- How many pageants have you previously competed in? (Please include which system and your placement)
I have competed in four pageants:
Miss Illinois USA 2012 – Best Interview Award Recipient
Miss Illinois USA 2013
Miss Illinois United States 2014- Miss Illinois United States 2014 Winner
Miss United States 2014 national pageant
- What made you decide to compete in Miss [insert state here] USA 2016?
I have decided to return to the Miss Illinois USA stage for the third time, because I genuinely believe that this system will enable me to achieve many of my personal goals. One day I aspire to be a philanthropist, and competing in pageants has afforded me the voice and opportunity to advocate for various charities and social causes. In addition, I compete for self-growth. Each time I enter a pageant I find that I discover an even greater sense of self and confidence!
- Outside of competing in pageants, what do you like to do for fun?
I love thrift shopping! It has become a new thing with me, where I observe current trends and I challenge myself to recreate it for less than $10. I also enjoy practicing American Sign Language and busting a move in Zumba.
- Give a brief bio about yourself. Include where you are attending school(include year and major if applicable), your future goals, etc. (Feel free to include however much or little as you like in this section)
I am a South Side Chicago native, and growing up I was not a toddler in a tiara. In fact, I didn’t compete in my first pageant until I was 19 years old. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in the summer of 2014 from DePaul University, where I also received the opportunity to study abroad in Switzerland and Paris. Upon my completion of school, I won my first state title which gave me the platform to work personally with various charities and the Alzheimer’s Association. Upon losing my grandfather to this disease, I discovered my drive and passion for advocacy. Currently, I am pursuing my career in public relations and entertainment, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me next! - If you win your state title, what do you hope to accomplish throughout your reign?
There are many things that I would love to accomplish as Miss Illinois USA 2016! First, I would like to continue my advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association. I lost my grandfather to the most costly and devastating disease in our nation, and it is my greatest hope that I assist in heightening awareness, educating, and fundraising donations. Secondly, I would like to utilize my degree in PR from DePaul University to assist in growing my state pageant and opportunities for future titleholders. Finally, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of others, especially young girls who have limited resources. - What is your dream job(besides being Miss USA, of course!)
Throughout competing in pageants, visiting various children’s hospitals, and making appearances as a state titleholder, I have discovered that I have a passion for entertaining others. I would love to pursue a career in the entertainment industry that will enable me to meet new people, discuss the latest trending topics, all while being fashion forward. Juliana Rancic, E! correspondent and talk show cohost definitely has my dream job!
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Credit: Heather Thompson Photography
1. How many pageants have you previously competed in? (Please include which system and your placement)
I have only competed in local pageants, but the most memorable moment was when I was crowned Teen Miss Cullman County Fair in 2010. Also, I competed in Miss Maroon and White at Mississippi State University last March. 2. What made you decide to compete in Miss Mississippi USA 2016? I decided to compete in Miss Mississippi USA 2016 because I want the chance to be able to increase awareness, improve treatment options, and educate more on Breast Cancer on a state, national, and international level. 3. Outside of competing in pageants, what do you like to do for fun? I would like to be outdoors. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, snowboarding and exploring new places. I once hiked 8 miles in Kauai, Hawaii to see the waterfall from Jurassic Park – the last two miles back was a torrential rainstorm and I finished the hike barefoot. 4. Give a brief bio about yourself. Include where you are attending school(include year and major if applicable), your future goals, etc. (Feel free to include however much or little as you like in this section) I am from Cullman, Alabama, but I moved to Starkville, Mississippi to attend Mississippi State University. I am a junior Human Science major with a Fashion Design and Merchandising concentration. I have an emphasis in Merchandising, and minors in Business Administration and Marketing. After college, it is my goal to start my own sock company. I want to provide fashion forward socks for men and women of all ages. I want to brand this company in the first couple of years by traveling to college campuses across the country in a refurbished vintage airstream. This also satisfies my hunger for traveling and seeing this great country. 5. If you win your state title, what do you hope to accomplish throughout your reign? If I win my state title, there are a number of things I would like to accomplish. Aside from promoting my beautiful state of Mississippi, and Breast Cancer awareness, I would like to bring awareness to a project called Operation That’s My Dress. The USO, Sherri Hill, as well as many other designers provide beautiful dresses to teenage girls, female service members, and military spouses. I would love the opportunity, as a great granddaughter, granddaughter, and daughter of veterans, to give back to the military that sacrifices so much for all of us. 6. What is your dream job(besides being Miss USA, of course!) My dream job is to become a CEO of a powerhouse fashion company. I want to be able to be one of the few women on the top of the list of CEO's in the fashion business.
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JessicaHuge fan of the Miss Universe Organization! Archives
November 2015
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