Author: Will the Pageant Guy

In Andrea's very own words:

"I am goal oriented, a team player, and an eternal optimist who looks for the good in people and expects the best of myself."

Andrea Rogers is currently working toward her master’s degree in marketing communications at West Virginia University. She says that earning a marketing degree provides her with the necessary marketing skills to help promote The Miss Universe Organization through raising awareness of the ideals and values on which the organization stands. While attending school, she is also working as a special education teacher at Berkeley County Schools. Andrea says her strongest talent is the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations, including children with special needs. Another experience that helped foster her ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations is when she spent an in entire summer studying in Italy.

Andrea is an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Her favorite hobbies include studying, teaching dance, snow skiing, traveling and cooking. She describes herself as multifaceted, passionate and optimistic. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Jessica's own words:

"Be kinder than necessary to everyone you encounter, for you do not know what they may have faced before crossing paths with you."

As a child, Jessica Kazmierczak moved all over the state. She lived mostly in small towns and rural villages that were sometimes only accessible by dog sled or airplane and had populations of less than 1,000 people. She spent most of her childhood living in a log cabin, without electricity or running water. Her family grew and hunted almost everything they ate.

Despite being from a small town and having an unusual childhood, Jessica still has had numerous opportunities to see, influence, and change the world. She competed in the Junior Olympics and the Arctic Winter Games for cross country skiing. Jessica attended Mississippi State University for an exchange semester and represented the U.S. as a student ambassador to Europe.

From all of her experiences, Jessica learned that it doesn’t matter what your background is or where you are from; opportunities are endless. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Megan's own words:

"As I compete for the Miss USA title, I will be thinking not only of the personal achievements that have gotten me there, but I will also be inspired and motivated by the achievements of the state of Indiana. Seeing the perseverance of my fellow Hoosiers through the destruction caused by the tornadoes in Henryville has given my title and success new meaning."

Megan Myrehn’s future plans include receiving her Master of Business Administration degree and owning her own business. This spring, she became the first undergraduate marketing intern to work at Eli Lilly and Company.

Megan feels passionately about literacy and believes that everyone should be given a chance to serve as a productive member of society. Megan believes her strongest talent is her ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism. Her favorite hobbies include running, reading, and swimming. Megan describes herself as adventurous, perceptive, and conscientious. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

  

In Catherine's own words:

"Work hard to achieve your dreams.  When you achieve your dreams, work hard to remain grateful."

Catherine Muldoon currently holds two degrees of higher education. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University in 2007 and in 2011 she was awarded a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. Presently, Catherine works as a Cosmetic Dentist at Konikoff Dentistry in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Catherine has worked diligently with Operation Smile, an international organization that provides surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities for children around the world. She has also volunteered for humanitarian dental missions, which took her to both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There, she was able to deliver dental treatment to those in need as well as practice her Spanish.

When Catherine is not treating patients, she enjoys playing water sports, socializing with both new and old friends, and spending time with her Maltese dog, Winnie. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In the words of Holly Allen:

"To ascend a peak takes courage and passion, but the true testament is found in what you do once on the summit."

Holly Allen attended California State University Chico on a four-year scholarship. There, she graduated with honors and earned a degree in business and marketing. Born and raised in Lander, Holly refers to herself as a ‘true Wyoming country girl’. Her family owns and operates a guest ranch in the remote Wind River Mountains. Every summer, Holly has guided guests through the mountains, teaching them how to ride horses and fish. She was also the ranch chef, where she says she perfected her creative culinary skills.

Holly was on the executive board of her sorority and was involved in several activities and fundraisers, most prominently for the American Heart Association. During college, she spent a semester abroad studying in Australia, in which she extended her trip for a month-long solo-backpacking excursion around the country.

After graduation, Holly’s desire for a challenge led her to dive into the world of IT. She currently works with Fortune 500 companies nationwide, staffing their tech departments. She says she thrives on the interaction with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and expertise. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Michelle's very own words:

"I have always lived by the quote, 'Your dreams will carry you, but you have to be willing to fly first.'  This organization has inspired me to spread my wings, allowing me to discover the power I have to make a difference."

Michelle Leonardo currently studies at Suffolk University where she is working toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Michelle enjoys participating in the Suffolk Voice, Cooking 101 and was a member of the Suffolk University Dance Team.

Michelle works as a college reporter for Boston based television show “Style It Up.” Most recently, she attended Boston Fashion Week covering Daniel Faucher Couture and Lily & Migs. She hopes to someday be a reporter for ESPN working either as a sideline reporter for the New York Jets or in the dugout at Yankee Stadium.

Michelle has been dancing since she was three-years-old and has captured numerous titles and scholarships including Miss Teen Starquest, Star Systems Top Advanced Senior Soloist, two time winner of Jump Convention and was a Competition VIP scholarship recipient. She is also a six-time Company Dance scholarship recipient. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy