The Miss Grand USA pageant has become one of the most important platforms for American beauty queens aiming to represent the United States on the global stage. Every year, it selects the country’s delegate for Miss Grand International, a competition built on the motto “Stop the war and violence”.
Since its launch as an independent pageant in 2022, Miss Grand USA has grown rapidly in prestige, combining glamour with advocacy work. Contestants aren’t just evaluated for beauty and stage presence, but also for their social impact, communication skills, and dedication to humanitarian causes.
What is Miss Grand USA and Why Does It Matter?
Unlike traditional beauty contests, Miss Grand USA places a strong emphasis on advocacy and global awareness. Winners are expected to use their platform to highlight pressing issues such as:
- Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
- Mental health awareness
- Women’s empowerment
- Human rights advocacy
By competing in Miss Grand International, Miss Grand USA winners gain visibility on a worldwide stage, showcasing not only American beauty but also the nation’s commitment to social change.
Miss Grand USA 2025: The Reign of Julianna Martinez
The most recent edition, Miss Grand USA 2025, crowned Julianna Martinez of Texas. Known for her passionate advocacy around mental health awareness, Martinez impressed judges with her eloquence, confidence, and presence.
Many pageant observers believe she could be a front-runner at Miss Grand International 2025, which will be hosted in Thailand. Her win adds another name to the growing list of remarkable women who have carried the U.S. sash at the international pageant.
Complete List of Miss Grand USA Winners (2014–2025)
Below is the year-by-year record of winners who have represented the United States at Miss Grand International:
- 2025 | Julianna Martinez
- 2024 | Cora Griffen
- 2023 | Sthephanie Miranda
- 2022 | Emily DeMure
- 2021 | Madison Callaghan
- 2020 | Abena Appiah
- 2019 | Emily Irene Delgado
- 2018 | Paola Cossyleon
- 2017 | Taylor Kessler
- 2016 | Michelle Leon
- 2015 | Lauren Peterson
- 2014 | Lees Garcia
Congratulations!
— ChaneesRecap (@ChaneesRecap) August 13, 2024
Miss Grand USA 2024
Cora Griffen (Miss Grand Georgia)#missgrandusa #missgrandusa2024#MissGrandUnitedStatesofAmerica#MissGrandUnitedStatesofAmerica2024#MGI2024 #MGI#GrandExperiences#MissGrandInternational2024 pic.twitter.com/FU3BBumPuI
This timeline shows how the United States has steadily increased its presence and influence at Miss Grand International, producing strong candidates with diverse backgrounds and advocacies.
Where to Watch Miss Grand USA 2025
For fans eager to follow the journey, the Miss Grand USA 2025 edition is being streamed live via the pageant’s official Instagram and YouTube channels.
More than 50 contestants from across the United States competed for the crown this year, showcasing:
- Stage performance and charisma
- Evening gown elegance
- Interview and public speaking skills
- Advocacy presentations
The winner, Julianna Martinez, will now move on to Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand, where she will face delegates from over 70 countries.
Miss Grand USA’s Growing Global Footprint
Since 2014, U.S. representatives have made significant progress at Miss Grand International. Notably:
- Lees Garcia (2014) became the first Miss Grand International winner from the United States, making history for the country.
- Abena Appiah (2020) went on to win Miss Grand International 2020, cementing the U.S. as a powerhouse in the competition.
These successes have built momentum for future queens, ensuring that the USA sash remains one of the most competitive on the global stage.
Miss Grand USA Winners: Year by Year
| Year | Winner | State/Origin | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Julianna Martinez | Texas | Advocate for mental health; competing at Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand |
| 2024 | Cora Griffen | – | Represented USA at Miss Grand International 2024 |
| 2023 | Sthephanie Miranda | Puerto Rican-American | Experienced competitor, also a former Miss Universe Puerto Rico contestant |
| 2022 | Emily DeMure | Colorado | First winner after Miss Grand USA became an independent pageant |
| 2021 | Madison Callaghan | – | Represented USA at Miss Grand International 2021 |
| 2020 | Abena Appiah | Ghanaian-American | Crowned Miss Grand International 2020 – second USA delegate to win globally |
| 2019 | Emily Irene Delgado | California | Model and public speaker |
| 2018 | Paola Cossyleon | Illinois | Bilingual advocate for immigrant communities |
| 2017 | Taylor Kessler | Texas | Later competed in Miss USA |
| 2016 | Michelle Leon | Florida | Brought strong Latin heritage representation |
| 2015 | Lauren Peterson | – | USA delegate at Miss Grand International 2015 |
| 2014 | Lees Garcia | Florida | Made history as the first-ever Miss Grand International winner |
Meet the Miss Grand USA Winners (With Career Updates)
2025 – Julianna Martinez (Texas)
Julianna Martinez was crowned Miss Grand USA 2025. Known for her advocacy on mental health awareness, she is set to compete at Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand. Beyond pageantry, she has hinted at launching a mental health foundation and has partnered with nonprofits to amplify her platform.
2024 – Cora Griffen
Cora Griffen brought grace and determination to the Miss Grand USA stage in 2024. After her reign, she continued working as a model and youth mentor, hosting empowerment workshops for girls. She remains active in the pageant community as a coach and judge.
2023 – Sthephanie Miranda
With her rich pageant background, Sthephanie Miranda seamlessly transitioned from Miss Universe Puerto Rico contestant to Miss Grand USA. Following her reign, she entered international modeling contracts and became a vocal supporter of Latina representation in the entertainment industry.
2022 – Emily DeMure (Colorado)
As the first queen crowned under the new independent Miss Grand USA organization, Emily DeMure set high standards. She later pursued a career in public relations and social impact campaigns, focusing on youth mental health initiatives.
2021 – Madison Callaghan
Madison Callaghan represented the U.S. in 2021, using her platform to highlight global peace and women’s rights. Post-pageant, she transitioned into media and broadcasting, where she now works as a presenter and advocate for humanitarian storytelling.
2020 – Abena Appiah (Ghanaian-American)
Abena Appiah made history as Miss Grand International 2020, the second U.S. delegate to win the international crown. A talented singer-songwriter and model, she later pursued a music career under the name Abena Akuaba. She remains deeply engaged in advocacy for diversity, equality, and representation in fashion and entertainment.
2019 – Emily Irene Delgado (California)
After her 2019 reign, Emily Irene Delgado expanded her work as a motivational speaker and philanthropist, launching projects that support young women in leadership. She also entered the real estate and fashion industries, balancing business with advocacy.
2018 – Paola Cossyleon (Illinois)
Paola Cossyleon used her bilingual background to advocate for immigrant rights and cultural representation. After her reign, she became involved in community organizing and nonprofit work in Chicago, while also working in corporate communications and public affairs.
2017 – Taylor Kessler (Texas)
After Miss Grand USA, Taylor Kessler later competed in Miss USA 2020, representing Texas. She built a career as a professional model and influencer, collaborating with major fashion brands. Taylor also uses her platform to talk about self-confidence and overcoming bullying.
2016 – Michelle Leon (Florida)
Michelle Leon, of Cuban heritage, focused on cultural pride and Latin representation during her reign. Post-pageant, she continued modeling and later entered the health and wellness industry, promoting fitness and holistic living.
2015 – Lauren Peterson
Though less publicly active than later winners, Lauren Peterson helped establish the Miss Grand USA tradition. After her time as queen, she pursued higher education and local community advocacy, often mentoring younger contestants entering pageants.
2014 – Lees Garcia (Florida)
Lees Garcia became the first Miss Grand International winner in 2014, instantly making history for the U.S. After her reign, she transitioned into television hosting and media appearances, and she remains a respected figure in the beauty industry. Lees has also been involved in philanthropy projects focused on children’s welfare.
Miss Grand USA Hall of Fame: Timeline of Queens (2014–2025)
Below is the official Hall of Fame of Miss Grand USA winners, featuring every queen since the United States first joined Miss Grand International. Each profile highlights their reign and achievements beyond the crown.
🏆 2025 – Julianna Martinez (Texas)
- Crowned Miss Grand USA 2025
- Advocacy: Mental health awareness
- Preparing to compete at Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand
- Plans to launch a mental health foundation and collaborate with nonprofits
🏆 2024 – Cora Griffen
- Represented the U.S. at Miss Grand International 2024
- Advocacy: Women’s empowerment and education
- Post-reign: Works as a model, youth mentor, and pageant coach
🏆 2023 – Sthephanie Miranda (Puerto Rican-American)
- Former Miss Universe Puerto Rico contestant
- Advocacy: Latina representation and diversity in pageantry
- Post-reign: Signed international modeling contracts, active in entertainment
🏆 2022 – Emily DeMure (Colorado)
- First queen under the independent Miss Grand USA organization
- Advocacy: Mental wellness and youth support
- Post-reign: Works in PR and social impact campaigns
🏆 2021 – Madison Callaghan
- Represented USA at Miss Grand International 2021
- Advocacy: Global peace and women’s rights
- Post-reign: Built a career in media, broadcasting, and humanitarian storytelling
🏆 2020 – Abena Appiah (Ghanaian-American)
- Crowned Miss Grand International 2020
- Advocacy: Diversity and equality in fashion & entertainment
- Post-reign: Pursuing a music career under the name Abena Akuaba
🏆 2019 – Emily Irene Delgado (California)
- Advocacy: Youth leadership and empowerment
- Post-reign: Became a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and entrepreneur
🏆 2018 – Paola Cossyleon (Illinois)
- Advocacy: Immigrant rights and bilingual representation
- Post-reign: Involved in community organizing and corporate communications
🏆 2017 – Taylor Kessler (Texas)
- Later competed in Miss USA 2020
- Advocacy: Self-confidence and anti-bullying awareness
- Post-reign: Career as a model, influencer, and brand ambassador
🏆 2016 – Michelle Leon (Florida)
- Advocacy: Cultural pride and Latin representation
- Post-reign: Entered the health and wellness industry, fitness and holistic living
🏆 2015 – Lauren Peterson
- Early representative helping establish USA’s presence in Miss Grand International
- Post-reign: Focused on education, mentorship, and community advocacy
🏆 2014 – Lees Garcia (Florida)
- Crowned Miss Grand International 2014, the first-ever global winner from the USA
- Post-reign: Career in television hosting, media, and philanthropy for children’s welfare
The Miss Grand USA pageant is more than a beauty contest. It is a platform where women blend grace with purpose, using their visibility to advocate for peace and social justice.
From Lees Garcia’s groundbreaking win in 2014 to Julianna Martinez’s inspiring 2025 reign, each titleholder has carried the responsibility of representing not just a nation’s beauty, but also its voice for positive change.
With the 2025 international edition set in Thailand, all eyes will be on Julianna Martinez as she seeks to continue the proud tradition of American success at Miss Grand International.
