2021 Program Book - Miss Alaska USA & Teen USA Pageants by AKUSAPageants

HANNAH CARLISLE MISS ALASKA USA 2020

OFFICIAL PRELIMINARIES TO THE 2021 MISS USA® AND THE 2021 MISS TEEN USA® PAGEANT. INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED BY SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC., UNDER LICENSE FROM THE MISS BRAND, DBA MISS USA ORGANIZATION AND IMG UNVERSE DBA MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION.

Joann’s 212 S. First Street. Union City, TN 38261 www.joannspromandpageant.com Official Sherri Hill Couture Retailer (731) 885-8044

A MESSAGE FROM

CRYSTLE STEWART

Welcome to the Miss Alaska USA and Miss Alaska Teen USA Pageant competitions. We hope you are ready for an unforgettable experience filled with the highest echelon in pageantry infused with the magic of making dreams come true! Today’s events will feature the stunning beauty inherent in this group of go-getters and future leaders, as they vie for the opportunity to represent Alaska at the next Miss USA® / Miss Teen USA® Competition. It’s important to highlight that while only two of the many women here will walk away with the titles, today’s true celebration is in the kaleidoscope of beauty that is represented by everyone on stage. It is my hope that the fire of this competition ignites a passion inside of each contestant to always be their best in every sphere they walk into throughout their lives. The Miss USA Organization® knows first-hand, the immeasurable impact this experience has, giving women confidence at their core, to always claim success, and we know that the newly crowned Miss Alaska USA and Miss Alaska Teen USA will be the very embodiment of these values. To all the contestants, you know the great privilege and responsibility that comes along with holding the title and so in that spirit, we look forward to what you each will bring to the stage. I hope that this experience has changed and shaped you in ways you never knew possible. Beyond

your success at the competition, it is my ultimate hope that each of you go out into the world and give of your best selves to every community which you choose to influence. I also challenge you to continue fighting for what you believe in and giving of your time and talents to those who can benefit the most! Know that your titles will be yours forever, and so will your place with the Miss USA Organization sisterhood! Continue to trust your instincts and claim the greatness that each of you embody. To all the stars on stage today, I challenge you to continue shining brightly, no matter where your journey may lead. In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Alaska Executive Director, the friends and families of the contestants, and the sponsors for their unwavering support. To the newly-crowned Miss and Teen winners, I look forward to meeting you at our next national pageant. Sincerely, Crystle Stewart President and National Director Miss USA Organization

MEET THE

STATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome the new director of the Miss Alaska USA and Miss Alaska Teen USA Pageant. Dr. Kristina Bellamy was honored to be selected by IMG Universe, LLC dba Miss Universe Organization as the new state director for the Miss Alaska USA and Miss Alaska Teen USA Pageant.

Dr. Kristina Bellamy is an advocate, educator and

entrepreneur. She currently serves the Anchorage community, as an employee of the Anchorage School District, and is Owner/Operator of Simply Stunning, LLC. Kristina has been involved in pageantry as a contestant, coach, director, and local, state and national titleholder for the past 32 years. Involved in modeling and performing arts since the age of five, Kristina has performed domestically and internationally, as well as done print and runway modeling for various local and national agencies. Throughout her pageant career, she has competed in several systems to include: Miss America; Galaxy International Pageants; MAC Pageants; Miss Teen USA; Miss National Teenager; Miss National Jr. Teenager, and Talented Teens International pageants. In 1994, Kristina won the title of Miss Alaska Teen USA, placing in the Top 20 at the 1994 Miss Teen USA Pageant. Kristina holds Masters Degrees in both Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California and the University of Alaska Anchorage respectively; and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Washington. As the owner of Simply Stunning, LLC, she was honored by being named one of “Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40” in 2006. Kristina volunteers a great deal of her time to many local organizations, and is very proud of her 21 years of dedicated service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Kristina is the proud mother of the most amazing son, age 5. They reside in Anchorage.

ORDER OF

EVENTS

OPENING NUMBER WELCOME RECOGNITION OF SPONSORS INTRODUCTION OF JUDGES ACTIVE WEAR COMPETITION SWIMWEAR COMPETITION EVENING GOWN COMPETITION CONTESTANT FINAL LOOK INTERMISSION ON-STAGE QUESTIONS FINAL FAREWELL FINAL CORONATION & AWARDS

2021 PAGEANT TEAM MISS ALASKA USA & MISS ALASKA TEEN USA DIRECTOR: Dr. Kristina Bellamy VOLUNTEERS: Thank you to all volunteers of the Miss Alaska USA and Miss Alaska Teen USA Pageants for their hard work and commitment to our program.

VISUAL MEDIA CONSULTANT: Jon Butzke, Talking Circle Media PRODUCTION COORDINATION/SOUND: Amie Haakenson STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY: John Fernandez;

HOST ARIANE ARAMBURO Ariane Aramburo anchors the Morning Edition weekdays on KTUU/KYES and the Noon News on KYES. Ariane is a 5x Emmy-nominated anchor with 13 years broadcast experience. She was named Alaska Broadcaster of the Year in 2016 and Top 40 Under 40, but perhaps Ariane’s most notable achievement was opening up about her struggle with Postpartum Depression after the birth of her daughter in 2015. Ariane used her voice as a platform to shed light on a taboo topic, which ignited a passion for helping others. The result was a months-long personal and journalistic endeavor that culminated in a powerful four-part series and a onehour special. Ariane’s reporting touched off an overwhelming response from local moms, and even caught the attention of Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski who cited her reporting on the Senate floor in Washington D.C in support of Federal PPD legislation, which passed in 2016. Her battle with PPD also ignited a spark within her to start her own fitness journey. She lives in Anchorage with her daughter, Amelia.

PRODUCTION TEAM SOUND & PRODUCTION, AMIE HAAKENSON Amie is the founder of AKRhinestone, a sorority for pageant titleholders, in addition to serving on committees for homeless families, hunger projects and youth mentorship. She works in immunizations for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and is building her speaking business. Amie has 3 decades of lead event planning experience and is the director for both the Fur Rendezvous and Alaska State Fair royal courts. She is a Pioneer of Alaska member, Distinguished Toastmaster, Athena Society inductee, Heart of Anchorage awardee & is training for emergency and disaster services with the Salvation Army. Amie is a 38 year resident of the Great State of Alaska and is a wife, mother of four and grandmother of six. Amie’s mission statement is “Offer opportunities that engage youth through community involvement and strengthen communication skills through leadership which will ignite positive change in their lives and create a fire of change in America!”.

CHOREOGRAPHER, GABE HARVEY Gabe has over 25 years of dance and theatre experience. In addition to running his own studio, Gabe is currently the hip-hop and street jazz dance professor at the University of Anchorage, Alaska. He served 7 years (2009-2016) on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Spirit Coaches Association. As a nationally ranked cheer and dance competition judge and choreographer, Gabe has traveled across the US and Europe to teach workshops, set choreography, compete in, and judge competitions. Gabe specializes in Hip-Hop, Pom, Street Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary choreography. He is also a skilled couturier and costume designer having created pieces for every show and competition his teams have participated in. More importantly Gabe’s #1 priority is making a positive impact in his community and on everyone he engages with.

JUDGE’S HOSTESS Margo Bellamy is a long-time Alaskan and retired educator. She is an advocate for public education and has a passion for social justice, equity, service, and volunteerism. It is this passion that defines Margo’s voice and advocacy for students, staff, and families, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented. This same passion fuels her commitment to service and to making the Anchorage community and Anchorage schools exceptional places to live, learn and work. Currently, Margo serves Member-At-Large (former president) of the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an International Service organization. She is also the owner of EJ Bellamy Consulting which provides professional development to organizations desiring to build safe and welcoming environments by implementing social emotional practices that are culturally sensitive, ensures equity, values diversity, and builds community. Additionally, Margo is an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership Program at the University of Alaska-Anchorage where she supervises Principal Interns. In 2016 Margo received the Human Rights Champion Award from the Immigration Justice Project; In 2014 she received the Alaska United Methodist Women Racial/Social Justice Humanitarian Award; In 2012 she received the Ford Motor Company’s Freedom Sister Award. Other professional and Community affiliations include: Board of Directors CSS Clare House; Board of Directors Alaska Children’s Trust; Board of Directors Alaska School Board Association; member of NAACP, the Alaska Black Caucus; and the Anchorage’s Promise Kids Day Planning Committee.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Arianna Haines grew up in Bozeman, MT and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Master’s Degree in Professional Accountancy at Montana State University. Upon graduation she moved to Alaska and has now lived in Anchorage for almost ten years. She spent several years working in public accounting and now works at Bering Straits Native Corporation as a Tax Manager. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outside with her fiance and their two dogs.

Annie Palagyi is born and raised in Alaska; growing up in Southeast Alaska, Homer, and Anchorage. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Annie currently works for Balanced CPAs, a private accounting firm. She has a teenage son named Gage who adds a lot of joy to her life. During her free time she loves to hike with her friends, workout, and snuggle her chocolate lab.

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PAGEANT TEAM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, GIANNA VARRATI Gianna Varrati is born and raised in Anchorage, and is the CEO and President of The National Warrior Foundation. She is a nationally recognized advocate and speaker, on behalf of active duty, veteran, and first responders since 1997. Gianna held the title of Mrs. Alaska International 2009, and was 1st- runner up in Mrs. Alaska America in 2011. During her reign she worked with numerous veteran organizations nationally and locally. She has sat on the board for Alaska Healing Hearts, helping service members and their families transition from military service. She has supported Operation Santa, Armed Services YMCA and Alaska’s Friends of the Guard and Reserve, to help their fundraising efforts. In 2009, Gianna, partnered up with First Book Org., to establish a program for the military called “Hearts to Home”. Gianna is the mother of 2 adult children.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, BROOKE JOHNSON Brooke Johnson is an actor, model, and Miss Alaska USA 2018. She holds her BA in Digital Cinema Arts from Lindenwood University and serves as a national ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. While serving The Great State of Alaska, Brooke was able to adopt a platform to educate future generations about self-esteem, mental health awareness, and bullying with the creation of her project Crowning Confidence. She attributes her passion for service, self-confidence, and continuing her education to pageantry. She’s elated to join the Miss Alaska USA Team to inspire more ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality. Brooke traded in her Xtratuf boots for flip flops and is currently living in Los Angeles , CA continuing to pursue all of her aspirations.

CONTESTANT ENGAGEMENT & QUEENS APPEARANCE MANAGER, KRISTIN GEORGE Kristin is an accomplished development professional with a long history of involvement supporting Alaska’s non-profit organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Hospice of Anchorage, Catholic Social Services and many others. Kristin brings enthusiasm and dedication to her work and inspires others to do the same. She has been the spokesperson for two Pick, Click, Give campaigns and has been featured in television appearances throughout Alaska. Her career achievements, volunteer experience and deep media connections developed over the last decade have uniquely equipped her to lead in our community. Kristin has served as President of MDA Alaska, as well as Hospice of Anchorage. She has been honored with 2 Gold Pan Nominations, a Heart of Alaska, and was named one of Alaska’s Top 40 under 40 in 2019. Kristin lives in Anchorage where she has raised her two boys, Aaron Michael(22) and Logan Wade(15). She is happily married to #thechefguyak, Colin who is an Alaska traveling chef.

MISS ALASKA USA® PRIZE PACKAGE RICH IN TRADITION Miss Alaska USA® Official Crown Miss Alaska USA® Official Banner Crown Pin provided by SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC Coronation Flowers provided by UPTOWN BLOSSOMS

BEAUTY & FITNESS SCHOLARSHIPS Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alaska System (eligibility requirements) provided by THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Full Scholarship to attend LEAP Foundation Virtual Leadership Seminar ( Summer 2021) provided by the LEAP FOUNDATION

Custom Meal Preparation provided by FEEDMEAK National pageant “Pamper Package” (full set of individual lashes, set of nails and pedicure) provided by POLISHED CHARISMA Award Winning Fitness Coaching with SHANNON DEY, BOMBSHELL FITNESS A Collection of Cosmetics provided by PROSPER BEAUTY

FASHION & GLAMOR Red Carpet Access and Admission to the Global Beauty Awards provided by NW Productions LLC Photoshoot provided by THE MISS USA ORGANIZATION Photoshoot provided by JOSHUA VELDSTRA PHOTOGRAPHY

Custom Walk & Presentation Coaching with official AK USA Walking Coach ISABELLA RADOVAN (1 group; 2 individual) $100 spending money while at the National Competition provided by SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC

STATE SPONSORS University of Alaska, FeedMeAK, Santa Claus House, GiannaVarrtti.com, Simply Stunning, LLC, Uptown Blossoms, #AbsolutelyMillers, Balanced CPA’s, Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa, ColorStreet by Jen Motyka, Alaska Wild Gear, Polar Bear Gifts, Aurora Beauty Supply, ClaimjumperAK, Ondago Photo, Talking Circle Media, AKRhinestone, Underground Dance Company

NATIONAL SPONSORS

A Queen’s Conversation, Prosper Beauty, The Perfect Face, JoAnn’s of Union City, Isabella, Radovan, Bombshell Fitness, National Warrior Foundation, The LEAP Foundation, The Global Beauty Awards

MISS ALASKA TEEN USA® PRIZE PACKAGE RICH IN TRADITION Miss Alaska USA® Official Crown Miss Alaska USA® Official Banner Crown Pin provided by SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC Coronation Flowers provided by UPTOWN BLOSSOMS

PREPARATION & NATIONAL COMPETITION $300 towards travel expenses to the Miss USA Pageant provided by SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC Official training coordination, styling and guidance by Kristina Bellamy of SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC National competition evening gown allowance provided by JOANN’S OF UNION CITY Interview Preparation sessions with official AK USA Interview Coach Jimmy Lee Langhoff of A QUEENS CONVERSATION Custom Walk & Presentation Coaching with official AK USA Walking Coach ISABELLA RADOVAN (1 group; 2 individual) $100 spending money while at the National Competition provided by SIMPLY STUNNING, LLC

Thank you official sponsors, partners, collaborators and supporters! Being the longest reigning Miss Alaska USA is nothing shy of a great honor! I could not have reached such great heights without the support of others. Countless people made this year so meaningful to me. As a college student that spent every dime she had to fulfill a dream of studying at Columbia University, I scarcely had the funds to compete for Miss Alaska USA. I am forever grateful to those that believed in me and sponsored me before I ever had a crown. Hair Bar NYC Soho gave me my first professional hair visit for the first time since I was a teen. Mika Inatome Custom Bridal redesigned my gown for Miss Alaska USA and all of the Miss USA wardrobe that Crowned Pageantry

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styled me in. Pageant Perfect helped me not only find my voice in interview, but also expand my efforts in underserved communities through my program Equal Chances for an Equal future. I have since enjoyed partnering with the Salvation Army, various schools across the US and international ministries of education to provide students with a more equitable educational experience. I am thankful to JTR Films for capturing all my journeys alongside so many wonderful photographers. Feed Me AK and Bombshell Pageant Prep kept me fit and healthy throughout my Miss USA preparations – even during surgery recovery! Whether out volunteering or on the Miss USA stage, Joann’s of Union City kept me looking fabulous throughout my whole reign. Every individual tagged on this page has made a huge impact in my life. I could not have been the Miss Alaska USA I was without you. Forever grateful, Hannah Carlile, Miss Alaska USA 2020

INTRODUCING THE

JUDGES

Stanley Wright was born and raised in South Carolina. This is where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Shayne. They have been married for 16 years and have two beautiful children, Sentha 15 and Stanley Junior, 13. After their children were born, Stanley joined the US Navy. It was important to him to help defend the rights of his fellow Americans. During his time in the service he served in the Operations Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was during his last deployment that he discovered his love for photography while he documented his travels. After a honorable discharge from the military he decided to pursue photography as a hobby and it was a career for a short while. Stanley is a published photographer. His body of work consist of event photography, portrait photography and scenery. While Stanley stills enjoys photography, he could not ignore his true calling to service. He ran for District 16 seat to represent his community. While the race did not result in an elected position, he did win in the long run. Stanley was able to continue to serve his community in many other ways. Stanley was able to serve the veteran community as Special Assistant to the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. Most recently he serves as the Community Outreach Manager for the Governor’s office. Debi Gimeno has been in Alaska for over 23 years. She founded Giamante LLC in 2012 and since then, she and her “Maître Joaillier” husband, Joseph, run Giamante Jewelers in Anchorage. Working together as a team, they custom design and create “wearable works of art” in precious metals, diamonds and gemstones. Debi’s skills and areas of expertise include gemology, jewelry design, sales and marketing. She’s an alumni of the Gemological Institute of America and a member of several professional organizations, notably: Jewelers of America, MJSA, and Polygon. As a contributing member of Rotary Club of Anchorage Hillside, she served as president from 2017-2018. Creating an inviting, pleasant atmosphere wherever she serves the public, her clients, her family and friends makes her happy. Debi is married to Joseph Gimeno and they have a blended family with three adult children.

Trevor Storrs is a 24 year resident of Anchorage, Alaska. Investing back into one’s community has been a core value of Trevor’s personally and professionally. Currently, he is the President & CEO of the Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT) - statewide lead organization focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Prior to this role, he was the Executive Director for Alaska’s statewide lead HIV/AIDS organization – Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s). He has volunteered thousands of hours, which included serving on a variety of local, state and national boards. In addition, he has been involved in various grassroots efforts focused on equal rights.

Kara Moriarty came to Alaska from her home state of South Dakota to teach elementary school in Atqasuk, an Inupiaq village in the North Slope Borough. After working in Washington, DC for then South Dakota Congressman, now U.S. Senator John Thune, she moved back to Alaska and lived in Fairbanks for seven years. She has served as legislative staff in Juneau to Senator Gary Wilken and was the President/CEO of the Fairbanks Chamber for four years. She joined the AOGA staff in April 2005 and been the head of the association since 2012. She is a member of the Athena Society, a recipient of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 Award and was the Honorary Iceman at Eielson Air Force Base. She is a member of the Lumen Christi School Board and the Downtown Rotary Club of Anchorage and serves on the Executive Committee of the Resource Development Council. In her spare time she can be found serving as a taxi driver for her three children, Joseph, Maggie and Garrett to their many church, school and sporting events. She and her husband Gerry, an Alaska Airlines pilot, also enjoy their personal plane and exploring Alaska with the kids.

Porsha Grant is a Chief Warrant Officer Three in the United States Army. She has spent over 20 years serving on active duty and stationed on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. She was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s of science in Biotechnology. She also received a master’s degree in Human Resources. Porsha spent many of her childhood and teenage years traveling to New York City to spend time with family. That is where she learned to appreciate fashion. In her free time, Porsha enjoys researching, exploring, and supporting “all things fashion.” You can find her wearing clothes and jewelry from fashion designers from all over the world. Porsha has an appreciation for stylists, and she pushes the boundaries to express herself outside of the military uniform. She supports up-andcoming designers from cities she once lived or visited. Porsha spends time serving the community by leading a military, female mentorship program for young Soldiers and the Nothern Lights Warrant Officer Association President. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves on several committees. Porsha and her family live in Eagle River.

INTRODUCING THE

JUDGES

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA titleholders (past & present) receive a full scholarship to attend LEAP Week Valued at $2,500

13th Annual LEAP Week Leadership Program July 19 - 23, 2021 The mission of The LEAP Foundation is to help young adults get a “7 year LEAP on their success.” We achieve this goal though our annual week-long LEAP Week Leadership Program at UCLA. Our curriculum is based upon the experience of those who have accomplished great success - both professionally and personally. We are committed to educating young adults about the value of goal setting, effective communication, and the invaluable power of mentorship, all of which are essential in helping today’s youth succesed.

Paula Abdul

Mayor Eric Garcetti

Mark Wahlberg

PAST GUEST SPEAKERS Eric Garcetti

Mayor of Los Angeles

Anthony Hopkins

Academy Award Winning Actor

Paula Abdul

Singer, Dancer, and Actress

Mark Wahlberg Actor, Entrepreneur

“I can say with zero hesitation: LEAP Week gave me the skills and confidence that I needed to excel. It transformed my year as a titleholder, and it has transformed so many other aspects of my life.” - Kaaviya Sambasivam, Miss NC Teen USA 2018

Enroll today! The 13th Annual LEAP Week Leadership Program Ages 15-25 July 19 - 23, 2021 at UCLA

Kathy Bates

Actress and Philanthropist

Michael Strahan

NFL Hall of Fame, TV Host

Please call

877-855-5327 or email james@leapfoundation.com

Anthony Hopkins

Kathy Bates

Michael Strahan

MISS ALASKA USA® 2021 CONTESTANTS

TANA BARTELS

MADISON EDWARDS

ROBYN HEINEKEN

ISIS JORDAN

BRENNA SCHAAKE

COURTNEY SHUMAN

MICHELLE TAYLOR

EMILY WOOD

www.missakusa.com

MISS ALASKA TEEN USA® 2021 CONTESTANTS

NORA ANDREWS

AUTUMN CARLSON

KAMAYA FENTON

ELIZABETH “ELLIE” SMITH

www.missakusa.com

The University of Alaska congratulates Miss Alaska winners

Anchorage | Fairbanks | Juneau 3 universities and 13 community campuses www.alaska.edu

ANCHORAGE | FAIRBANKS | VIRTUAL FHFITNESSSTUDIO.COM

WANT TO LEARN HOW YOU TOO CAN BE INVOLVED? Visit www.missakusa.com

Keep up with us on: @missalaskausapageants @missalaskausapageant

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The Official Cosmetics Sponsor of the 2017 MISS USA® & MISS TEEN USA® Competitions

JADYN FRASER MISS ALASKA TEEN USA 2020