The 2018 Miss USA competition is set to air on 21 May at 8pm (EST) on FOX. I am low key a pageant fanatic, I mean it only makes sense being that I have competed in a few. My first pageant that I competed in was Miss Alabama USA back in 2015 and from that experience I learned a lot about myself and the fact that I was able to push myself outside my comfort zone.
The class of 2018 possesses 9 Melanated QUEENS who I am rooting for to win the crown. These ladies represent the states/districts of Alaska, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. I will admit seeing Alaska, and Wisconsin with women of Color as their title holders caught me off guard. Yall know the black numbers are really though in those parts of the countries, but honestly it was just a reminder that the Queens who possess the Melanin can SLAY in every state.
Learn more about the women below.
Brooke Johnson (ALASKA)
Age: 25
Height: 5’4
“Brooke Johnson is a graduate of Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Cinema Arts. She is the first female photojournalist for Coastal Television in 34 years. As a national ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Brooke is passionate about sharing her story to the millions of Americans impacted by mental illness.”
“As a peer leader, her goal was to adopt a platform to educate future generations about self-esteem, mental health awareness and bullying with the creation of her project Crowning Confidence. This campaign is motivating young women around the country through words of affirmation and reminders of their value.”
Bryce Armstrong ( DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)
Bryce Armstrong ( DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)
Age: 21
Height: 5’9
“Bryce Armstrong is a young entrepreneur who turned her love of baking into a self-owned business. Her business entails baking and decorating cakes and sweets for special events throughout Washington, D.C. and the East Coast. Bryce is passionate about helping others develop the skills to become their own boss.”
When she isn’t baking, Bryce can be found traveling by plane or ship, spending time with her family, watching the Ellen DeGeneres show or volunteering for SOME (So Others Might Eat), an organization that tackles the homeless issue in D.C. She describes herself as an ambitious, passionate, and creative person. Bryce is hoping to make history at this year’s Miss USA competition by becoming the third contestant crowned from D.C. three years in a row.”
Genesis Davila ( FLORIDA)
Age: 27
Height: 5’10
“Genesis Davila spent almost a year in disaster relief efforts before she found her calling to pursue a graduate degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Combining her practical field experience with graduate education, Genesis would like to utilize her degree to leverage herself as the leader of her nonprofit organization specializing in providing primary needs to those affected by natural disasters.”
“Genesis’ most significant achievements include organizing more than twelve humanitarian flights and bringing primary care from Florida to the Caribbean region during the recent 2017 hurricane season.”
Darrian Arch ( INDIANA)
Age: 23
“Darrian Arch is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology this year from Bethel College and is currently working on becoming an organ transplant surgeon. Darrian has had a love for medicine since she was young, spending countless hours at her father’s dental office dreaming of the day she would become a doctor herself.”
“Darrian enjoys being a thrill seeker through her need for speed, and when she is not in the garage you can find her studying her favorite subject of human anatomy and physiology. She describes herself as bold, gregarious, and enterprising. Darrian is a proud advocate for the Indiana Donor Network and has recently established a partnership with them.”
Braea Tilford (KENTUCKY)
Age: 25
Height: 5’7
“Braea Christine Tilford is a Louisville native who discovered her love for fashion editorial while studying Communication at the University of Louisville. Braea is a digital content curator, public speaker and founder of Grow Lead Inspire, a leadership conference for teens since 2015.”
“She considers herself a fashionably-bred southern belle whose passions are deeply rooted in faith, inspiration, community involvement, style and beauty. Braea has already secured several positions in New York City and looks forward to continuing her experience in the fashion industry.”
Allissa Latham (MASSACHUSETTES)
Age: 27
“Allissa is a 26-year-old who currently resides in Lowell, Massachusetts. In Lowell, Allissa works at Lowell General Hospital as an Integration Architect for Cerner Corporation, a Health Information Technology company. She is also actively pursuing her MBA with a concentration in Health Care from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.”
” In her spare time, she volunteers at local homeless shelters, crochets, and receives mentoring from the American College of Healthcare Executives mentorship program. Allissa looks forward to using the Miss USA platform to shine light on issues such as financial literacy, gaps in healthcare, and funding programs for at-risk youth.”
Genesis Suero (NEW YORK)
Age: 26
Height: 5’6
“Genesis Camilla Suero is an example of the American Dream. Born in the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 and became an American citizen at the age of 21. She has worked two jobs in the United States since the age of 15, while attending school to provide financially for herself and her mother, who was living in the Dominican Republic. She graduated high school in three years to allow herself time for a full time job. Two years ago she was able to provide financial stability to her mother for her to join Genesis in the United States. She is pursuing her Real Estate license and hopes to create a Real Estate Firm to allow job opportunities and support to immigrants.”
“In her spare time she enjoys participating in marathons, such as the TCS NYC marathon, and working with NYRR to encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle. Being crowned Miss New York USA was a major accomplishment for Genesis, one she had dreamed about for many years. She will use her title to encourage immigrants across the United States to work hard to succeed in the land of opportunity.”
Daescia Demoranville (RHODE ISLAND)
Age: 22
Height: 5’5
“Daescia Demoranville who also likes to go by Daisy, graduated last year with her Baking and Pastry Arts degree and is continuing to pursue her education by earning her second degree in Food Service Management. Aside from school, Daescia has always found a great interest in arts and crafts and reading and writing poetry.”
“She also loves to travel and hopes to have the opportunity to visit various countries and experience different cultures. She has a soft spot for animals and enjoys visiting animal shelters in her free time. If Daescia were to be crowned the next Miss USA she hopes to be able to advocate for domestic violence and the other connected social issues.”
Regina Gray (WISCONSIN)
Age: 27
Height: 5’10
“Regina Gray was born in Jackson, Mississippi but after relocating to the Midwest with her family, she proudly calls Milwaukee, Wisconsin home. She credits both her Southern and Midwestern upbringings for her appreciation of hospitality and hard work. Regina, an International Baccalaureate Scholar, was inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and studied both Communication and Mathematics in college.”
“Losing her father prematurely to a massive heart attack encouraged Regina to begin working with the American Heart Association (AHA) to help spread heart health awareness in her community and since receiving the title of Miss Wisconsin USA she is now an AHA ambassador for her state. If she takes home the crown, Regina hopes to continue to advocate for heart health awareness and prevention on a nationwide level.”
Good luck to all the ladies competing tonight and may the best woman win.
Remember To Always Be
Fierce and Fabulous
xoxo Lela Victoria
