Kansas: Alexis Railsback
Alexis is 19 years old and is from Shawnee, Kansas. She has a fraternal twin sister who is two minutes older than her, but six inches shorter! Alexis also has a younger brother. Currently, Alexis is a freshman at Johnson County Community College where she plans to obtain her Associates of Arts Degree. From there, she would like to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Alexis would also like to attend Cosmetology School to become a licensed makeup artist. Her dream is to be able to travel the world working as a professional makeup artist for the entertainment and fashion industry. She would also like to create her own line of cosmetics. Alexis really appreciates diversity and other cultures because of her biracial upbringing. Alexis is a third generation Mexican American from her mother and of German descent from her father.
FUN FACT: Alexis Selena Railsback was named after Joan Collin’s character Alexis Carrington on the soap opera “Dynasty,” and the Mexican-American singer Selena.
FUN FACT: Alexis Selena Railsback was named after Joan Collin’s character Alexis Carrington on the soap opera “Dynasty,” and the Mexican-American singer Selena.
Kentucky: Katie George
Katie is 21 years old and is from Louisville, Kentucky. She has a passion for sports and has always wanted to be a sports broadcaster. In high school, Katie played for a nationally recognized volleyball program, which won her two state championships. She was a NCAA Division 1 athlete. Katie developed a pulmonary embolism due to a blood clotting disorder which made her have doubts about her future as an athlete. However, Katie was able to work through this and her senior year of high school she was named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year and Prep Volleyball’s National Player of the Year. Last summer, Katie represented her country as a member of the USA Collegiate National Team and interned for CBS Sports Network in New York City. Katie plans on graduating college in three years with her degree in Communications and then will pursue a Master’s degree.
FUN FACT: Katie considers herself to be an avid eater. She looks forward to it every day!
FUN FACT: Katie considers herself to be an avid eater. She looks forward to it every day!
Louisiana: Candice Bennatt
Candice is 26 years old and is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and minored in communications. Candice is a former NFL Cheerleader and she has earned numerous dance awards. She has also modeled for several couture designers including Stephen Yearick. Currently, Candice is attending Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in order to pursue a career in patent and trademark law. Candice received a substantial scholarship in order to attend this school. Her career goal is to be a legal analyst for a major news network where she can combine her love of law and public speaking. Candice is the state ambassador for the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence where she shares her own story in order to educate others on domestic violence awareness and protection. Candice enjoys hobbies like dance, fitness, and playing with her dogs. As a future Miss USA, Candice hopes to inspire others to strive for success just like she is doing to become the next Miss USA.
FUN FACT: Candice is a second year law student, even though she has already graduated with a degree in Biology!
FUN FACT: Candice is a second year law student, even though she has already graduated with a degree in Biology!
Maine: Heather Elwell
Heather is 26 years old is and from West Bath, Maine. She attended Florida State University’s College of Music as one of seven flutists. She double majored in Music and Economics. Heather can play seven instruments including the flute, tenor saxophone, violin, piano, guitar, mellophone, and drums. Since Heather is a musician, she has traveled and performed in over seven countries. One of her best performances was on The Great Wall of China in Beijing! Now Heather volunteers at the Children’s Hospital to perform music to children with cancer as a type of therapy. Heather loves being on her boat with her family, being outside, fishing, and hiking.
FUN FACT: Heather has loved fishing since her grandmother taught her how to fish at age four. Heather has won many awards for the striped bass that she catches on her boat.
FUN FACT: Heather has loved fishing since her grandmother taught her how to fish at age four. Heather has won many awards for the striped bass that she catches on her boat.
Maryland: Mame Adjei
Mame is 23 years old and is from Silver Spring, Maryland. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University with her bachelor’s in Political Science and African Studies. Mame also minored in Business. Eventually, Mame would love to earn an International Law degree and work on human rights policies with agencies such as the United Nations. Mame has volunteered with several humanitarian organizations and has developed a youth empowerment program in Maryland. Since the age of 16, Mame has been modeling in places such as Maryland, DC, and New York. Currently, Mame works as a project manager for a hair and beauty company based out of Washington, DC. On her free time, Mame loves to do art. She likes to paint and draw.
FUN FACT: Mame’s first modeling experience was at the age of 6 in Switzerland. She was scouted to be featured in a church brochure.
FUN FACT: Mame’s first modeling experience was at the age of 6 in Switzerland. She was scouted to be featured in a church brochure.
Massachusetts: Polikseni Manxhari
Polikseni is 24 years old and is from Holden, Massachusetts. She was born in Tirana, Albania and came to the U.S. when she was five years old. Polikseni has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern University in Boston, Ma. Currently, Polikseni volunteers for the Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline as a contact where she helps people in need. This is something that is really close to Polikseni’s heart because she recently lost a friend due to suicide. As a future Miss USA, Polikseni hopes to spread the message that no matter who you are or where you are from, with hard work and passion, you can live the American dream. When Polikseni has free time, she enjoys movie nights with a friend who has muscular dystrophy, supporting the New England Patriots, and playing video games with her nine year old brother.
FUN FACT: Polikseni went to both the junior and senior prom alone because she was never asked!
FUN FACT: Polikseni went to both the junior and senior prom alone because she was never asked!
Michigan: Rashontae Wawrzyniak
Rashontae is 25 years old and is from Detroit, Michigan. She attended Siena Heights University where she had both an academic scholarship and an athletic scholarship. Rashontae ran both indoor and outdoor track for the university as well as cross country. Rashontae received her degree in Psychology, and she now pursues a modeling and acting career. She also works as a spokes model for Chrysler. Being a spokes model, Rashontae gets to travel the country speaking or presenting for Chrysler. When she is not doing that, she is in Miami or New York City doing a fashion show or a photo shoot. As a future Miss USA, Rashontae hopes to inspire young women with her story. She wants to teach them to love themselves and to be proud of who you are no matter what happens in life.
FUN FACT: Rashontae was raised by her father and as a result was a huge tomboy! She didn’t start wearing makeup or heels until after college!
FUN FACT: Rashontae was raised by her father and as a result was a huge tomboy! She didn’t start wearing makeup or heels until after college!
Minnesota: Jessica Scheu
Jessica is 23 years old and is from Prior Lake, Minnesota. Currently, she is in her final semester at the University of St. Thomas where she is studying Business with a minor in Communication/Journalism. After Jessica graduates, she wants to pursue a career with the Minnesota Wild or the Minnesota Vikings as a sports manager. Jessica is a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and started when she was six years old. For the past six years, Jessica has been a spokesperson for Soldier’s Angels. She is a huge supporter of the military. On her free time, Jessica enjoys being at the gym, hanging out with her Godson, or eating ice cream no matter what the flavor!
FUN FACT: Jessica is a fantasy football champion! Growing up watching her dad cheer on the Minnesota Vikings turned her into their #1 fan!
FUN FACT: Jessica is a fantasy football champion! Growing up watching her dad cheer on the Minnesota Vikings turned her into their #1 fan!
Mississippi: Courtney Byrd
Courtney is 23 years old and is from Oxford, Mississippi. She is currently a senior at the University of Mississippi. Courtney grew up with a passion for the fine arts. She loves to sing, she loves to dance, she loves to play percussion, and she loves to act and do art. Her interests include fashion, fitness and nutrition, and Ole Miss sports. In her free time, Courtney enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. Courtney has traveled to eight countries and studied abroad in Costa Rica and Spain. After she graduates college, Courtney would like to backpack Europe and then later open her own health and wellness store. Courtney loves music from the 40s and the 70s and loves watching old classic movies. She wants to work with the youth of today on embracing their individuality and seeking validation from within rather than seeking it from others.
FUN FACT: Courtney would love to drive in a NASCAR race!
FUN FACT: Courtney would love to drive in a NASCAR race!
Missouri: Rebecca Dunn
Rebecca is 24 years old and is from Columbia, Missouri. In May 2014, Rebecca graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Communication Science and Disorders, where she was a Dean’s List Scholar. As an undergrad, Rebecca founded a mentorship program called “Mizzou for You” to help peers who have special needs transition from high school to the “real world.” Rebecca likes to travel and has studied abroad in Europe and went on a mission trip to Africa where she visited orphanages in Kenya and Malawi. Rebecca is passionate about orphan care and hopes to make orphanages less of a process and more of a home in the future. Rebecca recently created a Youtube Channel and video blog called “Huddle Up” because at the end of the day, we are all on the same team. Rebecca believes that if we continue to uplift one another and act like team mates, nobody will ever lose. You can see Rebecca as an anchor on Newsy.com on TV and online.
FUN FACT: Rebecca has been everywhere from the coldest peak in Germany to the jungles of Latin America.
FUN FACT: Rebecca has been everywhere from the coldest peak in Germany to the jungles of Latin America.
Montana: Tahnee Peppenger
Tahnee is 27 years old and is from Great Falls, Montana. In 2010, she graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine. She is an entrepreneur, cowgirl, foodie, athlete, political buff, and a proud patriot. She is the owner and operator of PinkSpurs, a rodeo fashion design business, and is an avid team roper. Along with rodeo, Tahnee likes to discover new foods, travel, hunt, fly fish, boat, live music, and anything that has to do with Montana. Tahnee takes pride in her physical training and discipline. She believes in an aggressive approach to health and fitness and is a proponent of weight lifting with high intensity interval training. Tahnee would love to serve her state and country through public or military service.
FUN FACT: Tahnee is a military brat, with family serving in the Marines, the Air Force, and a great-great Aunt who was a decorated WW1 battlefield nurse.
FUN FACT: Tahnee is a military brat, with family serving in the Marines, the Air Force, and a great-great Aunt who was a decorated WW1 battlefield nurse.
Nebraska: Hoang-Kim Cung
Hoang-Kim is 24 years old and is from Grand Island, Nebraska. She works as a reporter and fill in anchor for a local news station in Nebraska. Outside of the newsroom, Hoang-Kim writes for her fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blog colorandchic.com. She poses in the streets of Nebraska or wherever she travels modeling her style of feminine clothes and accessories. Hoang-Kim also loves technology. Currently, she is learning how to code. Hoang-Kim also loves to cook and eat recipes with fresh ingredients. To stay active, Hoang-Kim does Pilates, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Hoang-Kim started a 501c3 to raise money for wounded veterans. She also promotes girls studying in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). As a future Miss USA, Hoang-Kim wants to spread a message of confidence by encouraging other to know their value and individual strengths.
FUN FACT: Hoang-Kim is a big techie. Growing up she built computers with her brother, and now she is learning how to code!
FUN FACT: Hoang-Kim is a big techie. Growing up she built computers with her brother, and now she is learning how to code!
Nevada: Brittany McGowan
Brittany is 25 years old and is from Las Vegas, Nevada. She is currently a model and she has been modeling since she was 16 years old. Brittany has landed numerous national commercials and print campaigns for major companies such as Sketchers and LA Fitness. Brittany not only loves being in front of the camera, but she loves being behind it too! Her plan is to one day become an independent filmmaker and through cinema hopes to empower women. Brittany is also very passionate about the youth in her country, specifically children born with disadvantages. Brittany has been working hard on a personal project called My World My Way. This is a personal development project for teens dedicated to strengthening their self-awareness, self-respect, and self-reliance. In her free time, Brittany loves to go hiking.
FUN FACT: Brittany is multi-racial. She is English, Irish, Scottish, Italian, Puerto Rican, and African-American.
FUN FACT: Brittany is multi-racial. She is English, Irish, Scottish, Italian, Puerto Rican, and African-American.
New Hampshire: Samantha Poirier
Samantha is 24 years old and is from Dover, New Hampshire. She has modeled for many bridal magazines such as New Hampshire Brides, New Hampshire Weddings, and Lakes Region Bride. Samantha has also worked as a print and fit model for brands like Jonathan Kayne/Benjamin Walk Footwear, and Reebok. On the weekends, Samantha loves to challenge herself by climbing New Hampshire’s White Mountains. She has reached the peak of Mount Chocorua and the summit of the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California. For school, Samantha has attended Portsmouth Christian Academy and the University of New Hampshire. She was a college athlete and is passionate about fitness and health. In school she is currently studying Esthetics and hopes to open a luxury spa with her sister someday.
FUN FACT: Samantha takes her elderly grandfather out for lunch EVERYDAY!
FUN FACT: Samantha takes her elderly grandfather out for lunch EVERYDAY!
New Jersey: Vanessa Oriolo
Vanessa is 21 years old and is from Colts Neck, New Jersey. She is a senior at Temple University pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Vanessa is very into Business because she grew up in the restaurant industry. For most of her life, Vanessa was a dancer. Now, she teaches dance. Vanessa has tried five times to claim the Miss New Jersy USA crown, and she finally won! Her younger brother is her biggest fan and he is so excited to see her represent their state at the Miss USA Pageant. One day Vanessa would love to become a fashion stylist for Hollywood’s greatest celebrities and to eventually start her own fashion brand. Vanessa is trilingual. She can speak English, Italian, and Spanish. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys reading, blogging, cooking, and being outdoors. She believes anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and optimism.
FUN FACT: Vanessa is left handed and is the only lefty in her family!
FUN FACT: Vanessa is left handed and is the only lefty in her family!
New Mexico: Alexis Duprey
Alexis is 24 years old and is from Alamogordo, New Mexico. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University with degrees in Communication and Journalism. Alexis graduated Magnum Cum Laude. This past May, Alexis graduated with honors with her master’s degree in Communication Studies with a cognate in Marketing. She loves to ballroom dance and she loves to sing. Currently, at New Mexico State University, she teaches public speaking. One of her favorite jobs was teaching tap dance to five year old students. Alexis won the 7th season of Dancesport’s “Look Who’s Dancing” at New Mexico State University in 2014. Alexis has done commercials, modeling, and acting in the past. She was nominated and awarded a top 5 placement as Women of Today and Tomorrow by the city of Las Cruces. She was also recently nominated for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award at NMSU. In the future, Alexis would love to have a job in public relations or marketing for an airline.
FUN FACT: Last summer, Alexis met Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Alexis is a huge fan of 80’s music and she had her own radio show. Her DJ name was "Twisted Sister."
FUN FACT: Last summer, Alexis met Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Alexis is a huge fan of 80’s music and she had her own radio show. Her DJ name was "Twisted Sister."
New York: Thatiana Diaz
Thatiana is 22 years old and is from Bayside, New York. At age 16, Thatiana was Miss New York Teen USA in 2010. From there, Thatiana went to college at Pace University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Communication Studies. As an undergraduate, Thatiana was a feature editor for The Pace Press and interned at several companies including Vogue, Sony, Latina Magazine, Seventeen, and Wilhelmina. Thatiana has served as a contributor to several national and international publications and has been recognized for her future series of self-help books for first-generation American university students. Thatiana enjoys animals, writing in her journal, baking for her family and friends, watching the Food Network, and running. She also loves to travel and experience new cultures.
FUN FACT: Thatiana collects scarves. She owns over 80 scarves in different colors, styles and patterns!
FUN FACT: Thatiana collects scarves. She owns over 80 scarves in different colors, styles and patterns!
North Carolina: Julia Dalton
Julia is 24 years old and is from Wilmington, North Carolina. She graduated from High Point University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Pre-Pharmacy Education. In college, Julia also served as the President of the Kappa Delta sorority, a Resident Assistant, and a Supplementary Instructor in Statistics. Julia currently works at PDD, a contract research organization that facilitates clinical trials. Julia also models, performs, speaks, and uses her health and wellness expertise with the Miss North Carolina USA Platform to educate and inspire others to live long, healthy lives. In her free time, Julia loves to paint, play tennis, run on the beach, and have game nights with her family.
FUN FACT: Julia is the third person in her family to compete for the title of Miss USA.
FUN FACT: Julia is the third person in her family to compete for the title of Miss USA.
North Dakota: Molly Ketterling
Molly is 20 years old and is from Elgin, North Dakota. She is of Irish, Germans from Russia, and Portuguese decent. Molly grew up on a small farm and spent many of her summers riding horses and hanging out by the lake with her family. The Ketterlings were among the first families to use In Vitro Fertilization in North Dakota. Molly’s parents were unable to have children so her mother’s friend decided to give them some of her eggs so that they could. Now, Molly’s parents have Molly and her twin brother, as well as an older daughter. When Molly won the crown of Miss North Dakota USA, her whole family, including both of her mothers, saw her at her big moment. This was Molly’s fourth time competing for Miss North Dakota USA. She was first runner up (second place) in the teen division in both 2012 and 2013. In 2014, she was first runner up for Miss North Dakota USA. Currently, Molly is studying Business at Bismarck College.
FUN FACT: Molly attended the International Science Fair for two years thanks to her growing and studying cancer cells in a Petri dish!
FUN FACT: Molly attended the International Science Fair for two years thanks to her growing and studying cancer cells in a Petri dish!
Ohio: Sarah Newkirk
Sarah is 25 years old and is from Jackson, Ohio. Living in Ohio, Sarah has grown to love the outdoors. Her favorite hobbies are archery, target shooting, hunting, line dancing, reading, and fishing. She was in a shooting sports club for 6 years and continues her passion by instructing youth on target shooting. Sarah also works as a lithotripsy technician removing kidney stones in surgery and aspires to continue her career in healthcare by becoming a cancer treatment facility administrator after she receives her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Sarah also enjoys modeling and volunteering for Pink Ribbon Girls and Relay for Life. Both of these organizations raise money for cancer research and patients. As a future Miss USA, Sarah would like to become a spokesperson for breast/ovarian cancer, and advocate gun safety.
FUN FACT: Sarah was homeschooled and did not have a TV in her home until the 9th grade.
FUN FACT: Sarah was homeschooled and did not have a TV in her home until the 9th grade.
Oklahoma: Olivia Jordan
Olivia is 26 years old and is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She went to Boston University and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science. In college, Olivia worked as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. She also started a self-defense workshop that became a tradition carried out by her sorority Alpha Phi. Olivia has been in many national and international commercials and feature films like Hot Tub Time Machine 2! In New York Fashion Week 2015, Olivia walked for Sherri Hill. In 2014, Olivia walked for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Olivia has been in magazines such as Cosmo, Shape, and Vogue Japan. Olivia was recognized by Children of the Night, a group dedicated to getting US children out of prostitution, as an outstanding advocate. She is also the 2015 host for the Oklahoma Chapter Alzheimer’s Association Memory Gala and helped raise 1.3 million dollars.
FUN FACT: While at Boston University, Olivia won first prize in a pie baking contest!
FUN FACT: While at Boston University, Olivia won first prize in a pie baking contest!
Oregon: Bridget Wilmes
Bridget is 22 years old and is from Canby, Oregon. She was attending TCU when an opportunity arose to pursue her modeling career at an agency, so now she is continuing her education online. Bridget loves to sing opera, blog, spend time with family (especially her older brother), and she loves to cuddle with her dog. When Bridget is not at the gym or making appearances, you will find her working on her mystery thriller novel, making people laugh with her corny jokes, and participating in the occasional mud run or food eating challenge. Bridget loves working with the youth and believes that through volunteerism everyone has the opportunity to make a positive impact on society. Bridget believes that faith, family, hard work, and determination are the keys to her success.
FUN FACT: Bridget dances to her favorite music selections when home alone and loves to pretend she is in the music video.
FUN FACT: Bridget dances to her favorite music selections when home alone and loves to pretend she is in the music video.
Pennsylvania: Elizabeth Cardillo
Elizabeth is 24 years old and is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California with a degree in Merchandise Marketing. After graduating, she entered the bridal industry where she works as a bridal stylist. Elizabeth also models frequently and has traveled all across the country. Elizabeth was adopted as a baby. Because of this, it is her goal to educate and promote awareness for other families to “get involved” with foster children. Elizabeth also works with the Genesis Foundation of Pittsburgh Adoption Service Agency , and organization that focuses on helping pregnant women and foster children that are in crisis. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys experiencing new restaurants, traveling, yoga, and horseback riding.
FUN FACT: Giant Pandas are her favorite animal. Liz frequently watches the live “Panda Cam” from the National Zoo. She also donates money to the WWF Fund.
FUN FACT: Giant Pandas are her favorite animal. Liz frequently watches the live “Panda Cam” from the National Zoo. She also donates money to the WWF Fund.
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