Pageant Update - Mia Heaston, Miss Illinois USA 2007

(Click here to see the delegate profile for Victoria Davis, Miss Illinois Teen USA 2007)

*Idaho*		INDEX		*Indiana*
				*2008*

Name

Mia Ann Heaston

Age

Height

5 ft 7 in (1.7 m)

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Previous experience

Non-finalist, Miss Tennessee 2001

Biography

Mia is the first-ever African-American Miss Illinois USA. She is a 25 year old resident of Chicago,and is 5’7" with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Mia grew up in Covington, Tennessee and graduated from Covington High School in 1999. She is a 2002 graduate of the University of Memphis, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in Business. Whilst living in Tennessee, she competed in the Miss Tennessee 2001 pageant as Miss Tipton County, where her talent was a Dramatic Monologue and her platform Community and Volunteer Service. She then went on to complete her Masters in Business Administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY in May of 2005. Prior to being crowned Miss IL USA 2007, Mia was a Systems Sales Specialist for IBM in downtown Chicago. She plans to use her sales and business skills to fulfill her goal of owning and operating her own Leadership Training company, as well as her own Day Spa and pageant boutique.

Mia has a strong commitment to volunteering and community involvement. She has been involved in various organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Adopt-a School Foundation, Girls, Inc., St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and The Boys and Girls Club of America. Mia realizes the need for mentors and participates in Mentorship Outreach programs with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is also an active mentor at Simeon High School in Chicago and enjoys dedicating her time to mentoring children.

During her reign as Miss Illinois USA 2007, Mia would like to focus on increasing mentorship programs in Illinois and Diabetes Awareness. Mia’s childhood best friend suffers from Type II Diabetes and Mia would like to increase awareness for this illness. She will also focus on educating people on preventative steps to take against diabetes, as well as tips on how to live with Type I and Type II Diabetes.

When Mia is not busy with work, volunteering and being Miss Illinois USA, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, scrapbooking, playing tennis and working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Her other hobbies include motivational speaking, shopping, and watching college football. Mia’s youngest brother plays football for Southern Illinois University and she’s a huge Saluki’s fan!