Category: Titleholders

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
  

In Jessica's own words:

"Be bold, take risks, dare to dream; but above all else, serve others, lead with your values, and always remain authentic."

Jessica Renee Martin is a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico where she is a senior at New Mexico State University majoring in both business and marketing, and also minoring in sports marketing. Her future plans include obtaining a master’s degree and pursuing a career as a marketing director for ESPN.

Jessica says her life has always revolved around sports. She began playing sports at the age five, and throughout the years has participated in gymnastics, softball, volleyball, basketball, and track, where she was once ranked the third fastest in the State of New Mexico in the 400 meter dash. She is also a 2007 Girls 5A State Basketball Champion. Jessica is a self-confessed pogo stick enthusiast and once jumped 1,042 times non-stop.

Jessica donates much of her time and energy to causes that are dear to her heart, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life." Her volunteerism continues as she travels to local schools throughout New Mexico, addressing the serious issue of bullying; she discusses her experiences of being bullied for over eight years and how she was able to overcome it.

When she is not on the basketball court or in the classroom, Jessica can be found whitewater rafting, jet skiing, hiking, and eating anything and everything with hot green chile. Jessica is of Spanish, Mexican, French, German, and Polish descent, and says she is blessed and honored to represent her home state of New Mexico. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy

  

In Erika's own words:

"We are all only human. Live by faith and compassion. Walk with the knowledge that you have a divine purpose and mission in life to change the world."

In 2006, Erika Lane Frantzve founded a 501(c)(3) charitable organization named Everyday Heroes Like You, which is a group that assists other nonprofits across the country. Erika and her partners are constantly finding ways to promote and celebrate the “everyday heroes” in communities nationwide. The organization hosts numerous events to support groups like the Sojourner Center, Packages From Home, the USO, Border Patrol Foundation, Arizona Humane Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, UMOM, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

For the past two years, Erika has focused on supporting the military. Erika has a background in political science and has worked with numerous high-ranking military officials. Erika also created two outgrowths of Everyday Heroes Like You: Johnny’s Locker and PAWS for a CAUSE. These programs allow Erika to work with The Fisher House and the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She looks forward to opening the third Johnny’s Locker this summer at The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Erika’s number one love, aside from philanthropic work, is sports. She played women’s basketball at Regis University, and she enjoys volleyball, golf, and track. Erika also modeled and acted in Los Angeles, Denver and Arizona. In May, Erika will proudly graduate summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a dual degree in political science and international relations. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Katherine's own words:

"Many girls prepare their whole lives for this one moment. For me, I see Miss USA as an opportunity to reach new and greater heights in the future."

Katherine Webb was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended middle school and high school in Columbus, Georgia and graduated from Northside High School in 2007. She then attended Auburn University. She graduated from Auburn in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Administration. She participated in events held by the Women's Philanthropy Board at Auburn and in various community service projects around the area.

She currently works at Chick-fil-A in Columbus, Georgia as a training director. She also models professionally for clients in New York, Miami and Atlanta. In November 2007, she competed for the title of Miss Georgia USA, ranking in the Top 15 and won Miss Photogenic Georgia USA. She decided that she would not compete in another pageant until she received her degree and gained more experience. In January 2012, Katherine was crowned Miss Alabama USA 2012.

Katherine wants to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her. She hopes that competing for the title of Miss USA 2012 will allow her to explore many opportunities in the entertainment industry. She also looks forward to encouraging young women to pursue their dreams and to not let fear stop them from achieving their heart's greatest desires (bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization).

Twitter: @RealMissALusa

Enjoy Katherine’s interview below!

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Sydney's own words:

"I’m determined, fun loving, and an optimist; I never let anything get in the way of a goal I have set. I accomplish my ambitions by staying positive and enjoying the ride getting there. I’m determined to become the next Miss USA and am loving this journey! "

Sydney Marie Perry is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and majors in marine biology and psychology.  Since she was a young girl, she has always had affection for animals and a passion for the wonders of the sea. Her career plans include working directly with the safety, conservation and protection of marine mammals.  Sydney also says a goal of hers in marine science is to explore and possibly discover new underwater species. She has studied abroad at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and recently conducted a coral reef ecology study off the island of Curacao.

Sydney has been active in volunteerism, with interests specific to working one-on-one with Special Olympic athletes, raising awareness and participating in fundraising events for ALS, as well as advocating for home health care and hospice services for families. When she is not studying or working part time, she enjoys modeling, meeting new people, and spending time with family and friends.  She lives by her “love life” mantra and believes that being approachable is one of her greatest gifts.

Sydney enjoys spending time in the outdoors, snowboarding, mountain biking, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as photography, painting, drawing, traveling, and playing with her cat, Ollie.  She also dreams to one day pursue a career in which she can be a performer, either in the entertainment industry or as a marine mammal trainer.

Follow Sydney on Twitter: @RealMissNCusa

Enjoy Sydney's interview below!

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

"Hero" by Mariah Carey, sung by Erika Powell:

"And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you"

One of Miss South Carolina USA 2012 - Erika Powell's passion in life is singing, and after you watch her interview you'll find out about her other passions in interior design, pageantry and her love for animals!

Be sure to watch Erika grace the Miss USA 2012 stage, live on NBC at the Planet Hollywood on June 3rd in Las Vegas.

-Will the Pageant Guy