The Miss USA pageant touted American diversity, and chose an African-American chemist with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to wear the crown.
Kara McCullough from the US capital will go on to represent the United States.
“We regulate nuclear power plants. And I have a personal community outreach program called science exploration for kids,” said McCullough, 25.
McCullough was born in Italy and also lived in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii. She was raised in the southern US state of Virginia.
As Miss USA “my plan is to inspire and encourage so many children and women (to enter) the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields,” she said.
The pageant included a field of five new immigrants who spoke on air about the importance of diversity – as if to refute US President Donald Trump’s less than welcoming stand toward some immigrants and refugees.
Indeed, the runner up was Chhavi Verg, Miss New Jersey, who was born in India and speaks Hindi and Spanish. (AFP)