US' Most Beautiful Women: Meet the Miss USA Contestants from Each State

Each of the 50 states has selected beautiful and brainy women to represent them in the 2019 Miss USA pageant. Meet them all as they excitedly ready themselves to compete for the ultimate crown.

ALABAMA

Hannah McMurphy

With part-time work at the Sarah Moody Art Gallery, Hannah also travels as a Makeup Artist when not busy with her studies. As a junior at the University of Alabama, Miss Alabama is majoring in Apparel and Textiles with a double minor in Art History and Business.

During her reign, Hannah wants to help abuse victims overcome self-esteem issues by sharing her own stories and lessons learned from being a victim of abuse herself.

ALASKA

JoEllen Walters

The blond beauty entered her first beauty pageant, Miss Bear Paw Queen, in 2010. Despite it being JoEllen's first pageant, she not only walked away with the crown but also got awarded the Best Overall Costume Award.

Before her crowning as Miss Alaska, JoEllen also won the Miss Alaska Collegiate America 2016 title.

ARIZONA

Savannah Wix

Savannah became Miss Arizona Teen USA in 2014 while a freshman at Pepperdine University where she majored in Public Relations.

After her reign as Miss Arizona Teen USA, Savannah founded the HeartStrings Charity. The foundation focuses on helping children healthily overcome adversity by expressing themselves through arts and music.

ARKANSAS

Savannah Skidmore

No stranger to beauty pageants, Savannah became Miss Arkansas 2016 after Miss Shields won the Miss America contest.

As a first-year law student at the University of Arkansas, Savannah plans on continuing her studies during her reigning year as Miss Arkansas.

CALIFORNIA

Erica Dann

During her reigning year, Erica put her schooling to good use. She worked with the Tim Tebow Foundation for a Night to Shine event while Erica also dealt with Georgina Vaughn Photography and the sponsors PreVue Bridal.

While Erica earned a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Florida, she also holds a Masters Degree in International Business.

COLORADO

Madison Dorenkamp

After earning her Associate of Arts degree from Lamar Community College in 2012, Madison got accepted to Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with a Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management two years later.

While at the university, Madison served as a member of the National Association of Catering and Events, and Johnson and Wales Hospitality Professionals.

CONNECTICUT

Acacia Courtney

A life-long animal lover, Acacia became the founder and president of Racing for Home, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to giving ex-racehorses a new lease on life.

Acacia majored in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Theology. With love for the performing arts, years of study at the American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, and Steps on Broadway, made Acacia, an accomplished dancer.

DELAWARE

Jolisa Copeman

The dark-haired beauty graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science. A whirlwind of traveling and mission trips followed as Jolisa visited 14 countries including Spain, Myanmar, and Thailand. In Greece and Costa Rica Jolisa helped with beach cleanups, reforestation, and animal rehabilitation before she headed back home.

Upon her return, Jolisa returned to the University of Delaware, where she earned her Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship and Design. Then she started an internship at Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, Pennsylvania, one of the world's best horticultural sites.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Cordelia Cranshaw

Fitting with Cordelia's passion for helping children, she graduated for George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia with a bachelor's degree in social work.

During her time at the university, Cordelia served as a member of the Social Work Students Association and continued her education at the University of Maryland where she graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2015. Since then, Cordelia became an education specialist at D.C. Child and Family Services.

FLORIDA

Nicolette Jennings

With aspirations in becoming a sideline reporter for a major sports network, Nicolette graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications in 2018.

While attending university, Nicolette worked as a sports anchor and reporter at the on-campus news station and also as sports coordinator for ESPN 98.1 FM 850 AM WRUF.

GEORGIA

Katerina Rozmajzl

With a Czech heritage, Katerina was born in Stewart, Florida. She entered her first beauty contest in 2015 when she registered for the Miss Teen USA and Miss Georgia USA pageant.

HAWAII

Lacie Choy

New to beauty contests, Lacie entered her first pageant in 2018 and also walked away with the crown as Miss Waikiki USA 2018. Additionally, Lacie also received a $10,000 scholarship to Argosy University.

Already furthering her education, Lacie is enrolled at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu where she is studying communications.

IDAHO

Shelby Brown

In 2016, Shelby graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management. While at the university, Shelby became a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma Co-Ed Business Fraternity.

ILLINOIS

Alexandra Plotz

As co-captain of both her Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading squads, Alexandra attended the University of Missouri where she earned a degree in Communications and Media Studies in 2016.

While attending university, Alexandra worked for the school newspaper and became a member of the Marmion Academy.

INDIANA

Tate Fritchley

Very involved in sports during her days at North High School in Evansville, Indiana, Tate became the captain of the cheerleading squad while she also played tennis and soccer.

After high school, Tate furthered her education at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she majored in exploratory business.

IOWA

Baylee Drezek

Passionate about children, Baylee dreams of opening her own daycare facility. Being involved with children through her church as a youth mentor and the experience of working with many children while on mission trips, inspired Baylee to do more.

Currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Business Marketing, Baylee hopes the platform of being Miss Iowa will help the causes she cares about.

KANSAS

Alyssa Klinzing

Alyssa's pageant history goes back to 2013 when she entered the Miss Teen Kansas USA contest and placed in the Top 16.

After being crowned Miss Kansas, Alyssa took to social media to share her excitement. “There are no words to describe this feeling. Trust in his timing. All the glory to God,' she wrote. "Thank you all for the kind messages. I will be getting back to everyone over the next few days! I am so proud to be the new Miss Kansas USA. Next stop... Miss USA!”

KENTUCKY

Jordan Weiter

Putting her skills to use for the things she loves, Jordan helped with the Heart Gala in Lexington, in aid of raising money for people suffering from heart conditions while she also works with Best Buddies Kentucky Chapter.

Studying Business and Engineering as a senior at the University of Kentucky, Jordan is enrolled in their honors program while her excellent grades got her admitted into the National Mechanical Engineering Honors society.

LOUISIANA

Victoria Paul

Currently working as a full-time nurse at an Urgent Care Clinic, Victoria practiced specialty nursing in Dermatology for two years before making the switch to urgent care.

MAINE

Lexie Elston

With aspirations of becoming a science professor after she helped change the world working for the U.S. Department of Interior as an environmental scientist, Lexie keeps her goal in sight while she focuses on the Miss USA pageant ahead.

Earning her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at The University of Southern Maine, Lexie plans on obtaining her Master's degree from Texas A&M University after graduation.

MARYLAND

Mariela Pepin

With love for volunteering with associations like Happy Helpers for the Homeless and Operation Welcome Home, Mariela is currently attending Towson University.

As the founder of Healthy, Beautiful, Confident (HBC), Mariela uses her own experiences to help and motivate others.

MASSACHUSETTS

Kelly O'Grady

With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Harvard College and a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 2018, Kelly became a management consultant in the Boston area.

During her time at Harvard, Kelly became the Career Development Chair and Co-President of Harvard Women in Business and also the President of Finance for Harvard Undergraduate Television.

MICHIGAN

Alyse Madej

Juggling pageantry and education, Alyse graduated with a diploma in Information Systems & Marketing from the University of Michigan in 2016.

Apart from studies and pageants, Alyse also works as a print, runway, and fashion model while additionally being a product specialist for Alfa Romeo.

MINNESOTA

Catherine Stanley

Passionate about empowering women, Catherine's focus during her reign is helping others overcome their obstacles so they can reach their full potential. Catherine currently studies at Baylor University where she is majoring in pre-medical Biology.

MISSISSIPPI

Madeleine Overby

With dreams of becoming a cardiothoracic surgical nurse, Madeleine is currently a nursing student at Alabama's Troy University. Apart from her medical studies, Madeleine also loves expressing her artistic side through singing and dancing.

MISSOURI

Miriah Ludtke

The second time was the charm for Miriah when she became Miss Missouri, USA. When she entered the pageant in 2018, Mirah finished as the first runner-up.

MONTANA

Grace Zitzer

With a passion for empowerment, Grace graduated with a Masters of Social Work in 2017 and helps children in need through her work at Child Protective Services.

NEBRASKA

Lex Najarian

Having studied psychology at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Lex hopes in one day combining her background in sport psychology and holistic approach to sports and nutrition into a gym of her own.

NEVADA

Tianna Tuamoheloa

Tianna entered her first pageant in 2013 and became Miss Nevada Collegiate America in 2014. During her reign, Tianna wants to focus on the importance and balance of a healthy body and mind.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Alexis Chinn

With love for exploring, Alexis often travels to other states to check them off her bucket list. During her time as Miss New Hampshire, the university student hopes to motivate today's youth into self-acceptance and love.

NEW JERSEY

Manya Saaraswat

On the verge of graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology at Bucknell University, Manya received the highest merit scholarship, the Presidential Fellowship, awarded to a freshman.

While Manya took her studies seriously, she also got involved with sports and enjoyed acting in many plays that included off-broadway productions.

NEW MEXICO

Alejandra Gonzalez

Not Alejandra's first pageant rodeo, her history in beauty contests went back to 2013 when she entered Miss Texas USA and finished as a semi-finalist. The brown-eyed beauty also graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Master's in Accounting.

NEW YORK

Florinda Kajtazi

After obtaining a bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology, Florinda became a post-baccalaureate student at Lehman College, where she aims to qualify as a Physician Assistant.

With love for art as well, Florinda's painting also led to interests in aesthetic medicine and makeup artistry.

NORTH CAROLINA

Cheslie Kryst

Cheslie earned both a Master of Business Administration degree and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law and Graduate School of Business.

A star on the track and field events, Cheslie competed for the Gamecocks team and earned a top ten placement in the record books in the triple jump in South Carolina.

NORTH DAKOTA

Samantha Rae Redding

With a motto of "be somebody who makes everyone feel like somebody," Samantha volunteers with several organizations that include Circle of Friend, Second Story, Dream Catchers Baseball, North Dakota Buddy Walk, and the Souris Valley Humane Society.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Minot State University, Samantha plans on helping children reach their full potential.

OHIO

Alice Magoto

With plans of empowering women, Alice wants to use her degree in marketing with a minor in fashion studies, and her studies in digital engagement to develop a lifestyle brand that will bring her dreams to life. While combining interactive and visual media, Alice wants to create an online store while writing inspirational articles about happiness, beauty, and success.

OKLAHOMA

Triana Browne

With a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in Sociology, Triana has partnered with the American Heart Association in leading over 10,000 participants in the Tulsa Heart Walk.

Triana also volunteered at the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank and served as the Regional Coordinator for the Summer and Winter Special Olympics; she even got selected to sing the National Anthem at the Jim Thorpe Awards in 2018.

OREGON

Natalie Tonneson

With love for animals and helping those in need, Natalie volunteers for the Forward Stride organization, which uses equine therapy to provide physical, cognitive, and emotional treatments to special needs patients.

PENNSYLVANIA

Kailyn Perez

Kailyn studied dance and ballet from an early age, even though she started dancing professionally with the Orlando Ballet Company during her freshman year at Stetson University College of Law.

An injury sustained during her freshman year, ended Kailyn's professional dancing career before she graduated with her Juris Doctor degree in 2018.

RHODE ISLAND

Nicole Pallozzi

While Nicole aims at obtaining her Master's in Business Administration after she graduated from Rhode Island University with a Bachelor in Marketing, she fills her time as a Group Tour Coordinator, a Public Relations Coordinator, a tour guide, and an Orientation Leader.

SOUTH CAROLINA

MaKenzie Divina

The dark-haired beauty modeled evening wear for the designer Jovani at Atlanta Market in 2017, while MaKenzie more recently helps people discover the hidden gems of Clemson as a tour guide while she majors in nursing at Clemson University.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Abby Merschman

Following a career in the digital world, Abby became a digital content specialist for Montgomery's Furniture. Meanwhile, Abby is also busy with her journalism degree at South Dakota State and keeps her website, Shaped Sovereignty up to date with articles she writes herself.

TENNESSEE

Savana Hodge

With a Bachelor of Arts and a triple major in Spanish, Marketing, and International Business from Belmont University in 2016, Savana works in civil engineering for a global entering design firm. She also keeps herself busy with another passion as a Bee Keeper.

TEXAS

Alayah Benavidez

Alayah's childhood passion for literature led to her pursuit of a Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of Texas.

Because writing and reading helped develop Alayah's confidence, she started the "Read The Way" campaign focused on childhood literacy.

UTAH

Amanda Giroux

While Amanda dreams of becoming an actress, the Ohio University graduate worked in public relations for Victoria's Secret while she advocates for Project Heal, one of the largest non-profit organizations focused on healthy living and eating disorders.

VERMONT

Bethany Garrow

The importance of mental health in young adults and the benefits of dance on mental wellness are Bethany's topics of focus.

While Bethany wants to study dance-movement therapy, she also aims at earning degrees in psychology and business.

VIRGINIA

Courtney Lynne Smits

Serving the United States Army Reserve as a Psychological Operations Specialist, Courtney is a fifth-generation military member.

She is currently studying for her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication with a double minor in Social Work and Sociology.

WASHINGTON

Evelyn Clark

As the owner of a set net operation in Alaska, Evelyn loves spending time commercial fishing with her family when the paralegal isn't serving the justice system.

WEST VIRGINIA

Haley Holloway

Working in interior design, real estate investments, post-graduate consulting, and retail management, Haley is pursuing a degree in marketing online.

Haley aims at establishing herself as in sports broadcast journalism while she also dreams of owning multiple retail outlets.

WISCONSIN

Danika Tramburg

Right after graduating high school, Danika enrolled at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin where she is earning her Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Business.

WYOMING

Addison Treesh

The blue-eyed beauty is working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Management at the University of Wyoming, along with a minor through Honor's College.

In 2018, Addison earned an Associate's Degree in Science/General Studies at Gillette College before she graduated from Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyoming in 2018.