Miss Contestants
People's Choice Award Online Voting!
At this year’s pageant we are holding a special online competition called the People’s Choice! We will be collecting your votes with the help of our voting partner, The Pageant Planet, for your favorite contestant for the People’s Choice in both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA divisions. This year, the People’s Choice Winners will be guaranteed a spot as a semi-finalist in the Pageant Finals! Voting will take place online and the winners of the People’s Choice for each division will be revealed during the announcement of the semi-finalists as well as recognized during the awards portion near the end of the Pageant Finals!
Any funding raised during the People’s Choice Voting will be split between the titleholder preparation fund to cover various expenses incurred by the state pageant during the titleholders’ preparations for the national pageant, as well as the general production budget for staffing and staging of the state pageant. During this year’s pageant, if the contestant numbers dictate, it may be decided by the judging panel to allow all the state contestants to advance to the Pageant Finals as Semi-Finalists. If so, the winners of the People’s Choice voting will still be announced at the start of the Pageant Finals as well as recognized during the awards portion near the end of the show.
Miss Minnesota USA 2023 Contestants
VIEW THE TEEN CONTESTANTS
Ladna A.
Savage
Participating in the pageant has been a personal goal of mine since the 8th grade. While I have always had a desire to participate, I have yet to find the optimal timing or muster the necessary courage to undertake such an endeavor. Nonetheless, I am grateful to those who have supported me and encouraged me to pursue this aspiration. Life is too brief to ignore one's passions.
Ahmitara A.
Southern Minnesota
I wanted to take a moment to thank my sponsors for their hard work and contribution to this journey. Thank you to the following businesses: Afro Grind Coffee, True Green Ventures, In Stride Consulting, Sandy Anderson Consulting, Dolo Production, The Locust Group, and Ark Colony Consulting. I also want to thank these individuals: Betty A., Rebecca A., Ochain O., Leo E., Zach C., and Andre L. for their contributions.
Sarah A.
Maple Grove
My sincere thanks to the following: Faith Schway at Premiere Modeling School, Sarah Moses at the Pageant Shop, Brittany Link Photography, fashion designs by Johnathan Kayne and Jovani, Jansel Hutton at JNSL Artistry for makeup and hair styling, and Calina's Professional Tailoring. A special thank you to my family and friends for all their love and support.
Ugbad B.
Eastern Minnesota
My name is Ugbad Barud. I have three sisters and two brothers. I was born in refugee camp of Ethiopia, but my family from Somali. I came USA in end of 2013 that I start new life. I never know any word of English even how to say "HI". After work hard, I graduated from high school and now, I'm student of nurse who graduate soon. My dream was to be come midwife because when I life in refugee camp, so many mothers how was poor, didn't have any money to take care their self. Some of them died when they delivery a baby because they don't have a money to go hospital and no once also care them. In our country have civil war, and they come to Ethiopia to live a peace, but our mothers don't have that. One day i will make my dream and I will help them.
Nicole D.
Lakeville
To my wonderful parents, thank you for your never ending love, encouragement and commitment to my goals. I know I always have both of you to thank for your continued support. Nate, you’re the best big brother I could have ever asked for. I will always look up to you!
Elle G.
Apple Valley
I would like to thank my family (and pups!) for their support, encouragement, and love leading up to this weekend. Mom, dad, Michael, Wally, and Dasher: I could not have done it without you all. I love you to the moon and back!
Mikayla H.
Stillwater
I cannot express the joy I have had being a part of this pageant. As I prepared this year, I want to thank my mom for all she has done in getting me to where I need to be, both physically and mentally. For my dad, who supports me in everything that I do. You have been a great pageant dad! A big thank you to Cheri, who is always there helping me become a better person. Andrew and Brenda, you are the best in making me look like a princess. Lillie, you are my Best Buddy and I love you so much. I am so glad that it was pageants that brought us together. To Denise, Craig and Libby, thank you for all the support you have given me these past 6 years. You believed in me from the start and l am looking forward to what the future holds.
Megan H.
St. Louis County
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to make my dreams come true. I hope that I can use this chance to help others realize truly how beautiful they are on the inside and outside and spread positivity wherever I may go
Abbigail J.
New Germany
Thank you so much to my Mom, Annalyse, Amellia, Adalynn, Miranda, Kyrra, Aunt Shannon, Uncle Jason, Aunt Natalie, Uncle Christopher, Kim, Kyle, Alexis, Josh, Mark, and Lionel!!! It means so much that you were able to help me get here!!!
Josefyne L.
Wayzata
First and foremost, I want to thank my friends and family who have been cheering me on and supporting me throughout this journey of me chasing my dream. I would like to thank my personal trainer Adam Spiker who has been continuously pushing me to my limits to get me physically ready for this pageant. I'd also like to thank the inspiring owner of BLONDELUXE who is like a sister to me, Abby Shofner, for being there for my hair! Thank you to Honey Aesthetics Clinic for always making me feel beautiful. & lastly, thank you to Joe Lemke for my stunning pageant headshot. I love you ALL!
Jenna L.
Jordan
Thank you to Mecque "mama" Leonard, Daniel Leonard and James Kelly for always being there for me even when my ideas get a little out there! Sponsored by Dr. Michael Leonard and Chanhassen Family Dentistry. Thank you for helping me afford this wonderful opportunity.
Samantha M.
Grand Rapids
Thank you to my parents, Ron and Maureen Mangseth, my sister Sabrina Mangseth, my husband Joe Akins, and my entire Minnesota family for supporting my dreams, goals, and passions. I love you!
Celia N.
Eagan
This year I have been inspired to take a leap of faith, to gather the courage to share my ideas and express myself with intention. An artist I listened to growing up was Jennifer Lopez who said, "You get what you give, what you put into things is what you get out of them." Throughout this journey, I would like to thank my St. Catherine University advisors and mentors for inspiring me and showing me that women can do great things when they are given the right resources and opportunities. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family, loved ones, and supporters for being present and encouraging me to help others and lead by compassion, because a person’s courage paves a way for great impact.
Terriona N.
Twin Cities
I wish I knew a saying to express how truly appreciative I am, as a childhood dream of mine comes true. Being educated to becoming a educator will always be one of my biggest accomplishments. I can now see what you guys were going threw. As I take on this new endeavor your belief and motivation, not only now but in the past has been greatly appreciated. Now without further a due I would like to applaud the following sponsors; Deborah Baube, you helped me realize my education was important. Roz Anderson, you introduced me to working with children. Paula Landis, you helped me transform to the teacher I strived to be. I’m not only changing the world and influencing the youth to accomplish their dreams. I’m building our future. Thank you.
Malay N.
Willmar
Thank you so much for your opportunity for me to become Miss Minnesota! I would love to thank my supporters and anyone who is rooting for me! Thank you!
Emily O.
Beltrami County
Thank you to Peyton, Kathy, and Jim Edelman. To Sharie, Chris, and Laura Okland. To Jenny Stomlund, Tracy Misialek, Burney Hanson, Havenwood Care Center, any many more thank you’s for everyone who supported me.
Nkechi O.
Saint Paul
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my sponsors & supporters who have been instrumental in my journey to Miss Minnesota USA 2023. Jorge Esteban from Pageant Smart has been an exceptional interview coach, guiding me with his expertise & helping me develop the skills necessary to succeed. I am immensely thankful to Brittney Link, my talented photographer, for capturing beautiful moments. I am indebted to Body by Craig, my dedicated fitness coach, for pushing me to achieve my five star best. Thank you to Sara at the Pageant Shop and Kennedy at SBC. Finally, I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family & friends. To all of my supporters, thank you for believing in me & standing by my side as I pursue my dreams.
Nicole R.
Sartell
Women are my passion, kids are my priority! Thank you all for the love and support. Let us grow together as a nation and support each and every women's dream.
Natalie R.
Minnetonka
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey over the years. I would not be the woman I am today without your endless love and encouragement. Special shoutout to my mom--from washing my hair in the sink and drying my extensions, to getting me Chick-Fil-A while I get ready, or the giant hugs after a competition that didn't go my way, I am so grateful to have someone who believes in me as much as you do. Thank you to my mentor Chloe Brown (Smikahl) for showing me what it is like to live a life of positivity and kindness, and helping me turn my passions into purpose. Thank you to Crown Jewel Designs for my beautiful custom earrings. I am forever grateful for this experience and everyone who has made it possible.
Cara R.
Mendota Heights
Thank you to my family and friends for your loving support, especially my parents, Steve and Jean. I'm grateful for Craig and Denise of Future Productions along with their staff for all of their hard work. Emerie Jones, hair and makeup, for making me feel beautiful this weekend. Carlos Velez and Ali Lee Glam for using your amazing talents to capture my headshot. Giselle Boone, for pushing me every single day to be the best version of myself. I truly cherish all of your guidance, love, and mentorship.
Megan R.
Scott County
Thank you to everyone who supported me and encouraged me to be apart of Miss MN USA! I specifically like to thank Sarah Moses, Adam Spiker, and Cheri Kennedy who helped me grow into the best version of myself for this weekend. My family and friends have also been big supporters, especially my mom who always reassures me that by being myself, I can do anything that I set my mind to. Thank you to everyone watching me in person or via live stream, it is so wonderful to know I have the support from so many close people in my life.
Cindy S.
Ramsey County
Thank you to my supportive friends, family, my children Isabella and Javier for inspiring me to be my best everyday.
Kala S.
Eden Prairie
First and foremost I would like to say a tremendous thank you to my sponsors Schmidt Roofing Inc and Volentum! I also want to thank everyone behind the sense for making me look and feel my absolute best! Brenda Torre for make up, Andrew Schmitz for hair, Rene Rodriguez for interview, Linda Stephens for fitness and nutrition. Lastly I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout this pageant journey! I couldn't do it without you! So blessed to have such amazing people in my life supporting me!
Avrielle S.
Northern Minnesota
Thank you to Mom and Pop! Thank you to everyone who supported me in becoming the woman I am today!
Ramla S.
Roseville
I can’t believe I am entering a pageant. If you told me I would be in a pageant 2 years ago I would have laughed. But here I am now and it is all thanks to my mom. My mom has been a pillar for me throughout my life, encouraging me to be more confident and step out of my comfort zone. I remember telling her about this pageant and she told me I needed to enter. I was nervous but I knew this was my chance to do something different, something I wasn’t used to and my mom supported throughout each step. I would also like to thank my dad for everything he has done and how everyday he would tell me I was beautiful even when I didn’t think I was. I love you Hooyo and Abo.
Brianna S.
Excelsior
I am filled with immense gratitude for my family and friends' unwavering belief in me. Your support has been a guiding light throughout this remarkable journey. I extend my sincerest appreciation to Spiker Fitness for keeping me fit and helping me get my dream body. To sEquip, Mold Designs and Plastics Inc, and Baxter Healthcare Inc, your generous contributions have made my dream a reality, and I cannot thank you enough. I am incredibly grateful to Brittany Link for capturing my true model essence with every snapshot. And to Cheri Kennedy, your guidance has empowered me to embrace the confidently beautiful woman I was born to be. Thank you all from the depths of my heart for your invaluable support.
Gabriella S.
Chanhassen
Thank you to Bondegard, Premier Ag, Eeg Cattle Company, Borg Farms, USA reality, Inspira Marketing, Nautical Bowls and Personnel Solutions!
Gwendolyn S.
Duluth
I have so many outstanding people in my life to thank for supporting me in my journey here to compete for Miss Minnesota USA 2023. Thank you to my mom for always making sure I try my hardest and love what I'm doing. To my pageant mom, Faith, for supporting me in every way in my preparations, my best friend, Katie, for always being my go to girl for another Cities trip to see Faith and my husband Austin, for always saying yes to every one of my wildest dreams, as well as taking it a step further by helping me make them happen. Finally, thank you to the Miss Universe Organization for changing the rules to allow me to have the chance to compete to pave the way for other married women to achieve their dreams through this incredible opportunity.
Leah S.
Elk River
Thank you so much for supporting me. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
Tori T.
Prior Lake
Mom, Mike, and Noah, thank you for supporting me throughout this journey and always encouraging me to do my very best. Cheri, Adam, Jimmy, Sarah, and Brittany, thank you for helping me look and feel my best. I could not have done this without the love and support from all of you!
Kristina T.
Uptown
I first and foremost would like to thank Casely. Without you, I would not be standing where I am. Your support and belief in me as not only a director but also a friend inspires me to be confidently myself and proud of who I am. I admire you and your story so much more than you know. To my family and friends, thank you for supporting me in this dream for the past decade. It may feel repetitive, but I appreciate the support I feel from you all. To my sponsors, thank you for believing in me. While we may not have worked together long, I hope I make you proud.
Vanessa W.
Sherburne County
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my supporters who have made my journey to the state pageant possible. Your unwavering belief in my abilities and your generous contributions have been instrumental in helping me pursue my dreams. To my supporters who have contributed in various ways, whether through financial aid, mentorship, or encouragement, your impact on my journey has been immeasurable. Your belief in my abilities has motivated me to strive for excellence and has given me the confidence to represent our community with pride and grace. Thank you once again for your invaluable support and faith. I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have you as my supporters throughout this incredible journey.
Modoh W.
Hennepin County
To my thoughtful tribe, thank you for your encouragement with every crazy dream I have!
Daliang X.
Brooklyn Park
Thank you to my family, friends and village for all the support. Thank you to my parents for taking the time out of your busy schedules and helping me find all of my sponsors. Without the help of my parents, I would be lost. To my biggest sponsors; Long Cheng, Unison, Dr. James Vang and Little Asia Cafe - Thank you so much for supporting me throughout this journey. To my coach, Andrea Bennet - Thank you for keeping me on track and for the abundance of information. You truly are talented and so kind, it’s been such a pleasure working with you. I’m so grateful for all of the support and love from so many businesses, so much so that there’s not enough space to list them all but from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.