I am super excited about this feature! Olivia was Miss Illinois Teen USA 2016, making her the first former Teen Contestant for me to do a feature on!
How many pageants have you previously competed in?
I competed for the first time at Miss Illinois Teen USA 2016. To my complete and utmost surprise, I won! The following summer, I was extremely fortunate to place in the Top 15 at Miss Teen USA 2016. Since then, I held the title of Miss Illinois Collegiate America 2017, and placed in the Top 10 at Miss Collegiate America 2017.
What made you decide to compete in Miss Illinois USA 2020?
Since 2016, the Miss Illinois USA pageant weekend has felt like that family reunion you count down the days for. Whether I’ve gone back as the outgoing titleholder, a volunteer, or a spectator, I truly just have so much FUN! After taking a few years off from actually competing, I feel ready to take on the role of a Miss USA state titleholder. There are a lot of organizations and causes I am passionate about, and would be incredibly grateful to serve the amazing state of Illinois once again.
Outside of competing in pageants, what do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time in downtown Chicago – whether it be trying new restaurants, visiting of the incredible museums, walking along Lake Shore Drive, or going to a concert! Being the oldest of four, I cherish time with my parents, siblings, and bernedoodle puppy. When I’m trying to decompress from a day of studying, baking, oil painting, and bullet journaling are my go-tos!
Give a brief bio about yourself.
I am a rising senior at Northwestern University, where I am double majoring in Biochemistry and Slavic Literatures & Languages. This fall, I will be applying to Biochemistry PhD programs, with the hope of starting my graduate education in Fall 2020! Although science is my primary educational interest, I chose to study Slavic Literatures & Languages because I am a first-generation Polish-American. It has been extremely fulfilling to learn more about the history and culture that shaped the lives of my parents and their families.
If you win your state title, what do you hope to accomplish throughout your reign?
Being a biochemist, I deal first-hand with the implicit bias and inequality that exists for women in STEM fields. I hope to advocate for true female equality in the sciences by speaking for the voiceless, volunteering at outreach events, and leading workshops for young girls interested in STEM. Also, I would love to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game (how fun would that be?)!
What is your dream job (besides being Miss USA, of course!)?
Without a doubt, my dream job is to become a professor at a research university. I can’t imagine a more gratifying career for myself than to teach and mentor future generations of college students! Ideally, my future research would involve new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for diseases like cancer or alzheimer’s disease.
How many pageants have you previously competed in?
I competed for the first time at Miss Illinois Teen USA 2016. To my complete and utmost surprise, I won! The following summer, I was extremely fortunate to place in the Top 15 at Miss Teen USA 2016. Since then, I held the title of Miss Illinois Collegiate America 2017, and placed in the Top 10 at Miss Collegiate America 2017.
What made you decide to compete in Miss Illinois USA 2020?
Since 2016, the Miss Illinois USA pageant weekend has felt like that family reunion you count down the days for. Whether I’ve gone back as the outgoing titleholder, a volunteer, or a spectator, I truly just have so much FUN! After taking a few years off from actually competing, I feel ready to take on the role of a Miss USA state titleholder. There are a lot of organizations and causes I am passionate about, and would be incredibly grateful to serve the amazing state of Illinois once again.
Outside of competing in pageants, what do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time in downtown Chicago – whether it be trying new restaurants, visiting of the incredible museums, walking along Lake Shore Drive, or going to a concert! Being the oldest of four, I cherish time with my parents, siblings, and bernedoodle puppy. When I’m trying to decompress from a day of studying, baking, oil painting, and bullet journaling are my go-tos!
Give a brief bio about yourself.
I am a rising senior at Northwestern University, where I am double majoring in Biochemistry and Slavic Literatures & Languages. This fall, I will be applying to Biochemistry PhD programs, with the hope of starting my graduate education in Fall 2020! Although science is my primary educational interest, I chose to study Slavic Literatures & Languages because I am a first-generation Polish-American. It has been extremely fulfilling to learn more about the history and culture that shaped the lives of my parents and their families.
If you win your state title, what do you hope to accomplish throughout your reign?
Being a biochemist, I deal first-hand with the implicit bias and inequality that exists for women in STEM fields. I hope to advocate for true female equality in the sciences by speaking for the voiceless, volunteering at outreach events, and leading workshops for young girls interested in STEM. Also, I would love to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game (how fun would that be?)!
What is your dream job (besides being Miss USA, of course!)?
Without a doubt, my dream job is to become a professor at a research university. I can’t imagine a more gratifying career for myself than to teach and mentor future generations of college students! Ideally, my future research would involve new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for diseases like cancer or alzheimer’s disease.