- How many pageants have you previously competed in? (Please include which system and your placement)
In 2012, I competed in my first pageant and fell in love with what pageants have to offer and the confidence I gained in all aspects of my life. In the past few years, I have competed in 7 pageants with my achievements listed below:
Miss Collegiate America- Top 15 as Miss Iowa Collegiate
Miss Illinois Galaxy 2012- Won and placed 1st in all categories of competition
Miss Galaxy- 1st Runner-up; Won in the categories of Photogenic, Interview, and Swimsuit
Miss Iowa USA 2013- 3rd Runner-up
Miss Iowa USA 2014- 3rd Runner-up; Won Miss Congeniality
Miss Illinois USA 2015- 1st Runner-up; Won Contestant’s Choice Award and Best Interview
- What made you decide to compete in Miss Illinois USA 2016?
To be frank, initially, I was not convinced I would compete again. Something did not sit well in my heart with that thought and that is when the messages began flooding in from parents, contestants, former classmates, and complete strangers. On stage in Top 5, I opened up for the first time publically about my battle with Major Depressive Disorder. It was terrifying and I have never felt more vulnerable. I began receiving nearly 100 messages online and in person of people thanking me for opening up, saying I gave them or their children hope in their battles with mental illness, and that they were appreciative of my honesty. That is when it hit me that I had officially become an advocate for all those who felt they did not have a voice and have been struggling silently and believing they are alone. If I could provide hope and a sense of community with that amount of people with one on-stage answer, what could I accomplish as a state titleholder? I also realized I had to chase all my dreams, not only my pageant dreams, but everything. I moved to Chicago, started studying improv and comedy at The Second City, began building my acting and modeling resume further, and created my own non-profit organization. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and having placed 1st runner-up last year was the best thing for me and my future. Making the move to the big city (only getting lost once on the train…oops!) was the scariest and most rewarding decision I have ever made and I cannot imagine I would have made such a move had I won Miss Illinois USA last year.
- Outside of competing in pageants, what do you like to do for fun?
With a love of bringing laughter and joy to other’s lives with my goofiness, performing and practicing improve has become my favorite fun activity. I love attending improv and sketch shows around Chicago and learn from what I observe. Commercial modeling, acting in and indie film, and painting are other hobbies of mine. My dad visits me often in the city and we love to go to “oldie” (he is going to kill me for calling them old bands) bands, visit the Shedd Aquarium, explore the city, work out, and attend car shows together. I can also be found reading on my Kindle, watching romantic comedies and funny movies with my friends, and attempting to teach myself conversational Italian.
- Give a brief bio about yourself.
Currently, I am studying improv and comedy at The Second City in Chicago, serving in the city, and moving my non-profit forward. I graduated from the University of Iowa last summer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, although I originally started in the field of engineering. Moving to Chicago in January has been a huge step forward as it has provided countless new doors to open. Anyone that knows me even a little bit knows that my dad and grandma are my rocks and best friends; they are the most incredible, loving, encouraging humans you will ever have the pleasure of meeting in this world. Also, if you have “creeped” on my Facebook, Instagram, or have ever met me, you will know I make the weirdest facial expressions and love making people laugh with those faces, odd voices, impressions, and my overall quirky sense of humor. I might be the weirdest girl in the room most days, but I am also one of the most zealous, empathetic.
- If you win your state title, what do you hope to accomplish throughout your reign?
As Miss Illinois USA, I would immensely grow my non-profit to show that depression dictates no one’s abilities and does not define anyone. I want to show what a young woman with endless amounts of ambition, zealousness, passion, and compassion can achieve. Illinois will be known as a genuine, heart of gold, funny, determined force to be reckoned with and role model to look up to.
- What is your dream job (besides being Miss USA, of course!)?
My dream has always been to be a well-known actress that duels in comedy and drama. Ever since I was a little girl, entertaining others has been in my bones. Acting has been my Plan A, but I never thought it was attainable until the past year. With being an actress, I plan on growing my non-profit immensely, have my own brand, and be able to provide for my dad, since he has always done everything he can to help me achieve my goals.
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November 2015
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