By: Jenny Castro
Photos: Hrishi Shah, @heartistic_soul
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/21/24 – This past Sunday on November 17th, Athenna Crosby of California was crowned the new Miss World America in Seattle, Washington. Under the leadership of entrepreneurs and directors, Ekta and Sanjay Saini, the pageant hosted over 50 contestants and pageant ambassadors who all graced the stage at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien (a suburb just south of Seattle). A night filled with esteemed industry professionals in pageantry, beauty, and fashion, it was also filled with international guests, politicians, dignitaries, and local councilman. For the pageant itself, it kicked off with a dazzling opening number to the song “Confident” by Demi Lovato as the contestants each showcased their gorgeous state outfits in front of a sold-out crowd to a choreographed dance routine by Jordan French. Later during the beautiful and elaborate production, the top 20 contestants were announced who then proceeded to present their Beauty with a Purpose Projects (BWAP), which is notably a significant portion of judges’ scoring. Hosted by the inspiring and former Miss World America/Miss World 1st runner-up Shree Saini and Miss Montana USA 2018, Dani Walker, the pageant featured a diverse group of accomplished young women from around the country who each worked hard in prepping for the national stage and preparing their charity projects. At this year’s pageant, judges included A.C. Sherpa (Honorable Consul General of the Government of Nepal to WA State), entrepreneurs Steve Dhillon and Austin Zelan, Edgar Botero Henao (Founder & Director to Miss World Columbia), Steve Mayes (International Director of IAM Pageant Powerhouse), Marina Fontes (Director of CNB Brazil), and Camila Pinzo (Miss World Colombia 23’). Other judges included Olivia Jordan (MWA 2013), Nia Sanchez (Miss USA 2014), Morgan Romano (Miss USA 2022), and Miss America 2016 Betty Maxwell who all conducted virtual interviews with the Miss World America contestants two weeks prior to the pageant.
At Sunday night’s national pageant, Victoria DiSorbo, Miss World America 23’ gracefully ended her title reign after one year and handed over the crown to Athenna Crosby. Crosby looked absolutely stunning in her Cinderella inspired gown by Vietnamese Designer Minh Tuan. National Director Ekta Saini, the first Indian American woman to be National Director of Miss World America, announced the winning crown as the sold-out crowd waited with excited anticipation. Crosby was also presented with a $250,000 grand prize (highest prize package in pageant history) consisting of cash and in-kind sponsorships. Placing 1st runner-up at last year’s Miss World America pageant, Crosby excitedly returned as a contestant and proved hard work and determination pay off, ultimately winning the coveted title in the end. A former Miss Teen California USA 2016, and currently an entertainment journalist based out of LA, she is also a disability advocate for non-profit organization Best Buddies. A Venezuelan- American, Crosby also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Utah Valley University and will represent the United States at the 72nd Miss World pageant in 2025. Final results were as follows: 1st runner-up went to Kimberly Chinomso of Oregon, 2nd runner-up to Anne Li of Washington D.C., 3rd runner-up to Aishwarya Kumar of Central Washington, and 4th runner-up placement went to Heather Alexia Santos of Washington State while Devon Viola of Massachusetts won the Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) Ambassador Award. Crosby will next prep for the international stage as she will compete at the Miss World pageant overseas with the honor of representing the United States.
Congrats to the Saini Family and MWA staff for putting together an exquisite production.
Photography Credit: Hrishi Shah, @heartistic_soul
Follow Athenna Crosby on Instagram here.
Read our interview with National MWA Director Ekta Saini here.
Click here to visit the Official Miss World America webpage.
