021 on 10th January 2021 at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Centre in Auburn. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Alabama USA 2020 Kelly Hutchinson at the end of the event finale. The 24-year-old diva is currently majoring in philosophy and minoring in political science at UAH. She serves as the pre-law honour society treasurer and is active in the university chapter of the NAACP as well. Alexandria is proud to have won especially while representing her hometown as the first African American Miss Cullman, as she sees her victory also as a victory for improving race relations and diversity. Miss Alabama USA 2021 was the first ever beauty pageant, Alexandria Flanigan was part of and with her spectacular performance she managed to impress everyone. She is an advocate ambassador for ‘Filter of Hope’ which means she is responsible for raising funds toward the installation of the water filters used to aid families in obtaining clean drinking water.

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Madison Lea Edwards Miss Alaska USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Madison Lea Edwards was crowned Miss Alaska USA 2021 on 8th May 2021 at Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Anchorage. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Alaska USA 2020 Hannah Carlile at the end of the event finale. The 24-year-old diva graduated with bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from Marshall University in Huntington. She works as a tumbling instructor, cheerleading coach. Madison mentions that participating at Miss Alaska USA 2021, she was able to find her passion, purpose, true relationships, confidence, patience, and so much more for which she is extremely grateful. She wants to use the opportunity given to her to encourage and empower women to take up space and create opportunities for oneself.

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Cassidy Jo Jack Miss Arizona USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Cassidy Jo Jack was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2021 11th July 2021 at Higley Centre for the Performing Arts in Gilbert. Cassidy succeeds Miss Arizona USA 2020, Yesenia Vidales, for the title and will represent Arizona at Miss USA 2021. 27-year-old, Cassidy attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the USA where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and communication studies. The beauty queen started volunteering for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 2011 and in 2014 she founded Feed a Soul, Fill a Heart, and joined Feeding America as a fundraising volunteer. She worked for Rose + Moser + Allyn Public and Online Relations as a public relaxation account coordinator in Scottsdale, Maricopa County in 2018. Cassidy who once served as Miss Trussville said that experience helped prepare her for much more than pageants. “I’ve used the skills that I have learned in all aspects of my life. It moulded me into the confident, caring, and driven woman that I am today. Everything I learned during my year as Miss Trussville has prepared me for this moment!”

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Stephanie Barber Miss Arkansas USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Stephanie Barber was crowned Miss Arkansas USA 2021 on 23rd May 2021 at the Fort Smith Convention Centre in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Arkansas USA 2020 Haley Pontius at the end of the event finale. The 22-year-old diva is a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science. While obtaining her degree, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, president of the Pre-Law Society and was a campus tour guide. Stephanie’s primary goal is to use her resources and network to help establish Reading Is Fundamental chapters at colleges and high schools across the state. She is also working on 'literacy kits' to give to students that promote book ownership and reading along with creating awareness about dyslexia and creating opportunities for the ones who suffer with the same.

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Amanda Torchia Miss Connecticut USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Amanda Torchia was crowned Miss Connecticut USA 2021 on 6th June 2021 at the Hartford/Windsor Marriott Airport Hotel in Windsor, Connecticut. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Connecticut USA 2020 Chelsea Demby at the end of the event finale. The 25-year-old, Afghan-Italian diva is the founder of the youth program called Educate to Create and is extremely passionate about the things she has taken up in her life. For Amanda, winning the title is a second thing, but being able to set specific goals and find the courage and power within yourself to accomplish those goals is what matters to her. Amanda has always encouraged young women and girls to participate at beauty pageants if they want to and explains that the competition might look intimidating at first, but it’s completely worth it. "In the end, a title only lasts for a year – but the friendships, self-discovery, and memories will last a lifetime. For young ladies who want to model or compete in pageants, the first step is having confidence in yourself and believing that you can do anything you set your mind to. If you believe in yourself, you are capable of such amazing things!” she shared.

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Drew Sanclemente Miss Delaware USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Drew Sanclemente was crowned Miss Delaware USA 2021 on 27th June 2021 at the Laird Performing Arts Center at The Tatnall School, Wilmington. Drew succeeds Miss Delaware USA 2020 Katherine Guevarra and will represent Delaware in the upcoming edition of Miss USA. 24-year-old, Drew is a second-year medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College where she is studying to become a paediatrician. She studied at the University of Delaware where she earned an Honours degree in Exercise Science. While in medical school, she works with her 501(c)3 non-profit, H.O.P.E Scholarship Foundation, which provides support and scholarships to Delaware students who experienced and overcame sexual or physical violence. Drew looks forward to illuminating fields in STEM demonstrating to young women that you can wear a swimsuit and scrubs, you can wear and stethoscope and a crown, you can be a scientist, researcher and student doctor and become Miss Delaware USA.

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Sasha Perea Miss District of Columbia USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Sasha Perea was crowned Miss District of Columbia USA 2021 on 17th July 2021 at the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, Virginia. succeeds Miss District of Columbia USA 2020 Cierra Jackson for the title and will represent the District of Columbia at Miss USA 2021. Sasha is 28-years-old and earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media studies from York College of Pennsylvania in York, Pennsylvania. She is a model, television/red carpet host, author, tech co-founder, and beauty queen. Sasha was adjudged as the second runner-up at Miss World America 2016, where she represented Virginia, USA. She competed in Miss District of Columbia USA 2019 and finished in the Top 12. She was adjudged as the fourth runner-up at Miss District of Columbia USA 2020. The beauty queen has successfully combined her love of the media, fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship with her talent for reporting, producing, and content creation. Sasha’s mission is to continue to change the perception of what a modern-day woman is, by showing that women can be multidimensional and create their narrative.

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Ashley Carino Miss Florida USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Ashley Cariño was crowned Miss Florida USA 2021 on 18th July 2021 at Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Coral Springs and will represent Florida at Miss USA 2021. Ashley succeeds Miss Florida USA 2020 Monique Evans for the title. Ashley is 26-years-old. She is a psychosocial rehabilitator, model, and beauty queen who is of Puerto Rican descent. She studied aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, and works as a psychosocial rehabilitator at Insight Behavioural Health Specialists in Kissimmee. The diva believes that beauty pageants have opened various opportunities for women to work on themselves along with working for society, and she is honoured to be a part of this journey.

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Cora Lynn Griffen Miss Georgia USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Cora Lynn Griffen was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2021 on 20th February 2021 at The Avalon in McDonough. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Georgia USA 2020 Alyssa Beasley at the end of the event finale. The 25-year-old, diva is an Auburn University alum with a pre-law and pre-med degree. Cora has a heart for empowering young women. She describes, “I created an initiative in 2020 – ‘Beautifully Purposed’ that equips young women to thrive through life’s challenges while maintaining a positive view of themselves and to own their individuality. I launched it with the Girl Scouts of Atlanta in November and we had a virtual seminar regarding self-esteem and how to maintain it throughout difficulties. Young girls are my heart, because I remember how difficult it was for me after losing my father (Michael Wright) suddenly. It really took a toll on me growing up and it has been cathartic to pour into these young women as I found my voice.” Cora also worked closely with Children’s Miracle Network and anti-bullying campaigns. She wants to use the platform to do the same and is looking forward to represent Georgia at Miss USA 2021.

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Allison Chu Miss Hawaii USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Allison Chu of Honolulu was crowned Miss Hawaii USA 2021 on 10th December 2020 at Luxury Row Hotel in Waikiki at a virtual event. She succeeded Miss Hawaii USA 2020 Samantha Neyland. The 26-year-old, Chinese American beauty holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has studied ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at UH Manoa, sung Hawaiian music for 11 years with the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, is a professional hula dancer, and has volunteered with the Protect Kahoʻolawe Organization. Allison is an aspiring dermatologist who enjoys spreading awareness on sun safety using her hashtag #SafeintheSunHawaii. She is a strong, confident, and focused woman who believes in working hard and achieving her goals.

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Katarina Schweitzer Miss Idaho USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Katarina Schweitzer was crowned Miss Idaho USA 2021 on 27th September 2020 at Red Lion Hotel Templin's on the River in Post Falls, Idaho. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Idaho USA 2020 Kim Layne at the end of the event finale. The 26-year-old, Katarina holds a degree in Masters of Education in Early Childhood and Special Education, and a certificate in Infant and Toddler Mental Health from Boise State University. She is an alumna of Alpha Chi Omega, the National Honours Society, and is a previous NJROTC Cadet Commander. Katarina enjoys runs with her dog, and watching or playing football. She comes from a military family and has spearheaded a program called Operation Support Our Troops. She is very proud of her achievements and believe that she would use her personal experiences to create awareness for the young women across the world.

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Sydni Dion Bennett Miss Illinois USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Sydni Dion Bennett was crowned Miss Illinois USA 2021 on 27th June 2021 at the Braden Auditorium, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, United States. Sydni succeeded Miss Illinois USA 2020 Olivia Pura and will represent Illinois in the upcoming edition of Miss USA. The diva is 20-years-old and attended the Chicago Academy for the Arts and is a ballet instructor at Perfection Dance Artistry and Company dance studio. She is also a member of the Life Changers International Church and is looking forward to the competition for Miss USA 2021. She was the first African-American girl to be crowned Miss Illinois Teen USA 2018 and represented Illinois at Miss Teen USA 2018 where she was adjudged as the third runner-up. At the age of ten years old, Sydni received the opportunity to travel to China to represent the United States at an international cultural festival, where she toured the country dancing in colourful parades and events. Sydni's experience with beauty pageants has helped her to be more confident, passionate, and determined about her goals, and she recognizes the importance of a positive role model, especially in these difficult times. She aspires to have a positive impact on the upcoming generation and uses her knowledge, platforms, and sources to make things happen. Sydni uses her social media to encourage young girls and women to strive for their dreams and ambitions no matter how hard it gets because they are your dreams.

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Katie Wadman Miss Iowa USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Katie Wadman was crowned Miss Iowa USA 2021 at 8th May 2021 at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, in Des Moines, Iowa. She is the first Asian Pacific Islander-Filipino to be crowned Miss Iowa USA. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Iowa USA 2020 Morgan Kofoid at the end of the event finale. The 21-year-old, Katie studies psychology, journalism, and mass communications at the University of Iowa. She is a news reporter and anchor on the television show The Daily Iowan. She also continues to elevate awareness of women’s accomplishments in sports by highlighting female athletes and coaches. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. Her goal is to cover the most significant events affecting the United States, providing accurate information to all Americans. Katie uses her experiences to help young women achieve their academic and athletic goals through mentoring and coaching young dancers across the state of Iowa. She fuels her passion for advocacy on issues affecting women and children through working with victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

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Gracie Hunt Miss Kansas USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Gracie Hunt was crowned Miss Kansas USA 2021 on 11th April 2021 at the B and B Live Performing Arts Theatre in Shawnee, Kansas. She was crowned by predecessor Miss Kansas USA 2020 Hayden Brax at the end of the event finale. The 22-year-old, Gracie is a certified nutritionist and is completing her training certification. She works in marketing and development for the Chiefs, including launching Chiefs Fit two state-of-the-art fitness centres opening in Kansas City. She is an avid sports fan, fitness enthusiast, and blogger who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Sports Management at the University of Kansas. She is grateful that she has been a part of the industry which has helped her to understand herself better and is now given a chance to represent her state at Miss USA 2021. Gracie was diagnosed with celiac disease when she was young and that diagnosis has made her very health conscious. She becomes committed to health and fitness and will use the platform to spread awareness and educate people about how important it is to stay healthy and practice a healthy lifestyle is.

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Elle Smith Miss Kentucky USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Elle Smith was crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2021 on 22nd May 2021 at the Centre for Rural Development in Somerset. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Kentucky USA 2020 Lexie Iles at the end of the event finale. Elle is 22-years-old and is a graduate from the University of Kentucky’s School of Journalism who joined WHAS11 News in October and covers stories throughout southern Indiana. After winning the crown she mentioned, "It’s just so many different emotions but the whole process was amazing. It was my first-ever pageant. I walked in wanting to do my best, I knew I had done everything I possibly could and it just worked out.”

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Tanya Crowe Miss Louisiana USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Tanya Crowe of Amite City was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2021 on 16th January 2021 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie. She succeeds Miss Louisiana USA 2020 Mariah Clayton for the title. The 27-year-old, diva earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business Studies from South-eastern Louisiana University. She is an NFL Cheerleader, a successful model and is also actively involved in her family’s 4th generation farming and agriculture businesses. She has continued actively building her personal brand within the industry as a spokesmodel and runway/print ad model for numerous nationally and internationally branded companies. She currently has several national and international campaigns that air on major networks such as NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox. After graduation, she became a licensed cosmetologist and opened her own business, “Jo Tuklo Artistry,” and is proud of her Native American heritage and has ties to both the Choctaw and Chappepeela tribes. She says being Miss Louisiana USA has been a lifelong dream and she looks forward to competing in Miss USA 2021.

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Veronica Iris Bates Miss Maine USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Veronica Iris Bates was crowned Miss Maine USA 2021 on 20th June 2021 at the Sheraton Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine. Veronica succeeds and was crowned by Miss Maine USA 2020 Julia Van Steenberghe. 21-years-old, Veronica attends American Military University, which is based in Charlestown, Virginia, USA, where she is studying health science and criminal justice. After being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she became an advocate for other U.S. Air Force veterans who suffer from PTSD. She plans to use her platform to advocate for other veterans who suffer from PTSD. “Everything that I’ve accomplished in my life has been with other people, the biggest one being graduating from basic military training. You know, you’re with a group. This is the first thing I’ve ever done on my own, so it was just a surreal feeling,” Bates said.

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Sarah De Souza Miss Massachusetts USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Sarah De Souza was crowned Miss Massachusetts USA 2021 on 13th June 2021 at Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell. Sarah succeeds Miss Massachusetts USA 2020 Sabrina Victor for the title. She is an artist and interior designer, passionate about using her creative abilities to create change in the world. The diva is 25-years-old and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. She began working for a small residential interior design company as a junior designer, where she helps turn clients’ visions into reality. Creating art in any way, shape, or form is one of her greatest passions and being able to share that gift to the world makes it even more fulfilling. With both parents being born and raised in Brazil, speaking about immigrants and immigration reform is one of Sarah’s greatest passions. She created a podcast called ‘ism- immigrant stories matter’, where she sits down with immigrants and children of immigrants and has them tell their unique stories about their struggles and successes in this country. She hopes to use her platform as Miss Massachusetts USA to continue to speak on immigration, so that together we can change the negative stigmas around immigrants and instead, embrace our differences. She hopes to one day turn ism into a non-profit, where she can help immigrants in this country by providing them with funds, connections, and resources to hopefully guide them towards their American Dream.

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Bailey Mae Anderson Miss Mississippi USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Bailey Mae Anderson was crowned Miss Mississippi USA 2021 on 13rd March 2021 at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Tunica hosted by Greenwood Productions and will represent Mississippi at Miss USA 2021. She was crowned by her predecessor Miss Mississippi USA 2020 Asya Branch who went on to win Miss USA 2020 crown. Bailey is 22-year-old and is a special care new born nurse. It was her mom’s encouragement, along with the support of her family and community, that gave her the confidence to pursue her childhood dream. “To see a dream that I have worked so tirelessly and wholeheartedly for come true is just so surreal for me,” Bailey wrote in her first Facebook post as Miss Mississippi USA. As Miss Mississippi USA, Anderson said she will continue to serve her state and encourage young girls to never give up. She added, “I just want to be someone, when somebody calls me and they want me to be at an appearance or want me to do anything, just being that girl that always says, ‘Yeah, I’ll be there’, Really, it’s the idea that if someone believes in you and you believe in yourself, you can do anything and don’t stop until you accomplish those dreams. It may take three times but it’ll happen one day if you keep working hard.”

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Joye Forrest Miss Missouri USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Joye Forrest was crowned Miss Missouri USA 2021 on 1st May 2021 at Paradise Cove Theater, River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa, Oklahoma and will represent Missouri at Miss USA 2021. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Missouri USA 2020 Megan Renee Kelly. The 25-year-old beauty is a professional dance instructor, rhythmic gymnastics coach, and former Los Angeles Laker girl. When Joye is not pursuing her passion globally, she is studying for her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. She is also passionate about her advocacy #SharingJoye through her platform #HitTheStreets. Joye has danced since the age of three, she followed her dream, receiving the Sharon Disney Lund scholarship, named for Walt's daughter, graduated, with honours with a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the number three school of arts in the world, California Institute of the Arts. First African American, Joye has had the opportunity to speak at countless, schools, churches, and social events, always building self-esteem, breaking racial bias and barriers, and sharing with others it is ok for you to have less so others can have more.

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Jami Linnea Forseth Miss Montana USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Jami Linnea Forseth was crowned Miss Montana USA 2021 on 27th September 2020 at Red Lion Hotel Templin's on the River in Post Falls, Idaho. She succeeds Miss Montana USA 2020 Merissa Underwood of Bozeman for the title. Jami is 24-years-old has graduated from Penn Foster University. She earned her black belt in Judo when she was 12-years-old and after facing an abusive relationship at the age of 19, she decided to be a certified Krav Maga instructor and created POWER Presence which is a free class is designed to help women discover their strength and self-worth through learning self-defence. Jami has travelled to Honduras with her Church Community where the team built a community centre for the women and children. She explained that while she was growing up, she had foster siblings which made her learn a valuable lesson of how much a person can affect a child’s life. Thus, she became a CASA, a court appointed special advocate for the children in foster care. She plans on traveling Montana as an Equestrian and Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.

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Erika Etzelmiller Miss Nebraska USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Erika Etzelmiller was crowned Miss Nebraska USA 2021 on 16th May 2021 at Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center in Omaha and will represent Nebraska at Miss USA 2021. She was crowned Miss Nebraska USA 2021 by the outgoing queen Miss Nebraska USA 2020 Megan Swanson. The diva is 23-years-old and is currently a Dental student at UNMC College of Dentistry ’24. The young beauty seems to be an inspiring soul for other women in the town and is going to make a mark in Miss USA 2021 finale. She is quite hardworking and dedicated for attaining her goals and such a trait of hers can lead her onto the path of success.

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Kataluna Enriquez Miss Nevada USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Kataluna Enriquez was crowned Miss Nevada USA 2021 on 27th June 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Nevada USA 2020 Victoria Olona. She is the first transwoman to compete in Miss Nevada USA and will now go on to become the first transwoman to compete in Miss USA 2021. 27-year-old, Kataluna is of Filipino-American descent. She studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California, and started modelling in 2012. She has her fashion brand, ‘Kataluna Kouture’ and she designed her outfits for the competition along with her pride-inspired evening gown which she wore during the finale. The diva shared that while growing up, she was not allowed to be herself or be in spaces where she was not welcome, but today, she is proud of who she is. Kataluna shared that she has learned that her differences do not make her less than anybody. She added, "My differences are what make me unique, and I know that my uniqueness will take me to all my destinations, and whatever I need to go through in life." The diva started working as a health care administrator at LGBTQ Health Care and is using her platform to be a point of representation, to discuss healthcare access for the trans community, and to speak out about the barriers she has faced due to her identity.

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Taylor Fogg Miss New Hampshire USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Taylor Fogg was crowned Miss New Hampshire USA 2021 on 13th June 2021 at Capitol Centre for the Arts in Concord and will represent New Hampshire at Miss USA 2021. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss New Hampshire USA 2020 Alyssa Fernandes. 26-year-old, Taylor graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Psychology and Business Management, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She now has set her sights on becoming an attorney working in public health policy and pediatric advocacy. The diva is the founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged groups with environmentally and economically sustainable resources, through which she has developed her Beauty with a Purpose project, “Growing New Lives.” Taylor’s project’s goal is to help those facing adversity to gain confidence and rebuild a balanced approach to life by improving their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Growing New Lives provides training, supplies, and support including fitness activities, education on proper nutrition, and opportunities to learn the health and financial benefits of hydroponic gardening.

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Madison Bryant Miss North Carolina USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Madison Bryant was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2021 on 6th March 2021 at North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. She succeeds Miss North Carolina USA 2020 Jane Axhoj. 23-year-old, Madison is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she earned a neuro-specific psychology degree. She is currently an accelerated student at Chamberlain University where she is earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Her goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner in a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. She has a passion for service and dedicates her free time to advocating for the families of sick children through the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationally. As Miss North Carolina USA, Madison plans to travel the nation speaking on behalf of healthcare worker burnout prevention, advocating for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, building a scholarship program for the Miss North Carolina USA pageant, and serving the state of North Carolina with every opportunity she gets.

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Caitlyn Vogel Miss North Dakota USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Caitlyn Vogel was crowned Miss North Dakota USA 2021 on 25th April 2021 at Watertown Event Centre in Watertown, South Dakota and will represent North Dakota at Miss USA 2021. The winner succeeds Miss North Dakota USA 2020 Macy Christianson for the title. The 20-year-old, diva is a Sherri Hill model and the founder of Limitless Fashion Show, a non-profit fashion show for girls of all abilities. She is the second-straight Minot native to take the crown. She was Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2018 and prepared herself to participate at Miss North Dakota USA 2021. During an interview, Caitlyn mentioned, “I would love to bring home the first Miss U.S.A. crown to North Dakota and be able to represent the not pageant states. We’re not known a whole lot in that realm compared to like Texas and the southern states.” She is preparing to represent her state at Miss USA 2021.

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Nicole Wess Miss Ohio USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Nicole Wess was crowned Miss Ohio USA 2021 on 10th July 2021 at Matthews Auditorium in Sharonville. Nicole succeeds and was crowned by Miss Ohio USA 2020 Sthephanie Miranda. Nicole is 22-years-old. She enrolled at the University of Cincinnati to pursue a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and is expected to earn her doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati in 2023. Nicole helped the staff of the University of Cincinnati Health vaccine clinic at the Hoxworth Blood Centre in Cincinnati. She feels grateful that she has a chance and a platform to do something extraordinary for the ones who are in need and will be dedicated to using her title of Miss Ohio USA 2021 for the same. Nicole’s experience as a model will surely help her in the competition as she gears up to prepare herself for the national competition.

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Albreuna Gonzaque Miss Oklahoma USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Albreuna Gonzaque was crowned Miss Oklahoma USA 2021 on 5th June 2021 at Rose State College Hudiburg Center in Midwest City. She succeeded Miss Oklahoma USA 2020 Mariah Davis who was adjudged as the second runner-up at Miss USA 2020. Alberuna is 27-years-old and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and media studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and worked as a social media coordinator at Remington Park Racetrack Casino. Albreuna owns' ‘Just Veg Kitchen’, which is based in Oklahoma City and was incorporated on 6th November 2020. The diva uses her social media to make an impact on society by normalizing and encouraging young people to be comfortable in their bodies. She shared, "IMPERFECTIONS are the marks of AUTHENTICITY. We all have something about our bodies that we wish we could change - whether it is wrinkles, stretch marks, or our size. I think that each "imperfection," tells a story about the beauty we hold inside. Love the skin you’re in and embrace every bit of your being. There is only one YOU. " In one of her posts, she shared, "I am resilient. I am magnetic. I am dynamic. I am flawed. I am still learning. I am still growing. I'm still here. I am ready to embrace this next chapter of life and all that it may bring!

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Allison Cook Miss Oregon USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Allison Cook Miss Oregon 2021 for Miss USA 2021 on 20th March 2021 at Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville Portland at Wilsonville. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Oregon USA 2020 Katerina Villegas and will represent Oregon at Miss USA 2021. Allison is a Cum-Laude graduate of Oregon Tech who majored in Radiologic Sciences and minored in Business and Medical Sociology. As a professional, Allison holds a coveted position with GE Healthcare as she travels around the country training physicians and medical professionals to use X-Ray Equipment. The diva is a passionate advocate for Brain Injury Awareness being a 5-time concussion survivor. She is a former collegiate athlete, and accomplished referee. The beauty queen has a mindset of giving back to the community, which reflects her humble and kind nature and ensures that she does have a heart of gold.

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Marley D Lynn Stokes Miss South Carolina USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Marley D'Lynn Stokes was crowned Miss South Carolina 2021 on 6th March 2021 at North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Centre in North Charleston and will represent South Carolina at Miss USA 2021. She is a licensed phlebotomist who has spent much of the pandemic administering covid-19 antibody tests. In 2019, she attended the Makeup Forever Academy in New York City and works part-time as a makeup artist. Marley was diagnosed in elementary school with learning disabilities, ad has made it her mission to share her story with elementary schools. She encourages children to express themselves through her “Crayons for Kids” program. One word that she says describes her is determination. Marley has always been aware that hard work is necessary in all that one chooses to do. She trained in dance for more than 10 years in New York City with the Rockettes, Broadway Dance Centre, and Steps on Broadway.

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Caroline Pettey Miss South Dakota USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Caroline Pettey was crowned Miss South Dakota USA 2021 on 25th April 2021 at Watertown Event Center in Watertown and will represent South Dakota at Miss USA 2021. Caroline succeeds Miss South Dakota USA 2020 Kalani Jorgensen for the title. The stunning queen is a graduate from Auburn University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Sports Media minor. She works a broadcast Journalist with 6+ years of experience reporting news and sports stories at professional, collegiate, and local levels. In 2013 in Miss Alabama Teen USA where she placed as the 2nd runner-up, 4th runner-up at the Miss Alabama USA 2015, in the Top 10 at Miss Alabama USA 2016 and again in the 2017 edition. She volunteers with Her Vote, Her Voice and Working Against Violence, Inc, empowering and educating women on their personal power and purposes is especially important for her.

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Elizabeth Graham Pistole Miss Tennessee USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Elizabeth Graham Pistole was crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2021 on 13th March at The Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Tennessee USA 2020 Justice Enlow and will now represent Tennessee at Miss USA 2021. The diva is the founder of Dancing Divas and Dudes, a non-profit dance team for individuals with special need. On being crowned the winner, Elizabeth expressed, “My word for 2021 was to be intentional. To be intentionally grateful, intentionally present, and intentionally push myself to grow. This intentionality along with hard work and resilience has allowed me to achieve my dream of becoming Miss Tennessee USA. I am so honoured to have been able to reach this goal and humbled to have been chosen from such an exceptional group of young women.”

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Joanna Nagle Miss Vermont USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Joanna Nagle was crowned Miss Vermont USA 2021 on 6th June 2021 at The Spruce Peak Arts Center in Stowe, VT and will represent Vermont at Miss USA 2021. She succeeds Miss Vermont USA 2020 Shannah Weller of Middlebury for the crown. Joanna is 27-years-old. She attended the University of Vermont in Burlington, Chittenden County, where she studied business administration and marketing. She was a member of the university’s marketing club and women’s ice hockey club. She also studied graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and was a marketing intern at Church Street Marketplace in Burlington. Joanna started playing hockey when she was 8-years-old and her platform is to promote gender equality in coaching and explaining her cause, she mentioned, "Out of all those years that I played with a coach, only one of those years I had a female coach, although they were girls’ teams, and then coaching. One year, I was a head coach and I had a male assistant and it felt like every single time they’d shake the man’s hand coach and he’d have too re-direct them. "

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Christina Thompson Miss Virginia USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Christina Thompson was crowned Miss Virginia USA 2021 on 17th July 2021 at the Carpenter Theatre in Richmond. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Virginia USA 2020 Susie Evans for the title. Christina is 25-years-old. She is an award-winning journalist who also works as a professional model. She graduated Cum Laude from Wake Forest University in 2018, where she was a member of student government and Kappa Beta Gamma sorority. She began her career as a TV news reporter after receiving a BA degree in Communication and minor degrees in journalism and writing. She is the creator of the Purposeful Position Mentorship, a place to showcase women how to use their careers to benefit the world around them along with encouraging others to follow their footsteps. “I look forward to being the best Miss Virginia USA I can, by bringing the message of CONFIDENTLY BEAUTIFUL throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and being a shining example of a USA titleholder,” she said.

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Christine Brodie Miss Washington USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Christine Brodie was crowned Miss Washington USA 2021 on 21st March 2021 at Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville Portland at Wilsonville, Oregon. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Washington USA 2020 Imani Blackmon. The diva attended Washington State University and has a deep appreciation for the diverse beauty of her state. As an executive recruiting coordinator, she aspires to impact inclusivity efforts as a program manager in the corporate recruiting space. She enjoys empowering others by aligning them to meaningful career opportunities. Christine is passionate about raising awareness for local shelters that provide resources to underprivileged women. Her interests include traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

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Alexis Bland Miss West Virginia USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Alexis Bland was crowned Miss West Virginia USA 2021 on 11th July 2021 at Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts in West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon and represent West Virginia at Miss USA 2021. Alexis is 22-years-old. She attended West Virginia University in Parkersburg where she earned her associate’s degree in business, management, marketing, and related support services. She works at Re/Max Properties of the Valley as a real estate agent in Parkersburg. She is the founder of ‘Twisted Couture’ which focuses on making all women feel confident in knowing they are the best dressed in the room. She is signed and managed by MMG Model and Talent Management and feels blessed to have opportunities in her life that give her the confidence and strength to keep working hard and stay dedicated to what she loves.

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Samantha Catherine Keaton Miss Wisconsin USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Samantha Catherine Keaton was crowned Miss Wisconsin USA 2021 on 23rd May 2021 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Wisconsin USA 2020 Gabriella Deyi for the title. Samantha is a full-time biology major with a focus in Pre-Med. With a graduation date of Spring 2022 vastly approaching, Samantha spends her days studying her medical entrance exam and preparing for medical school applications. She is also the chief executive officer of Glam by Sam, which she founded in 2017. She had her beauty pageant training at Miss Academy, which was founded by Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart and fashion model Max Sebrechts. She continues to spread the importance of self-love while selling products that make her customers feel beautiful and confident both inside and out. As Miss Wisconsin USA 2021, Samantha will continue to instil in young women everywhere the importance of true self-acceptance and self-love.

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Mackenzie Kern Miss Wyoming USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Mackenzie Kern was crowned Miss Wyoming USA 2021 on 19th June 2021 in Casper, Wyoming. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Wyoming USA 2020 Lexi Revelli. Kern is 21 years of age and owns an online boutique called Shop Loveleigh. The stunning beauty is also not new to the pageantry as she was Miss Wyoming Teen 2018 and represented her state at Miss Teen USA 2018 where she remained unplaced. Kern’s platform, Wyoming is Real, is dedicated to showing Wyomingites they can do all they set their minds to. She wants to serve as role model during her year of service and show others that no matter where you are from, you can accomplish anything with the right motivation.

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Layilah Nasser Miss Maryland USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Layilah Nasser was crowned Miss Maryland USA 2021 on 25th July 2021 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Rockville, Montgomery County. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Maryland USA 2020 Taelyr Robinson. The gorgeous beauty is 26-years-old and stands 177 cm tall. She went to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She worked part-time as a certified teeth whitening technician at Enlightened Expressions in Atlanta. In 2018, she founded Corporate Pup LLC in Austin. In 2019, Layilah founded, ‘Layilah Nasser Pageant Consulting’ to assist young women/ girls on a larger scale to achieve their goals on and off the pageant stage. She prides her interview techniques on strategies that you can take into any job interviews. Her techniques have helped young professionals in landing their dream jobs at Facebook, Google, and other Fortune 500 companies.

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Sydney Jane Robertson Miss Pennsylvania USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Sydney Robertson was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA 2021 on 31st July 2021 at the Richland Performing Arts Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Sydney succeeds and was crowned by Miss Pennsylvania USA 2020 Victoria Piekut. Sydney Jane Robertson is 24-years-old and stands 175 cm tall. She is a licensed esthetician, model and beauty queen from Pennsylvania, United States. In 2019, she competed at Miss Pennsylvania USA 2020 where she was placed as the fourth runner-up. She is strong, confident, and focused woman who aims to win the crown and represent the United States of America at Miss Universe 2021.

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Celinda Ortega Miss New Jersey USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Celinda Ortega was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2021 on 1st August 2021 at the Hilton Parsippany Hotel in Parsipanny. Celinda succeeds and was crowned by Miss New Jersey USA 2020 Gina Mellish. Celinda is 26-years old. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. The beauty queen is not new to the world of beauty pageants as she was adjudged as the fourth runner-up at the National American Miss New Jersey Teen 2013. She became the vice president of Stellar Role Models Pageant, where she also worked as a coach since 2013. She was crowned Miss Bergen County in 2017.

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Katarina Spasojevic Miss Minnesota USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Katarina Spasojevic was crowned Miss Minnesota USA 2021 on 1st August 2021 at the Ames Center in Burnsville. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Minnesota USA 2020 Taylor Fondie. Katarina is 20-years-old and stands 172 cm tall. She graduated from Minnetonka High School and is enrolled at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. After being crowned as Miss Minnesota USA 2021, she had some advice for the aspiring beauty queens, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I honestly encourage every young woman to get out there and try it. Please do it because this is only my second year competing and miracles do happen."

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Sabrina Lewis Miss California USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Sabrina Lewis was crowned Miss California USA 2021 on 12th September 2021. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss California USA 2020 Allyshia Gupta. Sabrina hails from Berkeley, California and attended East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, Georgia, USA. In 2020, she graduated from the Haas School of Business of the University of California, Berkeley and later enrolled at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia to pursue her master’s degree in public administration. Not new to the pageantry, Sabrina competed at Miss Georgia Teen USA 2014 where she remained unplaced. She competed at Miss Georgia Teen USA 2016 where she finished in the Top 16. Lewis also competed at Miss California USA 2020 where she finished in the Top 15 and was also Miss Georgia USA 2021 third runner-up.

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Olivia Lorenzo Miss Colorado USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Olivia Lorenzo was crowned Miss Colorado USA 2021 on 15th August 2021 at the Monfort Concert Hall in Greeley, Colorado. Olivia succeeds and was crowned by Miss Colorado USA 2020 Emily DeMure. Hailing from Colorado, Olivia is a model who currently resides in Fort Collins. She went to Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, USA and Huntley High School in Huntley, Illinois. She was Miss McHenry County 2018 and represented McHenry County at Miss Illinois County Fair Queen 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois where she finished in the Top 15.

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ANiyah Birdsong Miss Indiana USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
A’Niyah Birdsong was crowned Miss Indiana USA 2021 on 26th July 2021 at The Paramount Theater in Anderson. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Indiana USA 2020 Alexis Lete. Hailing from Anderson, A’Niyah a pharmaceutical sales representative with Eli Lilly & Company. Birdsong served as an intern for the Black Women & Technology Student Alliance Team for the IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology during her senior year at IU. A’Niyah is daring to disrupt the status quo by focusing on women in STEM, standing out and diversity. She was also a participant at Miss Indiana USA 2020 where she was adjudged as the second runner-up, falling behind titleholder Alexis Lete.

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Taylor Hale Miss Michigan USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Taylor Hale was crowned Miss Michigan USA 2021 on 7th August 2021 at McMorran Theater, Port Huron, Michigan. She succeeded Miss Michigan USA 2020 Jill Dobson for the title. Miss Spirit of Detroit, Taylor is 26 years-old and attended The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., USA. She speaks fluent English and French and has also worked as an Essence magazine intern. Not new to pageantry, Taylor competed at Miss District of Columbia USA 2017. She finished in the Top 15. She was also the Miss Pure Michigan in the year 2019. This year, Taylor had been a top contender and a fan favourite for the crown, since the beginning of the pageant and proved her worth during the finale event with her stellar performance. If Taylor wins, she will be the fourth Miss Michigan USA to represent the U.S. in Miss Universe following Carole Gist, Kenya Moore and Rima Fakih who were crowned Miss USA in 1990, 1993 and 2010, respectively.

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Christa Schafer Miss New Mexico USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Christa Schafer was crowned Miss Mexico USA 2021 on 15th August 2021 at Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss New Mexico USA 2020 Cecilia Rodriguez. 26 years-old Christa Schafer currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She graduated from Coronado High School in Gallina, New Mexico. Not new to the pageantry, Schafer was Miss El Paso 2017 and also competed at Miss Texas USA 2020 and finished in the Top 19.

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Briana Siaca Miss New York USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Briana Siaca was crowned Miss New York USA 2021 on 20th August 2021 at the Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss New York USA 2020 Andreia Gibau. Briana Siaca hails from Brentwood, Town of Islip, Suffolk County. Siaca attended Pace University in New York City, New York and in May 2016, she graduated cum laude from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. The 27-year-old stunning beauty is the epitome of determination as this was her fifth stint at Miss New York USA competition. Before winning this title, Briana was Miss New York USA 2017 second runner-up, Miss New York USA 2018 second runner-up, Miss New York USA 2019 third runner-up and Miss New York USA 2020 second runner-up.

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Karly Laliberte Miss Rhode Island USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Karly Laliberte was crowned Miss Rhode Island USA 2021 on 8th August 2021 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. She succeeded and was crowned by Miss Rhode Island USA 2020, Jonét Nichelle. Karly is 26-years-old. She earned her master’s degree in advertising from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, and is a digital media specialist, tennis player, and swimmer. She also attended Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art. The stunning queen has dreamt of representing the USA on the Miss Universe stage since she was 17-years-old and has worked hard and dedicatedly towards achieving her dream. Karly mentioned that pageantry has taught her to always go after what she wants without fear of failure or rejection, which is why she has worked so hard to live her dream.

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Victoria Hinojosa Miss Texas USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
Victoria Hinojosa was crowned Miss Texas USA 2021 on 4th September 2021 at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel, Houston, Texas, United States. She succeeds and was crowned by Miss Texas USA 2020 Taylor Kessler. Victoria hails from McAllen, Texas and currently lives in College Station, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University in College Station where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism. The 23-year-old stunning beauty helped Proyecto Desarrollo Humano provide students in Peñitas, Texas with school supplies in 2020 through Victorious Angels, a foundation that she founded.

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JessiKate Riley Miss Utah USA 2021 for Miss USA 2021
JessiKate Riley was crowned Miss Utah USA 2021 on 21st August 2021 at the Grand Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah. She succeeds and was crowned by the outgoing queen Miss Utah USA 2020 Rachel Slawson. Jessica Kathleen “JessiKate” Riley is a violinist who hails from Beaver, Utah, United States. In 2013, she attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, USA. From then until 2019, she studied performance violin at Brigham Young University. Not new to the pageant world, Kathleen was Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen 2014. She also held the titles of Miss Heart of Utah 2015, Miss Panoramaland 2016. In 2017, Kathleen held the title of Miss Utah 2017 but remained unplaced in Miss America where she represented her state.
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