In the words of Holly Allen:

“To ascend a peak takes courage and passion, but the true testament is found in what you do once on the summit.”

Holly Allen attended California State University Chico on a four-year scholarship. There, she graduated with honors and earned a degree in business and marketing. Born and raised in Lander, Holly refers to herself as a ‘true Wyoming country girl’. Her family owns and operates a guest ranch in the remote Wind River Mountains. Every summer, Holly has guided guests through the mountains, teaching them how to ride horses and fish. She was also the ranch chef, where she says she perfected her creative culinary skills.

Holly was on the executive board of her sorority and was involved in several activities and fundraisers, most prominently for the American Heart Association. During college, she spent a semester abroad studying in Australia, in which she extended her trip for a month-long solo-backpacking excursion around the country.

After graduation, Holly’s desire for a challenge led her to dive into the world of IT. She currently works with Fortune 500 companies nationwide, staffing their tech departments. She says she thrives on the interaction with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and expertise. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy

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In Jessica’s own words:

“Be bold, take risks, dare to dream; but above all else, serve others, lead with your values, and always remain authentic.”

Jessica Renee Martin is a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico where she is a senior at New Mexico State University majoring in both business and marketing, and also minoring in sports marketing. Her future plans include obtaining a master’s degree and pursuing a career as a marketing director for ESPN.

Jessica says her life has always revolved around sports. She began playing sports at the age five, and throughout the years has participated in gymnastics, softball, volleyball, basketball, and track, where she was once ranked the third fastest in the State of New Mexico in the 400 meter dash. She is also a 2007 Girls 5A State Basketball Champion. Jessica is a self-confessed pogo stick enthusiast and once jumped 1,042 times non-stop.

Jessica donates much of her time and energy to causes that are dear to her heart, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life.” Her volunteerism continues as she travels to local schools throughout New Mexico, addressing the serious issue of bullying; she discusses her experiences of being bullied for over eight years and how she was able to overcome it.

When she is not on the basketball court or in the classroom, Jessica can be found whitewater rafting, jet skiing, hiking, and eating anything and everything with hot green chile. Jessica is of Spanish, Mexican, French, German, and Polish descent, and says she is blessed and honored to represent her home state of New Mexico. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy

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