Five large suitcases: A week ago, that’s how much Cassandra Searles expected to pack as she planned her 19 days worth of ballroom gowns and bikinis for her journey to Las Vegas. On June 16, the 24-year-old Redmond resident will represent Washington at the Miss USA competition, competing not only for the Miss USA 2013 title, but also for the chance to represent the nation in the Miss Universe pageant.
Just eight months ago, Searles was enjoying her success as the newly crowned Miss Washington 2013. Since then, she has devoted her time to both working for Sterling Bank in Bellevue and volunteering at nonprofit organizations. She continues to use her platform as recent pageant winner to advocate for programs like Junior Achievement, which helps children and teens develop skills to prepare them for future employment and partners with local businesses to connect with students in the community.
“I’ve worked with Junior Achievement for many years now, so it’s nice that I can actually use the Miss Washington title to bring more awareness to it,” said Searles, “I’m really passionate about teaching kids financial literacy.”
Searles herself knows a thing or two about financial independence. When she was just 20, she purchased a home by herself.
“I graduated high school when I was 17, and my parents moved out of state,” said Searles. “I didn’t want to move anymore because I moved a lot when I was younger. I wanted to stay in Washington, so I got a job at Sterling Bank, and a year after, I bought my home.”
In addition to working for the Bellevue branch of the banking company, where she has spent the last six years, Searles also graduated from the University of Washington, Bothell with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
While she has only been participating in pageants for four years now, Searles looks forward to being on stage in front of the crowd.
“I’m most excited to go out on stage in front of all those people. I love the adrenaline rush, and showing off all the hard work that I’ve been putting in for the last few months,” she said. Searles has been going to the gym daily and consistently practicing her walk.
What is her least favorite experience at pageants?
“Having to be in heels,” Searles sighed. “Your feet end up hurting so bad after pageant weekend; they eventually go numb.”
Searles is not nervous for the competition — in fact, she’s excited to enjoy the experience and take things as they come.
“I honestly just want to have fun and not take it too seriously, because if I say ‘I have to win, I have to win,’ I’m going to miss the whole experience,” she said.
People can support Searles and help her advance straight to the semifinals round of the Miss USA 2013 Pageant by picking her for the People’s Choice Vote. Go to www.missusa.com to vote. The competition will air live on NBC at 9 p.m. (EST) on June 16.
