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Allison Farris | Miss DC 2018Coming Soon!
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Briana Kinsey | Miss DC 2017Coming Soon!
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Cierra Jackson | Miss DC 2016Cierra Jackson is a proud alumna of Spelman College, class of 2014 and Yale University Women’s Campaign School, class of 2015. At Spelman, she gained her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science. She was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2012. Cierra is the fourth of now eight women in her family to attend Spelman College.
Cierra moved to DC, when she was selected out of hundreds of applicants to be a Running Start Walmart Star Fellow on Capitol Hill. Later, she was selected as the only White House intern to serve the Chief of Staff’s as their communications’ intern during her term in the Obama White House. |
As Miss District of Columbia in the Miss America Organization, Cierra dedicated over 600+ hours of community service to non-profits and DC public education initiatives. With the help of Councilmember Robert White, she even created the Miss District of Columbia’s Day at DC Council.
Cierra believes her greatest success has been giving back to her community as a servant leader. Though she serves many community organizations, she mainly focuses her advocacy towards her platform Behind the Frontline, to aid military children; but, plans to expand her platform to include police, firefighter and medical first responders’ children, as well.
As a military child and personal witness to the impacts of war, Cierra has volunteered over 150 hours to former First Lady Michelle Obama & Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces campaign. Cierra created the “Day of the Military Child” in both the city of Columbus and the State of Georgia and plans to expand it with legislation, nationally. Her story as a military child has been featured in Cosmopolitan, DCW50, Bustle, People.com and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces campaign. She is the author of a children’s book “CC the Military Kid,” that chronicles her life as a military child through September 11th and beyond college; that is now available for pre-order and is slated to be published in 2018.
Cierra is speaker and vocalist by trade. She has hosted galas and even performed in the Obama White House. In her spare time, which is not much, you can find Cierra releasing new music and performing at jazz cafes, conferences, arenas and stadiums.
Cierra believes her greatest success has been giving back to her community as a servant leader. Though she serves many community organizations, she mainly focuses her advocacy towards her platform Behind the Frontline, to aid military children; but, plans to expand her platform to include police, firefighter and medical first responders’ children, as well.
As a military child and personal witness to the impacts of war, Cierra has volunteered over 150 hours to former First Lady Michelle Obama & Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces campaign. Cierra created the “Day of the Military Child” in both the city of Columbus and the State of Georgia and plans to expand it with legislation, nationally. Her story as a military child has been featured in Cosmopolitan, DCW50, Bustle, People.com and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces campaign. She is the author of a children’s book “CC the Military Kid,” that chronicles her life as a military child through September 11th and beyond college; that is now available for pre-order and is slated to be published in 2018.
Cierra is speaker and vocalist by trade. She has hosted galas and even performed in the Obama White House. In her spare time, which is not much, you can find Cierra releasing new music and performing at jazz cafes, conferences, arenas and stadiums.
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Haely Jardas | Miss DC 2015
Coming Soon!
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Teresa Davis | Miss DC 2014
Having lived in the DC-area for more than four years, Teresa now considers herself a true Washingtonian. She currently serves as the Communications Director for Congressman Tom Cole in the U.S. House of Representatives, a remarkably interesting job to have during this changing era of politics.
Since her year as Miss DC, Teresa has been featured in numerous publications and networks including The Washington Post, National Journal, Fox 5 DC, WJLA, The Daily Beast and more. Additionally, she was named to The Hill's "50 Most Beautiful" list in 2015. She remains an avid advocate for the military community, which has a strong presence in the DC-area. |
As a founding member of the USO Metro DC Young Professional Committee, she helps bring the young professional community to volunteer events with the USO and helps raise awareness of the sacrifices both our men & women in uniform make, as well as their families.
After Miss America, she still remains dedicated to her fitness and enjoys a variety of workouts including running, yoga and barre. In fact, she just completed her first Army 10-miler! She plans to run a marathon within the next year. She attributes the amazing opportunities that she's had in DC to this day to her Miss DC experience, and remains extremely close to her Miss America class as well.
Teresa currently resides in Arlington, VA, with her tuxedo cat named Potus.
After Miss America, she still remains dedicated to her fitness and enjoys a variety of workouts including running, yoga and barre. In fact, she just completed her first Army 10-miler! She plans to run a marathon within the next year. She attributes the amazing opportunities that she's had in DC to this day to her Miss DC experience, and remains extremely close to her Miss America class as well.
Teresa currently resides in Arlington, VA, with her tuxedo cat named Potus.
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Bindhu Pamarthi | Miss DC 2013
Coming Soon!
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Allyn Rose Oertel | Miss DC 2012Allyn Rose Oertel is currently living abroad in Frankfurt, Germany with her husband, Christopher. She recently completed her Masters degree in International Business Law at Universität Mannheim and has joined Crytek, an international video game developer, publisher and technology provider, developing the latest cutting-edge virtual reality and 3D game developments.
Allyn continues to work with her Miss District of Columbia platform - Breast Cancer Prevention. Notably, Allyn served as the keynote speaker at the 2017 Breast Cancer Summit in New York and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her continued dedication to educating women in breast cancer prevention. |
As a 24-year-old Miss America contestant, Allyn made headlines across the globe with her controversial decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy after losing her mother, grandmother and great aunt to breast cancer. As Miss District of Columbia, Allyn was featured on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, E! News, The Today Show, Katie Couric, Inside Edition, in PEOPLE Magazine, Cosmopolitan and was a FOX Power Player of the Week, as well as being awarded the Women’s Health Advocacy Award. Allyn gave a TEDx Talk at Chapman University and continues to work as an advocate and contributor on several national media outlets sharing a message of hope and the importance of putting life before vanity. You can connect with her on social media @allynrose.
*Photo by Claire Buffie Photography.
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Ashley Boalch Darby | Miss DC 2011Ashley Boalch Darby is an entrepreneur with a passion for hospitality, philanthropy and holistic health. She currently owns Oz Restaurant and Bar and stars on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Potomac with her husband, Michael.
As a native of Sandy Spring, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC, Ashley learned from a young age that contributing to the well-being of one’s community brings greater fulfillment than individual achievements alone. Ashley was crowned Miss District of Columbia in 2011, and competed in the iconic Miss America pageant in Las Vegas, NV. There she received the first John Curran Journalism award for her interview skills. Ashley also began volunteering with the Children’s Miracle Network hospital, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and The Boys and Girls Club Organization. |
With the help of the scholarship funds provided by the Miss America Organization, Ashley received a degree in Communication from the University of Maryland, College Park.
In 2013, she was first recognized on Washington Life Magazine’s Young and the Guest List, a composite of DC’s movers and shakers under the age of 40. Ashley has since been featured in notable publications like The Washington Post, People Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times for her accomplishments in media and theatrical performance.
Ashley is currently building her fitness and holistic health brand. She believes the key for balance is cultivating inner peace and outer physicality. After completing her yoga alliance certification, Ashley hopes to work with underprivileged youth in developing communities, teaching the principles of self-love and confidence. She is of the mindset that the key to combating life’s hurdles is to have faith in one’s own abilities.
In 2013, she was first recognized on Washington Life Magazine’s Young and the Guest List, a composite of DC’s movers and shakers under the age of 40. Ashley has since been featured in notable publications like The Washington Post, People Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times for her accomplishments in media and theatrical performance.
Ashley is currently building her fitness and holistic health brand. She believes the key for balance is cultivating inner peace and outer physicality. After completing her yoga alliance certification, Ashley hopes to work with underprivileged youth in developing communities, teaching the principles of self-love and confidence. She is of the mindset that the key to combating life’s hurdles is to have faith in one’s own abilities.
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Stephanie Williams | Miss DC 2010Coming Soon!
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*Photo by Sonya Gavankar McKay
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Jen Corey Baca | Miss DC 2009
Jen Corey Baca is the Associate Director of Business Development for AtlanticLIVE at The Atlantic. She works with underwriters to support live journalism events all over the world.
Prior to joining Atlantic Media, Jen was the Director of Corporate Events at McChrystal Group, LLC and was the Director of Special Events and lead strategist at J Street Group, LLC, a boutique international event production company. In 2009 Jen was crowned Miss District of Columbia and finished in the Top 10 at Miss America 2010. During her year of service, Jen served as the local ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network. She worked closely with Goodwill of Greater Washington with her platform called “Let’s Talk Trash,” which promoted recycling and reusing. |
In 2010, Jen was named one of MSNBC’s BLTWY Top 40 Under 40 Who Changed DC in 2010.
Jen still serves on the board of the Miss District of Columbia Organization as the Secretary of the Board and the Executive Producer. She graduated with a degree in vocal performance from American University and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland.
Jen lives a few doors down from Miss DC 1997, Sonya Gavankar, with her husband and two dogs.
Jen still serves on the board of the Miss District of Columbia Organization as the Secretary of the Board and the Executive Producer. She graduated with a degree in vocal performance from American University and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland.
Jen lives a few doors down from Miss DC 1997, Sonya Gavankar, with her husband and two dogs.
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Kate Marie Grinold Sigfusson | Miss DC 2008
Kate Marie became Miss DC 2008 two weeks after receiving her BA in International Affairs from the George Washington University. With a passion for human rights, she became the first Miss America contestant to establish a platform of service on the issue of human trafficking, working full time with an international non-profit organization during her year of service to bring awareness of domestic minor sex trafficking to millions of Americans.
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After placing in the top ten at Miss America 2009 and completing her year as Miss DC, Kate Marie went on to leadership roles within a technology startup and later FAIR Girls, a prominent girls’ empowerment and anti-trafficking organization, where she began volunteering during her time as Miss DC. In 2014 Kate Marie founded Babies4Babies, a socially conscience e-commerce baby brand which she continues to run as CEO. In 2012 Kate Marie was named by the World Economic Forum as a millennial thought leader in the role of Global Shaper and has since gone on to become a leader in that community, co-founding the Chicago Global Shapers in 2013 and speaking on the issue of gender parity at the 2016 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. While she will always call DC her hometown, Kate Marie lives an intentionally adventurous life between Chicago and Los Angeles with her husband and two young children. You can find and connect with her on Instagram @babies4babies.
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Shayna Rudd | Miss DC 2007
Shayna is currently a MBA student at Trinity University concentrating in non-profit management. She is also the CEO/Founder of the Ladydiva Corporation, a non-profit that seeks to cultivate, encourage and empower young women ages 14-20 from impoverished areas in the District of Columbia and Philadelphia, PA.
Shayna will be featured in the CW new reality show about DC socialites entitled, “Blonde Charity Mafia.” Additionally Shayna is officially an author. Her book, “Living and Learning: The LadyDiva Guide to Embracing the Truth About You!” will be released this fall! Despite her many accomplishments, Shayna’s greatest achievement is being a high school English and creative writing teacher for students in DC. Most recently Shayna was crowned Miss Black USA. |
*Photo by Moshe Zusman
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Kate Michael | Miss DC 2006
Kate Michael (@theauthentikate) is a Writer, Emcee, On-Camera Host and Fashion/Commercial Model based in NYC.
Notable as a competitor in the Miss America pageant in 2007 (serving as Miss District of Columbia), Kate currently works as a professional lifestyle spokesperson and model. In addition to walking the runway for such fashion industry icons as Valentino, Escada, Dior, Badgely Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar de la Renta, Kate is a luxury lifestyle Editor for websites Pursuitist and K Street Magazine, and a regular contributor to WomensHealth.com. |
Her media portfolio includes a spread in Elle magazine and features on Inside Edition, Fox, NBC, and BBC World News’ “The Real Cities” series as well as frequent appearances showcasing technology and health products on BestBuy.com.
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Shannon Schambeau Patterson | Miss DC 2005
Shannon was the Manager for Donor Relationship Management for the Special Olympics International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She has been a volunteer, advocate and fundraiser for special needs children for over 27 years. Shannon holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from St. Leo University.
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She was chosen as the Student Representative Commencement Speaker for the 2005 Graduate Programs. Shannon was a Magna Cum Laude graduate and received the Outstanding Student in Management and Outstanding Student in the School of Business 2002-2003 Awards from the University.
In January 2006, Shannon competed for the title of Miss America. She captured a swimsuit preliminary award and finished the competition as 4th runner-up. On November 10, 2007 Shannon married John Patterson, former Pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Shannon and John met at an appearance during her reign as Miss DC. They currently reside in Prosper, Texas with their son. Shannon is a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Apex and a Rodan+Fields Independent Consultant. Shannon is on the Miss DC Board and continues to stay involved with the Miss DC Organization as the head of the Miss America Prep Team and Contestant Coordinator.
In January 2006, Shannon competed for the title of Miss America. She captured a swimsuit preliminary award and finished the competition as 4th runner-up. On November 10, 2007 Shannon married John Patterson, former Pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Shannon and John met at an appearance during her reign as Miss DC. They currently reside in Prosper, Texas with their son. Shannon is a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Apex and a Rodan+Fields Independent Consultant. Shannon is on the Miss DC Board and continues to stay involved with the Miss DC Organization as the head of the Miss America Prep Team and Contestant Coordinator.
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Therese Lizardo-Escaño | Miss DC 2004
Therese is a graduate of The George Washington University. She graduated Cum Laude and she holds degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Women’s Studies. She graduated in 2002, is now a medical student at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Prior to entering medical school, Therese conducted oncology research at GWU’s Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. Therese is also very active with global health. She traveled to third world countries with the Operation Hope Medical Mission, and she assisted a team of physicians who performed cleft lip and palate facial reconstructive surgeries. |
Therese is now a third year medical student at The George Washington University School of Medical and Health Sciences. She recently won first place at the GWU Medical Center Annual Research Day for her oncology research. Therese was also awarded the GWU SMHS Rosenberg Fellowship, as she was named the top applicant among 85 students who were awarded fellowships by the GWU SMHS.
Therese is very excited about her future. She is a student of GWU SMHS’s Integrative Medicine Track, as she believes that the most effective forms of healing involve mind-body wellness. She looks forward to incorporating complementary alternative medicine into her practice and helping her patients lead a healthy way of life, both physically and mentally. Therese is the proud wife of Dr. Jude Escaño, CPT who just returned from serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq.
Therese is very excited about her future. She is a student of GWU SMHS’s Integrative Medicine Track, as she believes that the most effective forms of healing involve mind-body wellness. She looks forward to incorporating complementary alternative medicine into her practice and helping her patients lead a healthy way of life, both physically and mentally. Therese is the proud wife of Dr. Jude Escaño, CPT who just returned from serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq.
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Lisa Ferris | Miss DC 2003
The honor of wearing the Miss District of Columbia crown in 2003 encouraged Lisa to continue her pursuit of a career in the performing arts. After graduating Cum Laude from The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater in 2006, Lisa left D.C. to pursue her professional stage career in New York City. Shortly thereafter, Lisa was hired by the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival where she played Young Maria in the World Premiere of Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical, Olivia in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and was a featured performer in The Greenshow. Lisa returned to the festival for an additional two seasons where she played leading roles in The Taming of the Shrew, The Comedy of Errors, The Secret Garden, and Fiddler on the Roof. |
In 2010 Lisa was honored as the Outstanding Graduate Student in the department of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting. She then moved to Los Angeles where she currently resides. Now officially a Californian (and a proud member of the Actors Equity Association), she progressed as a performer, working two seasons at Sacramento Music Circus where she played roles in Funny Girl, Oliver!, and Camelot. She also performed as The Comic Ingénue in the Rogers and Hammerstein review: A Grand Night for Singing at California Music Theater. Her time in L.A. has been marked by a colorful array of performance opportunities ranging from national commercials to singing Christmas carols in "the happiest place on earth" as a Dickens Caroler of Disneyland. She was also a member of (and performed on stage at) the famous iO West Comedy Theater until its closing in February of 2018. In late 2017, Lisa took on a new title and ventured into the world of producing for the first time. She produced and starred as Cathy in The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown, which sold out its entire Los Angeles run. Most recently, Lisa starred as Carol Burnett in the short film Pipe Dream: The Early Years of Carol Burnett from Watermark Productions. The film was screened as an official selection at the L.A. Shorts International Film Festival, Long Island Film Expo, Breckenridge Film Festival and many others.
Ever the multitasker, Lisa earned her credentials as a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and even traveled to Sydney, Australia to work with the Maty Ezraty, one of the most respected yoga teachers in the world. She currently enjoys teaching at Yogaworks in Los Angeles, where she works with students to connect breath and body in order to realize their full potential.
Lisa is extraordinarily grateful to have worked with some of the most creative and innovative artists in the entertainment industry in addition to some of the wisest and most innovative yogis on the planet. All the while recognizing that none of it would be possible without a uniquely supportive family and the Miss D.C. organization who each taught her how to joyfully pursue her dreams with hard work, integrity, and a servant’s heart.
Ever the multitasker, Lisa earned her credentials as a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and even traveled to Sydney, Australia to work with the Maty Ezraty, one of the most respected yoga teachers in the world. She currently enjoys teaching at Yogaworks in Los Angeles, where she works with students to connect breath and body in order to realize their full potential.
Lisa is extraordinarily grateful to have worked with some of the most creative and innovative artists in the entertainment industry in addition to some of the wisest and most innovative yogis on the planet. All the while recognizing that none of it would be possible without a uniquely supportive family and the Miss D.C. organization who each taught her how to joyfully pursue her dreams with hard work, integrity, and a servant’s heart.
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Sarah-Elizabeth Langford | Miss DC 2002
Sarah-Elizabeth grew up in Georgia where her father was a state senator. After graduating from Pace Academy, she earned a degree in French from the University of Michigan in 2000, where she was an All-American member of the gymnastics team. She graduated from Howard University School of Law and then did a fellowship in D.C. called “Capitol City Fellows.” In 2007 she moved from DC to Atlanta to
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do real estate development, specifically affordable housing for senior citizens. In addition she recently played a small role in a movie with Vivica Fox called “Three Can Play That Game.”
Langford’s first pageant experience came in 2003 when she competed for Miss DC and later Miss America. She performed gymnastics during the talent competition and won a non-finalist scholarship of $5,000.
Langford’s first pageant experience came in 2003 when she competed for Miss DC and later Miss America. She performed gymnastics during the talent competition and won a non-finalist scholarship of $5,000.
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Marshawn Evans | Miss DC 2001
Former Miss America finalist and Entertainment Attorney, is the founder of ME Unlimited (Marshawn Evans Unlimited), a corporate consulting firm focusing on peak performance, diversity, workforce readiness, and leadership strategies. ME Unlimited consults with Fortune 500 companies and HR departments on leading peak performance strategies, while offering insight from the world of professional sports, employment law principles, and competitive industries.
A graduate of Georgetown Law, Marshawn practiced with one of Atlanta’s most prestigious law firms, and has been featured by Glamour Magazine, USA Today, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, ABC, Fox News, and NBC’s The Apprentice with Donald Trump. |
Marshawn’s successes in the classroom and the courtroom have taken her to the now infamous boardroom as one of Donald Trump’s handpicked candidates on Season 4 of NBC’s hit show, “The Apprentice; She travels the country as a professional lecturer, spokesperson, and speaking consultant. She has a newly released book, SKIRTS in the Boardroom: A Woman’s Survival Guide to Success in Business & Life (Wiley 2008). She is also Owner and President of EDGE 3M Sports & Entertainment (www.edge3m.com).
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Rashida Jolley | Miss DC 2000
Rashida is a rare talent. She is a harpist, vocalist, songwriter, composer, arranger and recording artist. Her talents have landed her a blitz of television, radio and publication coverage. The product of a great line of musicians and motivational speakers, Rashida has a diverse background in performing. She combines her vast knowledge of pop culture with entertaining renditions of Top-40 music.
Rashida’s many vocal and harp performances at concert halls, embassies, universities, schools, conferences, political functions and other venues has produced numerous rewards and many industry accolades. This gifted musician has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Theatre and various sporting venues. Recently, Rashida opened for R&B sensation, John Legend. In 2004, she released her first CD “Love is not a Game.” |
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Toyia Taylor | Miss DC 1999
Toyia is currently the Urban Leaders Program Director for the organization Girls for Gender Equity, Inc. Girls for Gender Equity is committed to the physical, psychological, social and economic development of girls and women. Through education, organizing and physical fitness, Girls for Gender Equity encourages communities to remove barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to live self-determined lives.
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Nicole Messina Billow | Miss DC 1998
Nicole Billow is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in Voorhees, NJ. As a mother of two young boys, Nicole knows the importance of planning daily to get the most out of the day for herself, her family and her clients. Nicole brings her planning mentality to her business, focusing on retirement and wealth accumulation planning for individuals and companies.
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Nicole’s attention to detail is exercised daily as she works with clients to help them set goals, communicate their objectives and understand their risk tolerance in order to develop a customized, diversified portfolio. Nicole incorporates her prior work experience with the Ritz-Carlton Hotels to go above and beyond her clients’ expectations in providing service.
A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Nicole now resides in Marlton, NJ with her husband, Mitch, and her two sons, Shane, 2 and Matthew, 10 months. In her spare time, she teaches dance classes and choreographs for young women competing in the Miss America Scholarship Program. Nicole was a preliminary talent winner and top ten finalist in the 1998 Miss America Pageant.
A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Nicole now resides in Marlton, NJ with her husband, Mitch, and her two sons, Shane, 2 and Matthew, 10 months. In her spare time, she teaches dance classes and choreographs for young women competing in the Miss America Scholarship Program. Nicole was a preliminary talent winner and top ten finalist in the 1998 Miss America Pageant.
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Sonya Gavankar McKay | Miss DC 1997
Sonya Gavankar is a communicator who uses dynamic story-telling techniques as a spokesperson, television and podcast host, filmmaker and social multi-media content creator.
Her work with the Newseum brings a cohesive voice to the its 250,000 square feet of exhibit and interactive programming. She can be seen hosting programs and giving commentary on everything from hard news to cooking shows on ABC and CBS affiliates, PBS, QVC and even the Puppy Bowl! For close to two decades she has trained millennials for job interviews using a unique connection between personal brand building and social graces. The launch of HerExchange.com brings a new perspective to insightful conversations and professional development tools with a cross platform approach of the written word, podcasts and live workshops. Philanthropy is an important part of her life. She serves on several national boards that focus on education and social change, like the Hugh O’Brian Foundation, The Miss America Organization and Ladies America. |
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Tricia Morrin Lloyd | Miss DC 1988
Tricia just finished seven years as Executive Director of the U.S. Office in Washington, D.C. for the Pontifical North American College, the American seminary in Rome. Many consider it to be the West Point of the Catholic Church. She was their chief fundraiser and recently completed a $25 million capital campaign. One perk that went with her job was meeting Pope John Paul II in her wedding dress, with her husband, John, so the Holy Father could bless their marriage. She said “he was just so incredible and kind,” and chuckles, “no pressure there!”
If you want to know key things about visiting Rome and which restaurants not to miss, she is the one to tap. Tricia serves as President of the Miss D.C. Scholarship Organization and is always looking for good volunteers who will step up to the plate to help! She welcomes those who would like to assist the scholarship fund! Additionally, Tricia is a volunteer with the Junior League of Washington, President of the Downtown Washington Sierra Club, a Dame in the Order of Malta and in the Constantinian Order of St. George and a member of the John Carroll Society. |
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Chelsey Sophia Rodgers
First Runner-up - 2007
First Runner-up - 2006 Miss District of Columbia USA 2008 Chelsey Rodgers, a graduate of Howard University School of Law, currently works as a lawyer in New York. She is also a freelance writer and model for various publications including Black Health Magazine, AUC Magazine and BIAS Magazine. She has been featured in the online magazine, Smartsista, is a published author in two anthologies, and currently serves as Editor-at-Large of Urban Trends magazine. Chelsey received her juris doctorate in May 2008 from Howard University School of Law where she served as a student attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic, Editor-in-Chief of the law school newspaper, and member of the Huver I. Brown Trial Advocacy Moot Court Team. |
She was a Howard Law Merit Fellow for two years and was recently awarded the CALI Academic Achievement Award in Legal Writing.
Rodgers graduated from Spelman College Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. A strong proponent of helping to strengthen the community, Chelsey wants to create two not-for-profit organizations, the Penelope Lynn Foundation, to provide self-esteem counseling and furnished, subsidized housing to women who have recently left battered women’s shelters, and the Vivian Joy Burley Cancer Foundation, to raise donations to fund research to find a cure for breast cancer. She is currently Director of the Miss DC Outstanding Teen Organization.
Rodgers graduated from Spelman College Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. A strong proponent of helping to strengthen the community, Chelsey wants to create two not-for-profit organizations, the Penelope Lynn Foundation, to provide self-esteem counseling and furnished, subsidized housing to women who have recently left battered women’s shelters, and the Vivian Joy Burley Cancer Foundation, to raise donations to fund research to find a cure for breast cancer. She is currently Director of the Miss DC Outstanding Teen Organization.
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Michelle Crosby
Contestant - 2006
Third Runner-up - 2007 Co-founder and Executive Director of two non-profit organizations dealing with science and technology in Washington, D.C., Michelle Crosby is a graduate of American University School of International Service with a minor in violin performance. Third-runner up in the Miss District of Columbia 2007 pageant, and third runner-up in the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant, Michelle also placed first in the Interview competition. |
Mistress of Ceremonies for the Turkish Fesitval 2007, and former concertmaster of American University Symphony Orchestra, Michelle recently won the title of Miss District of Columbia Earth: Nation’s Capital and competed for the national title in July 2008. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in International Relations and hopes to continue with a life-long pursuit of public service. Michelle was married on May 30, 2009. She continues to stay involved with the Miss DC Organization and is serving as contestant coordinator for the 2009 Pageant.
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Heather Hegedus
Contestant - 2000
Top 4 finalist - 2001 1st runner-up - 2002 Heather Hegedus is a General Assignment Reporter and the Weekend Anchor at WFSB Hartford, the CBS Affiliate and #1 news station in Connecticut. |
Since competing in Miss DC, Heather has spent the past 10 years moving around the Northeast for her career. Heather graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University with a degree in Government. She spent a year at the London School of Economics in England. She has a Master’s of Science degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
One of Heather’s first TV jobs, behind the scences, was at the NBC News Washington Bureau. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Heather interviewed then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Jordan’s Queen Noor and field produced from the White House and Pentagon. Heather also worked at The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, where she was chosen by PBS Magazine to interview Mr. Lehrer about his experiences moderating years of Presidential Debates.
Heather then moved to New York City and attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. While in New York City, she spent time behind the camera for NY1 News, shooting from ground zero on the first commemoration of the attacks. From the streets of the Big Apple, Heather suddenly found herself in the small community of Binghamton, N.Y., as the main anchor/reporter at WIVT-TV. She covered everything from historic flooding in the region to the ambitions of then-NY Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She also Co-Anchored the 6 and 11pm news every night.
Heather’s next job wasn’t far away – in Syracuse, N.Y., where she was weekend anchor/reporter at WSYR-TV. She gained national exposure on The Weather Channel and CNN covering lake-effect snowstorms, and a Syracuse developer’s plans to build the world’s largest mall. Her work was included in compilations that earned the station Associated Press and Edward R. Murrow awards.
Heather continues to volunteer with STRIVE – a nationwide job training program- the same program she worked with while competing for Miss DC. She just bought her first home!
One of Heather’s first TV jobs, behind the scences, was at the NBC News Washington Bureau. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Heather interviewed then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Jordan’s Queen Noor and field produced from the White House and Pentagon. Heather also worked at The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, where she was chosen by PBS Magazine to interview Mr. Lehrer about his experiences moderating years of Presidential Debates.
Heather then moved to New York City and attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. While in New York City, she spent time behind the camera for NY1 News, shooting from ground zero on the first commemoration of the attacks. From the streets of the Big Apple, Heather suddenly found herself in the small community of Binghamton, N.Y., as the main anchor/reporter at WIVT-TV. She covered everything from historic flooding in the region to the ambitions of then-NY Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She also Co-Anchored the 6 and 11pm news every night.
Heather’s next job wasn’t far away – in Syracuse, N.Y., where she was weekend anchor/reporter at WSYR-TV. She gained national exposure on The Weather Channel and CNN covering lake-effect snowstorms, and a Syracuse developer’s plans to build the world’s largest mall. Her work was included in compilations that earned the station Associated Press and Edward R. Murrow awards.
Heather continues to volunteer with STRIVE – a nationwide job training program- the same program she worked with while competing for Miss DC. She just bought her first home!
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Safiya Songhai
1st runner-up - 2003
2nd runner-up - 2001 Safiya graduated summa cum laude from Howard University, and will receive her Master’s in Fine Arts from New York University graduate film Program and the Tisch School of the Arts. She won a Student Emmy from the DC chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She is also working in the areas of voice- over talent, film direction and television production and has recently won the title of Miss Black Massachusetts. |