The finalists vying for the title of Miss District of Columbia!

Aria Austin

Aria Austin, a dedicated public servant, highly lauded vocalist, TEDx speaker, and passionate mental health advocate, launched “Pretty Is As Pretty Does”- #PIAPD in 2015 to help reshape beauty standards and raise awareness about mental health. Overcoming childhood bullying and suicidal ideation, she champions using "pretty" as an action word to build a resistance against negative social interactions. Aria earned a B.A. in Government and minor in English from William & Mary, as well as a Public Policy Certificate from UPenn. Currently serving as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. Senate, she holds key roles in Senate staff associations to further serve the DC community. Outside work, she performs with the Washington Chorus, creates content for the DC Nudge, serves as a Crisis Text Line Counselor, and volunteers all across DC. Aria aims to become an IP Attorney and ultimately a U.S. Senator.
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Darianny Bautista

Darianny Bautista is a distinguished political scientist, two-time United States Senate awardee, and Legislative Youth Representative, dedicated to advocating for underserved students nationwide. A first-generation Dominican-American, having overcome significant challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness while caring for her disabled single mother, Darianny became the first in her family to earn a degree, graduating with an honors Associate of Science from Bergen Community College. She then transferred to George Washington University, where she double majors in Political Science and Philosophy with a Public Affairs concentration. Drawing from her hardships, Darianny launched "Reshaping the Future," a policy research initiative aimed at achieving equitable education reform through which she has spoken to students from kindergarten through college across the East Coast. By sharing her story, she empowers students to believe in their limitless potential in pursuit of higher education. In addition to her aspirations for a career as a public policy attorney, Darianny is a licensed cosmetologist, having run her own business as a nail technician for three years, and is a proud rescue cat mom.

Alaysia Bookal

Alaysia Bookal is a dedicated 1st-grade teacher in Woodridge, D.C., a children’s book author, a President’s Volunteer Service Award medalist, and the founder of a girls' empowerment nonprofit. Advocating for childhood trauma prevention, Alaysia leverages her extensive educational background—holding two master’s degrees, two graduate certificates from Harvard University, and currently pursuing a doctorate in Education. Alaysia’s personal journey with anxiety and panic disorder informs her work with children, supporting mental health. She also engages with a broader audience through her YouTube channel, her book club, and local D.C. organizations. As a certified mental health technician, Alaysia’s ultimate dream is to establish a trauma-informed elementary school, to positively impact the lives of children and families.

Dominique Clay

Dominique Clay is a native to Washington, DC. She earned her B.S. in Biology from St. John’s University, where she was a Diversity Peer Educator, leading workshops and promoting diversity and social justice on campus. She currently works as a Medical Assistant at Mary’s Center, a community health center dedicated to providing and improving access to comprehensive healthcare for marginalized groups. Recently accepted to medical school, Dominique will begin pursuing her M.D. in the fall of 2024. As a future physician, she plans to continue the advancement of equity, accessibility, and inclusion within the healthcare system by understanding and mitigating healthcare disparities both within and beyond her practice.

Crystal Crowell

Crystal Crowell is a passionate storyteller, social worker, and literacy advocate. Holding a Bachelor degree in Social Work with a minor in non-profit management and Master's degrees in Social Work with a concentration in children in families, she currently serves as an Early Childhood Health Specialist for a national non-profit. From being adopted to being raised in a military family, she developed a deep sense of service early on. Crystal champions literacy through her initiative "Resilience Through Reading." When isn’t reading she can be found volunteering, with her dog Pebbles or watching Formula One.
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Nina-Simone Edwards

Nina-Simone Edwards received her J.D. in May 2024 from Georgetown University Law Center. She is pursuing a legal academic career, working to understand and protect the privacy of marginalized communities. Currently, she is a Google Public Policy Fellow and will soon be a Senior Institute Associate at Georgetown’s Tech Institute. In addition to tech policy, Nina-Simone is passionate about fitness and service. As a Zumba instructor, she helps her students have fun while keeping their hearts healthy. She is also the founder of the Winter Joy Project, which provides winter joy packages to those in need in DC.

Brelynn Hunt

Brelynn Hunt, a passionate women’s health advocate, holds dual Master’s Degrees in Physiology and Health Science. As a 2x HBCU graduate from Spelman College and Meharry Medical College, she is currently applying for a Doctor of Medicine degree to become an OB/GYN. Brelynn, a social media influencer with 5 million lifetime views, inspires and mentors through her YouTube channel and podcast. She leads birth justice advocacy training for future healthcare professionals in partnership with March of Dimes through her initiative: Birth Equity 4 All. With her media health correspondent aspirations, Brelynn aims to improve women's health, in the doctor's office and beyond.

Anna Kelly

Anna Kelly is a political communicator, rescue dog “mom,” youth political engagement advocate, and fourth-generation DC resident. Anna first became involved with the Miss America Opportunity as an eight-year-old Princess Program participant. Now at 27 years old, she has leveraged the skills obtained through the program to serve as Communications Director for a presidential and gubernatorial campaign, consult a U.S. Congressman, and spearhead communication strategies for a state political party. Anna holds a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management from George Washington University and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Auburn University. She hopes to acquire a second policy-focused Master’s degree using scholarships from the Miss District of Columbia Scholarship Organization.

Kendall Martin

Kendall Martin is a healthcare researcher, communication professional, graduate student, and dedicated advocate for diabetes and stroke awareness. Due to seeing the direct impact that strokes and diabetes had on four generations of women before her, Kendall developed a passion for fighting against health disparities at a very young age. Her life experiences and passion for healthcare inspired the development of her platform, "Unblurred: Prevention through Knowledge,” which is focused on bridging the gap between medical research and public knowledge. Kendall earned her bachelor's degree from American University at age 21, and was one of the youngest graduates of Northwest Community College, obtaining her associate's degree at just 18. Kendall leverages her academic and personal background as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University to make medical information accessible to all. Outside of her passion for educating others on preventing illness, Kendall enjoys taking Pilates classes at Solid Core, reading romance novels (particularly those by Renée Carlino), watching anything produced by Shonda Rhimes or Nancy Meyers on repeat, and learning how to make peanut butter chews (one of her childhood favorites).

Kailyn McBride

Kailyn McBride is a proud daughter and sister who credits her family for her ambition. She began her career in D.C., after leaving her hometown to pursue a career in Communications. Currently, Kailyn is a Press Secretary for a Member of Congress, and in her free time, Kailyn finds joy in writing and painting. Kailyn is a small business owner and a 4x published author and illustrator. She has worked with Barnes and Noble, Pottery Barn Kids, Girl Scouts, Cayton Children's Museum, and The NJ Boxing Hall of Fame, with her books alongside her grandfather and boxing hall of famer, Archie McBride. Kailyn writes stories of her family because she believes that without them, she wouldn't be the woman she is today. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Master's in Business to learn how to take her company, McBride Book Collection, and share it with the world to inspire young readers to take ownership of their creativity and publish their imagination.

Jordyn Moore

Jordyn Moore is jump-starting her lifelong career in public service where she will leverage her trilingual abilities across the globe to connect and give back to those in need. She is currently continuing her studies at Texas A&M University’s The Bush School of Government and Public Service in DC with their Masters of National Security and Intelligence. A secondary degree that will complement her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she double majored in Economics and European Studies with a minor in Spanish. Thanks to her studies and extensive travel resume, she advanced in Spanish and French and began learning Arabic when she studied in Egypt. Jordyn enjoys spending her free time volunteering in youth ministry, working as a freelance photographer, and improving her language capabilities.

Kisa Motiwala

Kisa Motiwala serves as Counsel for the House Judiciary Committee. A first-generation American and the youngest graduate of The George Washington University Law School, she earned her Juris Doctor at age twenty. She graduated with her B.A. in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University at age seventeen. Kisa is a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer research, serving on the fundraising and marketing committee for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and hosting toy drives for patients at Children's National Hospital. Kisa launched "OPEN: Opening Paths through Education and Networking," encouraging students to pursue higher education, mentorship, and internship opportunities. She leads life skills seminars for young mothers at St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth, and Families, and volunteers with the Honor Flight Network, honoring and welcoming our veterans to DC. As a former student government president, Kisa loves using her event planning skills to host social events and fundraisers benefiting the American Heart Association and Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation.

Katie Ann Powell

Katie Ann Powell was born on Scott Air Force Base and came out singing. Katie Ann has been a vocalist and professional harpist for over 20 years playing as a guest harpist in seven different countries. Katie Ann is working on her Masters of Business Administration and holds a BA in Public Relations. She is a Certified Financial Counselor and Certified Financial Education Instructor. Katie Ann is the founder and host of Full Confidence Ahead, a podcast in the top 10% according to listen score. When Katie Ann isn’t teaching finances or behind her harp, you can find her on the back of an ATV getting muddy or performing her lasso rope tricks at a rodeo.
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Mary Richardson

Mary's upbringing in a military family ingrained in her a deep sense of duty and service, motivating her to pursue a career in law. Graduating with special pro bono honors from Georgetown Law, she became one of the youngest attorneys at her firm. This past year, Mary was recognized as a pro bono leader for her work with StreetLaw and the DC Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic. Beyond her legal career, Mary empowers women in business through Project EntreprenHER, organizing networking sporting events promoting both connections and fitness for female entrepreneurs in DC. This fall, she will begin her MBA at Johns Hopkins University, where she hopes to gain the knowledge she needs to continue empowering women in business.

Maddie Saul

Maddie Saul is a higher education professional, scholarship founder, and college student basic needs advocate. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Stevenson University and her M.Ed. in Education Policy, Planning, & Leadership in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary. Maddie serves on the leadership team of a national nonprofit, Student Basic Needs Coalition, as the Director of Campus Relations. In this role, she volunteers weekly to connect colleges and universities across the country with the resources and support needed to create more equitable campuses for limited-income students. In her free time, you can find Maddie checking out a new game at The Board Room with friends or taking a spin class at Mint Fitness.
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Tayler Troup

From the age of five, Tayler was captivated by music, recognizing its power to effect change. She began with the violin and singing, igniting a passion that shaped her future. After graduating from La Sierra University with a major in Identity Politics and Political Theory (minor in Neuroscience), she advocated for mental health policies integrating the arts as a therapeutic
tool. As a political appointee at the National Endowment for the Arts, Tayler remains committed
to this cause. In her free time, she nurtures young talents by teaching music and instilling a love for the arts. She also hones her skills in opera, cello, and harp at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory to impart the highest caliber of knowledge to her students. Tayler champions gender equality, having served as a delegate for the Reykjavik Global Forum in Iceland through Running Start. Her involvement with Fenix Legal Aid and advocacy against violence toward
women in a congressional office highlights her dedication. Balancing her advocacy with moments of joy, Tayler volunteers at an animal shelter and enjoys dance battles with her niece, emphasizing the power of connection and creativity.

Alisa Vasquez

Alisa Vasquez is a storyteller, community builder, and communications strategist. Alisa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Penn State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in African American Studies. Since then Alisa has worked with entrepreneurs, created and hosted a series of career development seminars for Unlock Your Story, worked for the first African American Mayor for the City of Bowie Maryland and is currently the senior politics publicist for a national news organization. In her free time, she loves taking dance fitness cardio classes, hiking and exploring new coffee shops in the District. ​

Payton Ziegler

Payton Ziegler, a 21-year-old student at American University is completing her bachelor’s in CLEG and continuing her education with a master’s in political communication. Empowering women is prioritized since working for a female Senator and an all women run PR firm. Meeting impressive women inspired Payton to compete in her first pageant. Payton’s CSI calls out to everyone, S.O.S, Secure Our Schools, to ensure that all campuses are safe from violence. Service is paramount in her life, receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for 7 years. Payton enjoys attending embassy events to experience diversity and culture around DC.
Professional Headshots by Moshe Zusman Photography Studio