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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S TEEN CALIFORNIA
KARSYN STOUT
Karsyn Stout is a high school freshman from North County San Diego, proudly embracing her Southern California roots after relocating from the Palm Springs desert. She is an accomplished young performer whose foundation began with six years in competitive cheerleading, where she developed discipline, stage presence, and a love for teamwork.
Her performance journey expanded into professional modeling, earning her national campaign work for Buckle and commercial features for BJ’s Brewhouse. These opportunities sparked her deep passion for theater, and she hopes to one day bring her talent to Broadway. Beyond the stage, Karsyn is a dedicated creative who enjoys reading, writing novels, producing digital art, and playing the electric guitar, where she expresses her artistry through music.
This year marked a meaningful milestone for Karsyn, as the Miss California pageant was her very first pageant. Stepping into the pageant world for the first time has allowed her to grow, connect, and discover new ways to use her voice and platform to uplift others.
Inspired by her personal experiences, Karsyn founded The “You’re Enough” Movement—an initiative reminding teens that they are loved, that they matter, and that they have purpose. After being told she was “too much” or “too expressive,” Karsyn transformed those challenges into a mission centered on inclusion, anti-bullying, and confidently embracing individuality.
She actively advances her mission through service, volunteerism, and youth advocacy. Karsyn proudly volunteers with Best Buddies, supporting inclusion and building meaningful connections within her community. Through her actions and her voice, she strives to inspire, empower, and uplift her peers.
Outside of her leadership and performing arts endeavors, Karsyn enjoys following F1 racing, exploring new ramen spots, and listening to her favorite K-pop artists. She is passionate, driven, and committed to making a positive and lasting impact wherever she goes.
Above all, Karsyn extends her deepest gratitude. She thanks God first, for His everlasting grace and for always guiding her path. She is profoundly grateful to her family for their unwavering support, and to her friends and sister queens, whose love and encouragement mean the world to her. “Thank you—I love you all.”
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MISS CALIFORNIA
KAEDANCE COLLETTE
Kaedance Collette, USOA Miss California, is a dedicated environmental advocate, accomplished model, and driven academic whose journey blends service, science, and storytelling. Born and raised in California, Kaedance has spent her life deeply connected to the state’s natural landscapes—a passion that now fuels her mission to protect them. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at California State University, Northridge, where her academic work focuses on sustainability, climate action, and environmental policy. Kaedance also serves as an Archives Technician at NASA, where she supports the preservation of scientific history and contributes to environmental and scientific initiatives through research and archival work.
Kaedance’s pageant story began at just five years old, and over the years she has blossomed into a poised, compassionate, and purpose-driven woman. Her platform, Making Coastal Connections, empowers communities through environmental education, hands-on conservation work, and meaningful partnerships with organizations dedicated to ocean and watershed health. Whether hosting beach cleanups, leading youth workshops, or collaborating with environmental nonprofits, Kaedance is committed to uplifting others and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Beyond her environmental work, Kaedance has built a flourishing modeling career, including walking in New York Fashion Week, where she brought her signature confidence and elegance to the runway. Her love for creativity also appears in her personal hobbies—crocheting, thrifting, and exploring the ways fashion and sustainability can intersect.
Standing tall in her values and vision, Kaedance is proud to represent California on the USOA stage. She hopes to inspire young people across the state to lead with purpose, believe in their potential, and recognize the power they have to create change. As USOA Miss California, she embodies the pageant’s core mission to Empower. Inspire. Uplift. through every step of her journey.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MS. CALIFORNIA
BRITTANY WRIGHT
Hi everyone!! My name is Brittany Wright. Some of you may know me as a proud navy first class petty officer, others may know me as Aubrey’s mom and some may even know me as a Disney adult! The truth is yes, I do wear all of those hats (and Mickey Mouse ears) but now I am also adding a crown to the mix as I was recently chosen to be the USOA Ms. California 2026! Being a Representative for the state of California is such an honor and truly a dream come true. Just like every job in my life, I will make sure to do this one with pride. I look forward to being a leader and roll model for not just the younger generation, but to all the women out there.
To tell you a little about me, I am originally from Texas however I was deployed to the Navy in San Diego 13 years ago and have called it home ever since. But Texas roots run deep which is one of the reasons I am always happy to head back to Dallas for Internationals. I come from a proud military family. My mom and dad were both in the army. My sister and I followed in their footsteps. She is actively serving in the army and I am in the navy! My family bleeds red white and blue and are dedicated to serving and protecting our wonderful country. I can officially retire from the United States Navy in 7 more years which is bittersweet. Being in the Navy is a job that I love but the job I love the most is being a mother to my 8 year old daughter Aubrey, she is my whole world. Everything I do, I do for her.I work really hard to show my daughter how to be strong and independent. It is my responsibility to be a leader and a roll model for young girls and women. I hope that with the help of the USOA Ms. California title, I can reach even more girls with my platform.
A few fun facts about me is I am a busy body. I enjoy being busy and challenging myself. I love to learn new things, I am currently studying to get my degree in Behavioral Health Science. I love volunteering, and take my daughter to serve the community whenever we can.
My best piece of advice is to set your goals high and don’t stop until you get there.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MRS. CALIFORNIA
TEPHANI MCCLEAVE
Tephani McCleave is a vibrant and resilient force to be reckoned with—a devoted mother, an advocate, and a passionate community leader. Born and raised in the charming town of San Angelo, Texas, Tephani grew up with a love for the simple joys of life, from stomping in the mud to casting a line at dawn and dusk. However, her ambitions soon stretched beyond her small-town roots as she yearned for the excitement of a bigger stage.
Upon moving to Southern California, Tephani immersed herself in the vibrant worlds of cheerleading, theater, and choir. Yet, even in her teenage years, her heart gravitated towards advocacy. She began her journey in animal welfare, working in kennels and expanding her efforts to the care of horses in San Juan Capistrano. This dedication eventually led her to the challenging field of critical care/emergency and internal animal medicine. Her experiences and instincts in this arena proved invaluable when she discovered her youngest son's inoperable brain tumor, a journey that further fueled her commitment to advocacy.
Tephani's life isn’t just defined (but it is her center to her focus and world) by her role as a mother to five remarkable boys, aged 6 to 16, three of whom have special needs. Her youngest son, in particular, faces high medical needs due to his condition, which includes cancer, dwarfism, blindness, and hydrocephalus. Tephani credits her journey as an advocate for animals with preparing her to be the fierce and knowledgeable advocate her sons require.
In partnership with her husband, a paramedic firefighter and advocate for fellow first responders, Tephani has built a life centered on love, resilience, and advocacy. Together, they navigate the challenges of raising a family while supporting others in crisis.
Driven by her experiences and the lessons learned along the way, Tephani founded the nonprofit organization BAM McWarrior Project. This initiative is dedicated to educating families on how best to support their children with special needs. The organization provides essential resources, including care kits and medical grants, empowering families to overcome bureaucratic and financial challenges.
Beyond her advocacy work, Tephani is a self-proclaimed "soul surfer," a proud dancer, and a role model. She is a coach, an at-home chef, and a fashion enthusiast who sees the world as her runway. Her commitment to her family and community is unwavering, as is her determination to challenge medical bureaucracies that intimidate parents and infringe upon their resources.
Tephani McCleave is not just a California girl with Texas roots; she is a beacon of strength and compassion, ready to take on any challenge that comes her way. Her journey is a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and love in transforming lives and communities.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MISS GOLDEN STATE
VICTORIA NGUYEN
Born and raised in the beautifully diverse Bay Area and later relocating to San Joaquin County for college, Victoria has always embraced the richness of community and culture around her. Even as a child, her dream was clear: she wanted to work in healthcare. From playing doctor with stuffed animals to spending hours on surgery simulations and giving her family deep tissue massages, she always had a natural instinct for caring for others.
Victoria attended the University of the Pacific, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences along with a minor in French Studies. A fun fact about Miss Golden State—she studied French from middle school all the way through her senior year of college and is also fluent in Vietnamese! Her academic success earned her recognition on the Dean’s List twice, but even more importantly, her studies ignited a deeper calling to serve in the medical field.
Throughout college, Victoria gained hands-on experience through internships in physical therapy clinics and by obtaining certifications as a nursing assistant and pharmacy technician—where she currently works. As a certified nursing assistant, she cherished caring for seniors, hearing their stories, and tailoring support to their unique needs. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria began volunteering at local nursing facilities to provide companionship to isolated seniors, bringing joy through heartfelt conversations and holiday gifts.
Her dedication eventually inspired her to launch Generation Bridge, an initiative focused on restoring meaningful communication and connection between older adults and younger generations. Through Generation Bridge, she has delivered gifts to hundreds of seniors and healthcare staff and educated students on the profound impact of senior loneliness. Her program continues to grow, strengthening intergenerational bonds and reminding communities that compassion is timeless.
Pageantry first started as a fun bucket-list experience, but as Victoria continued her journey, she discovered the transformative purpose behind it. To her, pageants are more than the sparkle, lashes, and gowns—they are a platform to uplift communities, celebrate heritage, and champion causes close to her heart. Through her titles, she has been able to support organizations serving the AAPI community, honor her Vietnamese roots, advocate for seniors, and empower women across California.
One of her most memorable experiences was attending the Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit, where she gained invaluable insight into nonprofit fundraising, brand-building, and the power of using one’s voice to uplift others. These moments have shaped the heart behind her mission as Miss Golden State.
Outside of her community work, Victoria loves immersing herself in new cultures—whether through attending traditional celebrations, exploring global cuisines, or traveling to new places. She firmly believes that “a healthy mind begins with a healthy body,” which fuels her passion for fitness. When she’s not trying to beat her weightlifting PRs at the gym, you can find her in the studio breaking a sweat at a hot pilates class or experimenting in the kitchen with healthy, delicious recipes.
As she embarks on this new chapter as Miss Golden State 2026, Victoria hopes to inspire others to pursue their purpose with courage, kindness, and authenticity. Her mission is simple: to uplift, connect, and empower communities across the United States—one voice, one story, and one act of service at a time.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MS. GOLDEN STATE
LAUREN DANI
Lauren is a Los Angeles, California native who wears many hats and is fortunate to serve her communities with impactful intention. She has been a writing and leadership instructor/transitional mentor for the past ten years, teaching youth and adult women in correctional facilities across Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County and Kern County. She believes creative self-expression is the most powerful catalyst for personal transformation.
Her creative outlet is also served in the Hollywood world of wardrobe and production design for Tribeca-selected, award-winning independent films, as well as copyediting scripts written for Sony Television, Humanoids and Buzzfeed Studios.
She is certified in Resiliency Training, Wellness Counseling and Organizational Leadership through the following acclaimed institutions: The Trauma Resource Institute (used by the United Nations and the State Department of Defense), Cornell University and Harvard Business School. With her unique expertise, she continues to bring her abilities to inspire, empower and uplift those who need it most. In her work, she has proven that everyone has the capacity to learn and grow, and further their own legacy to inspire, empower and uplift their communities as well.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MRS. GOLDEN STATE
SANDY GUERRERO
Sandy Raquel Guerrero was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador and moved to New York City at the age of 5. She quickly picked up the English language as well as other skills such as singing and playing the drums. At age 17 she went to the US Naval Academy where she majored in Political Science and minored in French. As a freshman in college, she founded and was the President of the US Naval Academy Mock Trial Team which taught courtroom style litigation techniques. Under her leadership, the USNA Mock Trial Team defeated Army West Point’s Mock Trial Team, the Naval Academy’s top academic and athletic rival. During her time at the Academy, Sandy also volunteered as an English teacher to adult English Second Language students at St. Mary’s High School.
In 2022, Sandy was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and moved to San Diego, CA to serve on the USS Michael Monsoor as the Operations Intelligence Officer and the Legal Officer. On board the USS Michael Monsoor, Sandy, along with a few other Sailors, started the Multicultural Committee where they hosted monthly events celebrating the diverse cultures in the US. Out in town, she was also part of “Second
Chance Foster Dogs” where she had the privilege of fostering 3 wonderful puppies.
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Over the last two years, Sandy has been working with Promises2Kids, a nonprofit organization focused on the enrichment of Foster Youth. This inspired her to create her personal Platform; “Mission:Mentorship,” which hopes to provide Service Members with the opportunity to mentor and provide resources to the 60,000 foster Children in
California.
Sandy is married to Aidan Waits, an Artillery Officer in the United States Marine Corps. They have two fur babies; a sassy Maltipoo and an elegant Tuxedo kitten. Sandy’s philosophy in life is to be bold and daring. Fun Fact: Every year she challenges herself to grow by doing at least ONE seemingly intimidating thing. Her 2026 goals are to; do a stand-up comedy show, take the LSATs and apply to Law School, and of course, shine at the USOA National stage!