Who would have thought that a local "bathing beauty" competition spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in Long Beach, CA would metamorphose into a landmark annual tradition with countless young women around the country vying to become Miss USA? As hundreds of millions of fans have watched in 125 different countries, the homegrown contest has evolved into a powerful, year-round, international organization that advances and supports opportunities for these role models.
Becoming what is now considered American royalty is still an obtainable dream for young women 50 years later. Today, Miss USA has become a fixture of pop culture, ingrained in the landscape of our minds. As the first cover subject of MS magazine's premier issue in 1969, Miss USA continues to stand proud, breaking boundaries and defining what it means to be a woman in the 21st century.
These women are savvy, goal-oriented and aware. The delegates who become part of the Miss Universe Organization display those characteristics in their everyday lives, both as individuals, who compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals, and as women who see to improve the lives of others. Currently, Miss USA is experiencing a rebirth, playing a critical role in making the next 100 years "The Century of Women."
In the Kodak Theatre on March 23rd, 2007, outside Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where so many have realized their dreams, 21-year-old Rachel Smith realized her own and was crowned Miss USA® 2007. To the venue's sold-out audience, Smith declared, "It's pretty amazing to be able to live one of your dreams." The Panama-born Clarksville, Tennessee native previously held the title of Miss Tennessee Teen USA® in 2002 and has significant plans for her new position.
The bi-racial beauty’s accomplishments include humanitarian efforts that have allowed her the opportunity to travel the world; she has been to Mexico twice and multiple times to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her most recent endeavors led Smith to South Africa in January 2007, where she volunteered at Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls. Smith also likes to spend her time helping her community. She was an avid volunteer at her local Vine Hill Boys and Girls Club. Rachel's experiences have had a significant impact on her life and as Miss USA, she hopes to make her lifelong goal of creating her own philanthropic organization a reality.
Smith graduated from Belmont University Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Journalism. She attended on a full scholarship and was extremely active during her studies. She not only served as the Managing Editor of the campus newspaper, The Belmont Vision and radio station but also interned locally at Nashville's CBS affiliate WTVF and nationally with Harpo Productions, Inc., in 2006, spending eight months in Chicago.
Rachel is also a natural entertainer. She started performing in the live Kids Club show with Opryland USA during the ages of 8-12 in Nashville and continued to perform at the Tennessee Performing Art Center (TPAC) in various musical productions throughout her teen years. She also enjoys reading, playing basketball and spending time with her dog, Zoe.
During her reign, Rachel will work with the official causes of Miss USA, which include breast and ovarian cancer education, research, and legislation. She will travel nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, among others.
The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the Miss UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) partnership.
