Author: Will the Pageant Guy

Brittany Oldehoff was born and raised in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A native Floridian, Brittany enjoys the beach, boating, and jet skiing.

She is a professional model with Next Model Management and has travelled all over the world to model for Michael Kors, Zac Posen, Oscar De La Renta, Armani, Chloe, and many others. Brittany was featured as a model on the second season of "Project Runway" and "Models of the Runway" on Lifetime.

Last year, Brittany graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. She hopes to one day land a successful career with the Secret Service. She is an advocate for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and has volunteered for Best Buddies and the Tri County Humane Society.

She enjoys romantic comedies, country line dancing, and Mexican food. Brittany believes life is a journey where we must live each day to the fullest, learn from your mistakes, and never let negative circumstances impede your path to success. (Photo and bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

  

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Bishara graduated from Columbia College of Chicago, Illinois with a BA in Broadcast Journalism. Her ultimate goal is to be a broadcaster on a national network. She is a former traffic reporter on WTMJ-4, Milwaukee's NBC affiliate.

Bishara is a huge sports fan and currently works for FOX Sports Wisconsin as an on-air personality. She is very active with Special Olympics Wisconsin, going "Over the Edge," and taking the "Ultimate Lambeau Leap" to help raise money for the organization.

She danced professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks as a NBA dancer for three years, and was even selected to dance at the 2011 NBA United Tour in Madrid, Spain. She self-published two books by the time she graduated from high school. The books include "A Pink Bag of Dreams," and "Family Connection Book Club."

She was honored by the Mayor of Milwaukee with a Proclamation; proclaiming July 12th "Bishara Dorre Day" to recognize her many hours of community service. (Photo and bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

  

Audra Mari was named Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2011 and then first-runner up to the national title.

After selecting her final question regarding bullying, she fought back tears recalling the trauma she endured while being bullied in high school. Capturing Seventeen Magazine's attention, they shared her story to teens worldwide.

A native of Fargo, a whole new world unfolded for this 20-year-old when she was invited back to the Bahamas as a celebrity guest after Miss Teen USA, was chosen to appear on the Dr. Phil television show in a special segment on bullying, and hired by HGTV as a promotional model.

She has modeled for Sherri Hill for the past four years. Audra is a Dean's List student at NDSU majoring in Public Relations and Communications. She enjoys visiting her family's lake cabin, wake surfing, and snowmobiling. One thing is for sure, she credits much of her success today to pageantry. (Photo and bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

  

Charisse is the daughter of Ed and Karla Haislop and the oldest of three children.

She has lived in West Virginia her entire life. While growing up, Charisse excelled in the sports of gymnastics and swimming.

She proudly finished her swimming career by anchoring her high school swim relay team to a record-breaking swim at their state meet.

(Photo and bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

  

Valerie is a woman who knows what she wants, how to get it, and won't stop until she does, all the while maintaining her integrity and respect for others.

She is a graduate of honors from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is a Marketing Coordinator, while continuing to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.

She hopes to become the CMO of a major company after receiving her MBA. She plans to start a philanthropy project that will positively impact underprivileged children in the USA.

She enjoys cooking, traveling, singing, The Pittsburgh Steelers, being a trivia buff, and working with kids. She describes herself as hungry, inspirational and purpose-driven.

(Photo and bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)