Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber Crowned Miss USA 2016

LAS VEGAS, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber was crowned Miss USA 2016 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada this evening. The telecast aired live on FOX.

Deshauna is 26 years old and was born in Columbus, Georgia. The daughter of an Army Master Sergeant (now retired), she relocated multiple times growing up to states including North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, D.C. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University, Deshauna returned to Washington, D.C. where she is currently working as an IT Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 2011, Deshauna commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in the Army and is currently a Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit at Fort Meade, Maryland. Deshauna is passionate about serving the men and women in the U.S. military, specifically focusing her efforts on PTSD treatment for soldiers returning from deployments and suicide prevention in the Armed Forces. Deshauna loves to dance, hike and enjoy quality time with her family.

Emmy® Award winner Julianne Hough and three-time Emmy® Award nominee Terrence "J" Jenkins co-hosted the three-hour event, for which they both served as creative producers. Model, entrepreneur and body activist Ashley Graham took viewers behind-the-scenes as backstage host. Best-selling artists Backstreet Boys, Grammy®-nominated country music star Chris Young, and international music sensation Nervo took the MISS USA® stage to perform throughout the night.

Judges Nigel Barker, Laura Brown, Ali Landry, Crystle Stewart and Joe Zee selected Deshauna Barber from an incredible group of 52 women from 50 states and District of Columbia, as well as Miss 52 USA, Alexandra Miller, who was selected via #FindingMiss52, a nationwide search for a 52^nd contestant to compete in this year's event. Additionally, fans had the opportunity to help their favorite contestants secure a place in the Top 15 by casting their votes leading up to and during the telecast through the new Miss U mobile app.

Contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview, which culminated in Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan from Oklahoma crowning Deshauna Barber.

Final Results:                        

The 2016 MISS USA® prize package includes: a year-long salary as Miss USA; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year supply of assorted haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; a year's worth of skincare products from Image Skincare; personal services, including membership to Gravity Fitness @ Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon; a modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographers; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; a professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premieres, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and a personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist.  The new winner will compete at MISS UNIVERSE® later this year wearing a one-of-a-kind evening gown created by Sherri Hill.

About The Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be "Confidently Beautiful." The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, the titleholders are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about The Miss Universe Organization's official causes around the world, please visit: www.missuniverse.com.  

About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.

For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissUniverse; Twitter and Instagram: @MissUniverse #MissUniverse; YouTube: www.youtube.com/missuniverse

SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization

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