The Miss USA 2025 pageant will be held in Reno on Friday. This year's contestants include an "American Ninja Warrior" competitor and a lawyer.
A new Miss USA will be crowned on October 24.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Miss USA 2025 will take place at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on Friday.
The live competition will be streamed on the Queen Beauty Network at 8 p.m. ET.
Here are all the women competing, from a lawyer to an "American Ninja Warrior" competitor.
It's almost time to meet the next Miss USA.A new queen will be crowned at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Friday night after competing in the swimsuit, evening gown, and interview rounds.This year's contestants include an endurance horse racer, an "American Ninja Warrior" competitor, a lawyer, and more.
Alabama: Kennedy Whisenant
Miss Alabama 2025 Kennedy Whisenant.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Kennedy Whisenant, 24, was featured in Glamour Magazine's "College Women of the Year: HBCU" in 2022, the same year she became the second African-American woman to win Miss Collegiate America.Whisenant runs her own boutique, Mi'Chan Michelle, and donates a portion of the sales to her nonprofit, The Linda Gail Foundation, to support fundraising events and donation drives for underprivileged communities.
Alaska: Kelsey Craft
Miss Alaska 2025 Kelsey Craft.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Kelsey Craft, 34, works as a physician assistant. She is an ambassador with the Blue Zones Project and AHA Go Red Campaign and will visit all 50 states within the year as a national spokesperson, according to her Miss USA bio.Craft once cold-plunged in 30-degree waters in Antarctica alongside penguins, but her favorite way to recharge is with hot yoga.
Arizona: Elexes Richardson
Miss Arizona 2025 Elexes Richardson.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Elexes Richardson, 30, began assisting at her great-grandmother's psychotherapy practice when she was just 5 years old, according to her Miss USA bio.Richardson is now passionate about mental health and has a crisis counseling certification to provide "vital assistance and support for those enduring their most challenging times."
Arkansas: Olivia Halsey
Miss Arkansas 2025 Olivia Halsey.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Olivia Halsey, 25, graduated from law school with honors and passed the Arkansas Bar Exam while serving as Miss Arkansas USA.Halsey's platform is "The Women Behind the Title," which "highlights the strong, powerful women who play vital roles in the success of our homes, workplaces, and communities," according to her Miss USA bio.In her free time, Halsey loves a good jigsaw puzzle.
California: Kylie Chang
Miss California 2025 Kylie Chang.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Kylie Chang, 21, is a student at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. She is a three-time Chinese dance championship soloist and has appeared in international campaigns for Adidas and Jovani, according to her Miss USA bio.Chang is also a volunteer dance teacher for those with special needs, and she helps build extracurricular after-school programs to help foster children's leadership and creativity.
Colorado: Sydney Hella
Miss Colorado 2025 Sydney Hella.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Sydney Hella, 26, is the founder of a social media management firm that helps small businesses grow their online presence.Hella is also a global ambassador for Clean Trails, where she leads community cleanups and installs trail boxes across the US to keep hiking paths litter-free.Hella loves to attend concerts at Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which inspired her state costume.
Connecticut: Jenna Hofmann
Miss Connecticut 2025 Jenna Hofmann.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Jenna Hofmann, 24, works as a real-estate agent in New York City.She became passionate about women's health education after losing her cousin to breast cancer and uses her platform to advocate for early detection.In her free time, Hofmann loves golfing and making beef empanadas from scratch with her mom, according to her Miss USA bio.
Delaware: Tetra Shockley
Miss Delaware 2025 Tetra Shockley.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Tetra Shockley, 44, will make history on Friday as the oldest woman to ever compete at Miss USA. She is a licensed attorney and partner at her own law firm, as well as a licensed minister, according to her Miss USA bio.Shockley is also a three-time All-American cheerleader who has performed in Ireland, England, and Hawaii.
District of Columbia: Allison Laforce
Miss District of Columbia 2025 Allison Laforce.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Allison Laforce, 26, is a professional model. She has spent the past year working as a legislative ambassador for cancer advocacy and has lobbied on Capitol Hill for policies that support cancer research and treatment.Laforce is also an avid traveler and aspires to visit all 50 states and seven continents.
Florida: Lou Schieffelin
Miss Florida 2025 Lou Schieffelin.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Lou Schieffelin, 25, is earning her private pilot's license. She is also a heart health advocate in honor of her late father and has partnered with legislators across the US to raise awareness.Schieffelin is also an avid horseback rider, and she knows how to juggle.
Georgia: Savannah Miles
Miss Georgia 2025 Savannah Miles.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Savannah Miles, 24, is a model who has appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Vietnam. She also starred in a movie exploring Atlanta's culinary scene, where she created "Dourmet" meals and "inspired college students to eat well," according to her Miss USA bio.Miles recently volunteered in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene and helped design children's bedrooms.
Hawaii: Issha Rose Mata
Miss Hawaii 2025 Issha Rose Mata.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Issha Rose Mata, 30, is a classically trained singer and musician who has performed in over 15 musical productions. She currently works as a digital marketing specialist in content creation and branding.The pageant queen is hoping to publish her first book of poetry. Her hobbies include carpool karaoke, exploring volcanoes, and hiking waterfalls.
Idaho: Jenny Crawford
Miss Idaho 2025 Jenny Crawford.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Jenny Crawford, 37, has performed at sold-out stadiums across the US as a former Los Angeles Laker Girl and captain of the San Diego Charger Girls.Crawford is also an advocate for postpartum depression and women's health.
Illinois: Nikolina Vujcic
Miss Illinois 2025 Nikolina Vujcic.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Nikolina Vujcic, 23, is a registered nurse and advocate of trauma-informed pediatric care.The pageant queen is trilingual and a big fan of "Game of Thrones." She hopes to use her platform to "inspire service, celebrate diversity, and empower others to pursue their passions," according to her Miss USA bio.
Indiana: Sydney Shrewsbury
Miss Indiana 2025 Sydney Shrewsbury.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Sydney Shrewsbury, 24, has been named the No. 1 sales representative at Salesforce five times in two years, according to her Miss USA bio.Shrewsbury is also a fitness instructor and has been classically trained in ballet for 15 years. She plans to launch her own workleisure clothing brand to fuse corporate and comfort.
Iowa: Hayley Buettell
Miss Iowa 2025 Hayley Buettell.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Hayley Buettell, 27, is a Pure Barre instructor and the owner of Forget Me Not, an online thrift store and sustainable styling business.Buettell is using her platform to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, according to her Miss USA bio.
Kansas: Asia Cymone Smith
Miss Kansas 2025 Asia Cymone Smith.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Asia Cymone Smith, 26, is a former college athlete who now works as a sports reporter. While serving as Miss Kansas, the pageant queen helped create an official day celebrating women in sports broadcasting.Smith also wrote a book called "There's No One Like Me" to raise awareness for vitiligo in honor of her mother.
Kentucky: Mattie Barker
Miss Kentucky 2025 Mattie Barker.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Mattie Barker, 22, holds a bachelor's degree in corporate communications from Belmont University, with a minor in fashion, which she uses for her custom jewelry business.Barker advocates for youth who struggle with their mental health, and she has a passion for music, teaching herself to play instruments including the piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Louisiana: Francie Millan
Miss Louisiana 2025 Francie Millan.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Francie Millan, 23, is a first-generation American, as her parents are immigrants from Uruguay. Millan created the Francie Millan Scholarship, which supports youth in Africa, Colombia, and Thailand.Millan also wrote the children's book "Simón el Gran Varón," inspired by her dog Simon. Proceeds from the book go to the Francie Millan Scholarship and Jennie's Rescue.
Maine: Shelby Howell
Miss Maine 2025 Shelby Howell.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Shelby Howell, 24, is a real-estate agent who founded the Single Parent Housing Foundation, which helps single parents access financial and housing education and resources. The cause is near to her heart because Howell herself faced housing insecurity.Howell is an enthusiastic athlete, as she played lacrosse in high school and competed in a last-woman-standing challenge.She also won the Miss Photogenic Award at the 2025 Miss USA pageant.
Maryland: Lexia Gillette
Miss Maryland 2025 Lexia Gillette.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Lexia Gillette, 29, has a family business many would dream of: a carnival. She traveled constantly with her family as Gillette Shows Carnival went to different cities, and her family's carousel horse was even featured on a US postal stamp.Gillette played both lacrosse and soccer at her alma mater, Southern Vermont College. She was also previously third runner-up at Miss Florida USA 2025 before being crowned Miss Maryland.
Massachusetts: Perianne Caron
Miss Massachusetts 2025 Perianne Caron.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Perianne Caron, 26, attended the University of Southern California, graduating in just three years with a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in dance. Today, she works as an investment marketing specialist and is getting her master's degree from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.Caron loves dance, even after undergoing double hip surgery. After the surgery, she became a member of the Boston Celtics' G Team, fulfilling a lifelong dream.Caron is dedicated to helping children gain equitable healthcare access. She has worked with the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles and Boston.
Michigan: Michelle Lewandoski
Miss Michigan 2025 Michele Lewandoski.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Michelle Lewandoski, 23, studied psychology at Grand Valley State University and is currently a student at Michigan State University, pursuing her master's degree in applied behavioral analysis. She hopes to work with children with autism.Lewandoski also created the Confident Girl Toolkit, which is designed to help women celebrate themselves through affirmations, challenges, and journal prompts.
Minnesota: Megan Rivera
Miss Minnesota 2025 Megan Rivera.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Megan Rivera, 25, studied fashion merchandising at Marist College in New York. She uses her degree as a buyer for Target.Rivera is an avid traveler, having visited five continents. She often engages in service work on her trips, as she did in her family's home country of Guatemala, where she helped build a water filtration system.Rivera also works with Through Days for Girls, helping to ensure girls and women around the world have access to proper feminine hygiene products and resources.
Mississippi: McKenzie Cole
Miss Mississippi 2025 McKenzie Cole.
Courtesy of Miss USA
McKenzie Cole, 19, is a model with The Ross Agency Inc. She moved to New York City by herself at 17 to launch her career.She's also a student at Mississippi State University, where she is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.Cole launched the youth empowerment initiative Steer to Success, aiming to help others feel confident and seen.
Missouri: Shae Smith
Miss Missouri 2025 Shae Smith.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Shae Smith, 21, is a student at the University of Missouri studying health sciences.Smith underwent surgery as a teen to correct her scoliosis. Her experience gave her purpose, and Smith now advocates for legislation that would mandate scoliosis screenings in Missouri. She also partners with the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals to support families.Smith is also a member of the Mizzou Golden Girls dance team.
Montana: Juliana Wilson
Miss Montana 2025 Juliana Wilson
Courtesy of Miss USA
Juliana Wilson, 36, is a Pure Barre lead teacher and three-time competitor on "American Ninja Warrior," which her husband also competed on.Wilson collaborates with Mental Health First Aid to help individuals access support when they encounter mental health challenges.
Nebraska: Audrey Eckert
Miss Nebraska 2025 Audrey Eckert.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Audrey Eckert, 23, studied business administration at the University of Nebraska, where she was a member of the Husker cheer squad. Eckhart now works as a social media and marketing coordinator for the Thai fashion brand Sapahn, which has a human rights mission.Eckert created a Digital Safety Ambassador Program to help others stay safe when using social media and the internet.She also participated in setting the record for the largest female sporting event ever attended, which took place in Nebraska.
Nevada: Mary Sickler
Miss Nevada 2025 Mary Sickler
Courtesy of Miss USA
Mary Sickler, 22, is a model and dancer with experience in tap, ballroom, and salsa dancing.Sickler was diagnosed with alopecia universalis in December 2024, and she has become passionate about raising awareness for the condition. During the preliminary competition for Miss USA 2025, Sickler walked the stage without a wig to spotlight alopecia.
New Hampshire: MonaLesa Brackett
Miss New Hampshire 2025 MonaLesa Brackett.
Courtesy of Miss USA
MonaLesa Brackett, 36, is the first titleholder from New Hampshire to compete at Miss USA in a hijab.Brackett loves to travel and has been to over 20 countries. She dedicates her time to helping homeless people, restoring parks, and teaching youth financial literacy.
New Jersey: Ivy Harrington
Miss New Jersey 2025 Ivy Harrington.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Ivy Harrington, 30, studied broadcast journalism at Morgan State University and is now pursuing her master's in integrated marketing communications at Georgian Court University.Harrington loves women's sports, having played basketball in high school and college. She also created MVP: Most Valuable Pivot, which helps female student athletes build foundations for their futures outside sports.
New Mexico: Dominique Ehrl
Miss New Mexico 2025 Dominique Ehrl.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Dominique Ehrl, 31, is a product marketing manager at YouTube TV, using her degree in communications from Florida International University.Ehrl, a first-generation American whose parents are Mexican and German immigrants, believes in the power of small businesses. She created "The Digital Blueprint: Courage to Build," a platform that helps small business owners leverage technology to achieve success.Ehrl is also an adventurous traveler, and she even got permanent nerve damage in her foot from a run-in with a stingray.
New York: Christiana DiNardo
Miss New York USA Christiana DiNardo.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Christiana DiNardo, 27, is a model and fashion editor for Photobook Magazine. She holds a bachelor's degree in media management from St. John Fisher University.DiNardo, who loves card games and poker specifically, volunteers frequently with Dress for Success to support women seeking new job opportunities and economic freedom. She has also participated in over 100 charity 5k runs.DiNardo is designing her own luxury pajama collection.
North Carolina: Lulu Madera
Miss North Carolina 2025 Lulu Madera.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Lulu Madera, 39, is the CEO and founder of the beauty brand Lulu Lashes. She also has a passion for music, serving as the vice president for Fancy Records and playing the violin since she was 5.Madera created the Ramon's Angels initiative to advocate for research for Parkinson's and support people diagnosed with the disease and their families. She was inspired to found Ramon's Angels after her father died of Parkinson's.
North Dakota: Olivia Redding
Miss North Dakota 2025 Olivia Redding.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Olivia Redding, 21, is deeply inspired by her family. One of her sisters previously held the Miss North Dakota title in 2019, and another, who has Down syndrome, is Redding's inspiration behind her activism.She works with North Dakota Miss Amazing to help empower women and girls with disabilities, according to her Miss USA bio. She's eager to build their confidence, embrace their strengths, and show how youth can be a tool for success.
Ohio: Hannah Klein
Miss Ohio USA Hannah Klein.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Hannah Klein, 33, uses her platform as Miss Ohio to raise awareness for rare conditions. She was inspired by her own experience with Heterotaxy syndrome, a congenital disorder where internal organs are abnormally positioned or structured.According to her Instagram account, she's also a two-time collegiate equestrian and reserve world champion who enjoys cosplaying in her spare time.
Oklahoma: Zoe Ferraro
Miss Oklahoma 2025 Zoe Ferraro.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Zoe Ferraro, 24, aims to promote literacy on the Miss USA stage. She struggled in school as a child and learned to read in the fourth grade, as shared on the Miss Oklahoma website. Now, she works with students to help shift their mindsets and support those with reading processing difficulties.Ferraro, who graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and from college with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science, and sports management, now works as a corporate recruiter.
Oregon: Chantea McIntyre
Miss Oregon 2025 Chantea McIntyre.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Chantea McIntyre, 43, is an author, model, brand owner, and mom of four. She advocates for individuality and self-confidence, inspired by her brother, who has Down syndrome.According to her Miss USA bio, she's proud to have partnered her clothing brand with the United Nations Fund for Women this year to empower others around the world.
Pennsylvania: Rica Clements
Miss Pennsylvania 2025 Rica Clements.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Rica Clements, 29, has four degrees, one of which is a doctorate in education. She's also the founder of Millennial Homebuyers Guide, a website that helps people through the buying process and helps them find grants and funding.According to her Miss USA bio, Clements is passionate about women's health and has charitably distributed thousands of feminine hygiene products to shelters over the years.
Rhode Island: Brianna Vega
Miss Rhode Island 2025 Brianna Vega.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Brianna Vega, 28, knows a thing or two about personal fitness. Not only is she a personal trainer and the founder of a women's wellness pop-up called Girl PWR, but she can also hip thrust over 300 pounds, her Miss USA bio says.Mentorship is another important part of Vega's life. She volunteers with Big Sisters of Rhode Island and has mentored a "little sister" for three years. Professionally, she works as a registered nurse.
South Carolina: Gallienne Nabila
Miss South Carolina 2025 Gallienne Nabila.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Gallienne Nabila, 27, wants to empower women to build wealth and increase their financial literacy. She founded a nonprofit organization called Gallienne's Girls, which hosts educational finance events.According to her Miss USA bio, she's also passionate about traveling and has visited over 50 countries. She works as a model and influencer with more than 2 million Instagram followers.
South Dakota: Megan Hiykel
Miss South Dakota 2025 Megan Hiykel.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Megan Hiykel, 20, is young and vastly accomplished. She took high-school classes at a local zoo and spent eight years performing as a baton twirler, which led to her winning national awards.Her Miss USA bio says she's also working to become a pilot and completed her first solo flight in May. In her free time, she volunteers with older adults to provide companionship and care.
Tennessee: Madison Kunst
Miss Tennessee 2025 Madison Kunst.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Madison Kunst, 27, has made helping others a regular part of her routine. She leads a food ministry every Sunday, which provides meals to more than 75 families, according to her Miss USA bio.She's also the founder of a music program that donated 20 guitars and lessons to children across Nashville and New Mexico. Kunst, who grew up in the countryside, likes to unwind by hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Texas: Taylor Davis
Miss Texas 2025 Taylor Davis.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Taylor Davis, 25, describes herself as a data analyst by day and a pageant queen by night, as she told the Miss Texas organization. She was named her college's queen — the 82nd Miss Howard University — in 2020.Outside of pageants, Davis has worked as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill and as a volunteer with multiple organizations. She's partnered with the NFL to donate sporting equipment to students and the Salvation Army to help families affected by flooding in Texas.
Utah: Elle Hinojosa
Miss Utah 2025 Elle Hinojosa.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Elle Hinojosa, 24, is an entrepreneur who created an accessories company that brings style to medical identification jewelry. The product was inspired by her own experience surviving a medical emergency.She's also classically trained in viola and enjoys golfing, pilates, and vintage shopping. She recently partnered with the One Love Foundation to educate others about healthy relationships and self-love.
Vermont: Victoria Chuah
Miss Vermont 2025 Victoria Chuah.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Victoria Chuah, 25, has spent her entire life dancing. According to her Miss USA bio, she started ballet lessons when she was 18 months old.She now has a master's degree in computer science and works as a model, having appeared in New York Fashion Week and Vogue Thailand. She's also a daredevil and has skydived on multiple occasions.
Virginia: Erin Houston
Miss Virginia 2025 Erin Houston.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Erin Houston, 27, is passionate about women's sports. She played lacrosse in college. She's also a world traveler and has lived in multiple countries, including Japan.According to her Miss USA bio, Houston has worked with numerous organizations that support various groups, including women in STEM, human trafficking survivors, and St. Jude patients.
Washington: Carisa Erickson
Miss Washington 2025 Carisa Erickson.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Carisa Erickson, 35, uses her pageant platform to raise awareness for mental health support and addiction recovery. According to her Miss USA bio, her experiences inspired her to support both causes.She works as a trained crisis counselor and has studied psychology. She's also a mother of three and the wife of an elected Indigenous tribal leader.
West Virginia: Erin Wellman
Miss West Virginia 2025 Erin Wellman.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Erin Wellman, 24, works in a level-two trauma hospital, which has inspired her to advocate for healthcare and blood donation. She's personally donated 16 units of blood and has worked with the American Red Cross to organize community blood drives.According to her Miss USA bio, Wellman was also a D1 dancer in college and funded her education entirely through scholarship earnings.
Wisconsin: Aneisha Cox
Miss Wisconsin 2025 Aneisha Cox.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Aneisha Cox, 22, is an accomplished dancer, cook, and CEO of Just 1 Designs, a fashion and styling company.Her Miss USA bio says she's eager to make self-defense classes more accessible and believes everyone has a right to feel strong and secure.
Wyoming: Eilish Young
Miss Wyoming 2025 Eilish Young.
Courtesy of Miss USA
Eilish Young, 29, is extremely skilled in endurance horse racing. In competition, she placed first in the USA and fourth in the world.According to her Miss USA bio, she created the Healing Through Horses initiative, which connects children and adult survivors with animals. She also hopes to promote financial literacy and independence among young women with her initiative, Her Future Her Freedom.
💼 South African Financial Sector Context
South Africa's financial technology sector has been experiencing rapid growth, with increased investment in digital banking, mobile payments, and innovative financial services. The country's regulatory environment through the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) continues to evolve to support fintech innovation while ensuring consumer protection.
This development is part of a broader digital transformation across South African industries, positioning the country as a leader in African financial technology.
🚀 South African Startup Ecosystem
South Africa's startup ecosystem, particularly in Cape Town and Johannesburg, has been attracting significant international attention and investment. The country serves as a gateway to African markets and has produced several successful tech companies that have expanded globally.
Government initiatives, accelerator programs, and increased venture capital availability are contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial environment across multiple sectors including technology, renewable energy, and e-commerce.
💻 Technology in South Africa
South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a technology hub in Africa, with growing investments in infrastructure, skills development, and innovation. The country's well-developed telecommunications infrastructure and educated workforce make it an attractive destination for tech companies and digital initiatives.
Major tech hubs in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria are fostering collaboration between established companies, startups, and academic institutions to drive technological advancement across the continent.
📈 Economic Impact & Business Environment
South Africa's economy, the most industrialized in Africa, plays a crucial role in the continent's economic landscape. Recent developments in various sectors reflect ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth.
The government's focus on economic transformation, infrastructure development, and supporting key industries continues to shape the business environment and create opportunities for both local and international investors.
Source Information
This article contains information originally published by Business Insider on October 23, 2025.
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