This former Miss USA will continue to pass the crown in a historic, new leadership role.
According to Good Morning America (GMA), Crystle Stewart will soon become the national director of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA which makes her the first person to ever hold the licensing rights to the pageant system.
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“I’m so thrilled and I’m so excited for the new things and new ideas that I want to bring to the Miss USA system,” shared Stewart during her Good Morning America appearance.
For Stewart, it’s all about elevating the Miss USA brand.
“[Think] UFC times America’s Next Top Model times the presidential elections,” said Stewart. “That’d be Miss USA. The new Miss USA.”
Founded in 1952, Miss Universe and Miss USA have always been operated under the Miss Universe Organization. According to reports, this move will be the first time since the two have separated management.
“Crystle exemplifies the best qualities in a Miss USA, and I am so excited for the women who will grow under her guidance and mentorship, and for our state directors, who will have a loyal partner in Crystle,” wrote Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart in an Instagram post.
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Her debut as national director will take place this year during the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2021 pageants.
“In this political climate, the racial injustice, I hope being this African American for this national company inspires and influences women like myself of different colors and races, and also men as well, to pursue your dreams without fault and with confidence and go for it and reach higher and larger,” Stewart said.
After earning the crown as Miss USA in 2008, Stewart went on to become a model and actress landing roles in movies like Tyler Perry’s “Acrimony,” “For Better or Worse,” and “Too Close to Home.”
Alongside her husband, Max Sebrechts, Stewart is behind Miss Academy — a pageant training school located in Houston, Texas.