WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The 22 Most Influential Former Beauty Queens

by JENNIFER MICHALSKI

Last month, Maria Gabriela Isler of Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe — the 62nd woman to be crowned with the prestigious title since the competition was founded in 1952.

And while the Miss Universe crown represents one of the most honorable of all beauty titles, hundreds of pageants take place all over the world each year.

Throughout the past 60 years of Miss Universe and Miss USA competitions, former beauty queens have gone on to have successful careers — journalists such as Oprah Winfrey and Diane Sawyer, Oscar winners like Halle Berry, many leaders in philanthropy, and more.

Check out the former beauty queens who are doing their parts to change the world.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/beauty-pageant-queens-where-are-they-now-2013-12?op=1#ixzz2nxetbYs1

10 Things You Didn't Know About Gabriela Isler

Photos from the 53rd Miss International Beauty Pageant

Japan Miss International

Newly-crowned Miss International Bea Rose Santiago of Philippines, left, is congratulated by former Miss International 2008 Alejandra Andreu of Spain during the final of the Miss International 2013 Beauty Pageant in Tokyo Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

(source: http://www.komonews.com/news/entertainment/Photos--236222601.html?tab=gallery&c=y&img=11)

"Happy Holidays" clip from the Miss Universe Organization

Marymount Grad, Entrepreneur Named Miss District of Columbia 2014

Ciera Nicole Butts, a Marymount University graduate and entrepreneur, is the newest Miss District of Colombia.

Butts, 23, was selected Miss District of Columbia 2014 Dec. 2 at the 60th Annual Miss District of Columbia USA Pageant at the Renaissance Hotel in Northwest Washington, D.C. She was one of 43 contestants who competed in the contest, which included interview, swimwear, and evening wear categories. Butts, who also has worked as a anti-violence advocate for young people, was a standout in the field from the beginning of the competition. In the interview section of the program, she wore a white chiffon gown with a thick gold beaded sash, which glistened under the stage lights as she took her stand in the center of the stage, awaiting the judges’ questions. She told the judges her mother was her role model and inspiration and that her dream is to own a public relations firm.

When asked how people in society should assist the FDA officials in their effort to decrease the number of Americans who are afflicted by heart disease and obesity, she responded that the FDA had gone a long way in banning trans-fat in foods. “It is important that parents teach their children to eat healthy and consume foods in moderation, she added. “For instance, after working so hard throughout this pageant, I plan on going home and eating a cupcake to celebrate my hard work.”

During her undergrad years at Marymount University, Butts was a member of the Black Student Alliance, and also founded and served as the president and vice president of a program called Ladies Inspiring Strength for Tomorrow, or LIST. In the District, Butts has participated in various projects and assisted organizations such as St. Jude's Research Hospital, Becky's Fund and Key to the Cure. Along with the title, Butts received $50,000 in scholarship money and cash, clothing and other prizes. She will compete on behalf of the District of Columbia in the Miss USA Pageant and will represent the District of Columbia in local and national charitable events. Carla Crawford, executive state director of the Miss District of Columbia USA Pageant and the Miss District of Columbia Teen USA Pageant, said the competition helps young women realize their dreams.

Entertainment was provided by Bowie native and “X Factor” finalist Marcus Canty, an R&B singer with Epic Records. His single “Won't Make A Fool Out of You” was featured on the “Think Like a Man” movie soundtrack.

Miss Nevada USA Hopefuls Get Tips from Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella

Written by SUSAN STAPLETON

 | Published in EVENTS, HAUTE TV, NEWS

Anticipation was running high on Saturday as pageant hopefuls gathered for the official 2014 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageant orientation at Life Time Athletic Summerlin. Former Miss USA and executive state director of the Miss Nevada USA organization, Shanna Moakler was accompanied by current Miss Nevada USA Chelsea Caswell and Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella.

The pageant contestants had the exciting opportunity to gain insight and advice about the pageant, taking place on Sunday, Jan. 12, from reigning Nevada beauty Caswell and former queens Moakler and Campanella. The beauty queens mingled and posed for photos, before stopping by LifeSpa + Salon by Michael Boychuck, the official hair sponsor for the Miss Nevada USA organization, located inside Life Time Athletic. To conclude the fun-filled day, the contestants enjoyed a dynamic course in women’s self-defense taught by Life Time Athletic instructors Matt Hodges and Eric Watts.