Columbus Native Crowned Miss USA 2016

Staff Report From Columbus CEO

Tuesday, June 7th, 2016

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 52nd 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:

First Runner-Up: Miss Hawaii USA Chelsea Hardin

Second Runner-Up: Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis

Top Three: Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis; Miss Hawaii USA Chelsea Hardin; Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber.

Top Five: Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis; Miss Hawaii USA Chelsea Hardin; Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber; Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown; Miss California USA Nadia Mejia.
Top Ten: Miss Virginia USA Desi Williams; Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown; Miss California USA Nadia Mejia; Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis; Miss Connecticut USA Tiffany Teixeira; Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber; Miss Missouri USA Sydnee Stottlemyre; Miss Arkansas USA Abby Floyd; Miss South Dakota USA Madison McKeown; Miss Hawaii USA Chelsea Hardin.

Top Fifteen: Miss South Carolina USA Leah Lawson; Miss Ohio USA Megan Wise; Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis; Miss Arizona USA Chelsea Myers; Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown; Miss West Virginia USA Nichole Greene; Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber; Miss California USA Nadia Mejia; Miss Missouri USA Sydnee Stottlemyre; Miss Connecticut USA Tiffany Teixeira; Miss Hawaii USA Chelsea Hardin; Miss South Dakota USA Madison McKeown; Miss Arkansas USA Abby Floyd; Miss Virginia USA Desi Williams; Miss Oklahoma USA Taylor Gorton.

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.