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Visiting the Children’s Hospital in Anchorage
I met some wonderful kids at the Children’s Hospital at Providence in Anchorage, Alaska! We read Rosie Revere, Engineer together and each kid picked out a STEM book from Art Technically to take home.
Barbie Butterfly Photoshoot
Check out this gorgeous pink butterfly gown by Aleta! Photos by Christy Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
COLE Foundation Fundraiser
The COLE Foundation (children’s organization of lending equipment) provides adaptive equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, and activity chairs) to children in need. I participated in the COLE Foundation’s first annual Wheels for Freedom motorcycle ride and fundraiser in Prescott, Wisconsin.
My Twin Sister Graduated from EOD School
My twin sister just graduated from Explosives and Ordinance (EOD) school where she trained to diffuse and dispose of bombs!
Vegas Trip
I visited the Venetian and Imaginarium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Walking for Breast Cancer Awareness with the Perfectly Pink Project
I participated in a virtual fashion show with the Perfectly Pink Project to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Happy Fourth of July from Miss United States
Happy Fourth of July from Miss United States! Patriotic photos by Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
Myrtle Beach International Culture Festival
Miss South Carolina US and I hosted a STEM table at the Myrtle Beach International Culture Festival! We signed autograph cards and handed out STEM prizes to kids attending the festival.
Turtle Talk with the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch
t the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Sunday Turtle Talk, Miss South Carolina United States and I talked with community members, signed autograph cards, and handed out turtle goodies to kids! I also read “I’II Follow The Moon” which donates proceeds to sea turtle conservation nonprofits.
Storytime at Love County Library in Southern Oklahoma
I visited the Love County Library in Southern Oklahoma! We read “Luna Muna”, a story about a little girl that goes to space.
Visiting the Kindred Spirit Mailbox in Sunset Beach
I had the incredible opportunity to hike Sunset Beach with the passionate team from the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch.
Visiting Omaha, Nebraska
I visited Omaha, Nebraska during my midwest library tour.
Storytime at the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa
Big thanks to the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa for hosting a STEM Storytime with me! I read “How to Code a Sandcastle” and gave out science goodies including mini kinetic sand buckets!
Storytime at the Lordsburg-Hildago Library in New Mexico
I had the honor of visiting the Lordsburg-Hildago library in New Mexico to host a STEM storytime! I read “An Astronaut with a Song for the Stars” about Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut and former director of Johnson Space Center.
Pretty in Pink with Portrait Reflections
Some pics from my photoshoot with Christy at Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
Book Donations for Rock Port Elementary in Missouri
I dropped off some STEM book donations and personalized autograph cards for summer school students at Rock Port Elementary in Rock Port, Missouri.
STEM Storytime at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas
I had an incredible time at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas, sharing the magic of books with the bright minds of tomorrow!
Hiking Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
Such a magical landscape in Sedona, Arizona on the Devils Bridge trail!
Visiting Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey
I visited, Grounds for Sculpture, as large scale sculpture garden in New Jersey.
May Photoshoots
May photos from Hannah Clair Townsley photography in Memphis and from Overton Park.
Honorary Induction into the West Sand Lake Fire Department
I was made an honorary member by my friends at the West Sand Lake Fire Department! So thankful for all that they do to keep our community safe!
Visit to Johnathan Kayne’s Studio with the United States Queens
Project Runway star Johnathan Kayne designs the Miss United States opening number dresses every year, and I was so excited to go to his Nashville studio to pick up a few gowns and design a custom opening number dress for the competition in October!
Pat Tillman Honor Run in NYC
I visited NYC for the Pat Tillman Honor Run! The 4.2 mile race and after-party/raffle raised $20,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation which honors Pat Tillman’s legacy by awarding scholarships to outstanding military service members and veterans.
Happy April 25th from Miss United States!
I’m celebrating April 25th, the most iconic date in pageantry, by recreating looks from the Miss Congeniality movie!
Easter at the Memphis Zoo
I volunteered at a Bunny Brunch at the Memphis Zoo to celebrate Easter.
I Recorded Overhead Messages for the Memphis Airport
Keep your ears open the next time you’re in Memphis International Airport; you might hear a familiar voice!
Miss United States Tiffany Photoshoot
Miss United States Tiffany photoshoot in Memphis with Heather Strickland Photography
March Photoshoots
March photos from Heather Strickland photography in Memphis, Andy Jones in DC, and NYC!
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the West Sand Lake Fire Department and the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Judging Mock Interviews with The Riley Rules
Caught up with Mary Marsha Riley and helped judge mock interviews!
Sister Queen Saturday
Celebrating my sister queens Katie, Kyndal, and Latoya today!
American University NYC Alumni Reception
Last night, I had the pleasure of introducing the panelists for an American University alumni reception in NYC!
New Miss United States Autograph Cards!
Check out these new Miss United States autograph cards from the Code Creatives.
NYC Trip with Ms. New York
Ms. New York and I spent the weekend together in the city and saw Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway!
Valentine’s Day Cards for Meals on Wheels 2023
“Love Letters” is an Art Technically workshop that teaches students introductory coding through creating Valentine’s Day cards that are then printed and donated to senior meal delivery services. This year was the seven-year anniversary of the Love Letters project!
Valentine’s Day Party at the Bennington Senior Center
I had so much fun visiting seniors and giving out Valentine’s Day cards at the Meals on Wheels program in Bennington, Vermont yesterday for their Valentine’s Day lunch! Homebound seniors in the program also got a Valentine’s Day card delivered with their meal.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day from Miss United States!
Delivering Valentine’s Day Gifts to the Maine Children’s Hospital
I visited patients at the Maine children’s hospital and brought science kits, craft kits, STEM/STEAM books (including Baby Loves Science board books), and scientist and artist Barbie dolls as gifts.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
Valentine’s Day with the New England Children’s Home
I worked with the New England Children’s Home to deliver science kits and books to their residents and led a Valentine’s Day craft workshop with the lower grades.
Teaching Workshops for Black Families Technology Awareness Day
I taught two STEM workshops for elementary and middle school students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Black Families Technology Awareness Day with Art Technically!
I was named to the Memphis 20 under 30
I’m so grateful to have been named one of Memphis’ 20 under 30! You can read the full cover story on memphisflyer.com.
STEM Workshops at Rivercrest Elementary
Are you volunteering for MLK Day? I taught STEM workshops at a Title 1 elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee.
![Visiting LEGOLAND Florida [sponsored]](https://i0.wp.com/lilykdonaldson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Miss-US-LEGOLAND-florida.jpeg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
Visiting LEGOLAND Florida [sponsored]
I had so much fun at LEGOLAND Florida! There were lots of STEM activities, fun rides, and tons of LEGOs for building!
Happy Holidays from Miss United States
Some festive holiday photoshoots from Miss United States.
Miss United States Visit to Hawaii
Visiting Hawaii for 48 hours for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (and of course some beach visits).
Pearl Harbor Parade Ceremonies
It was an honor to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade ceremonies honoring our veterans and WW2 Rosies on the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
I had so much fun in my hometown yesterday at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon! The race had over 20,000 runners and raised over 12 million dollars for childhood cancer treatment and research.
Indianapolis Visit
I stopped by the “Indy” sign at the Indianapolis International Airport on my trip back to New York!
An Indiana Christmas
I volunteered at the Lawrence, Indiana Christmas parade and tree lighting with Santa Claus and the Grinch!
Thanksgiving 2022
Thanksgiving celebrations in Indiana plus a Miss United States photo from Heather Strickland photography!
I wrote a Blog Post for the U.S. Department of Education about Gratitude
I guest-wrote a blog post for the U.S. Department of Education about gratitude and the need for a well-rounded education! Read it on blog.us.gov.
Fall Polaroids
When my little sister (Big Brother Big Sister) and I have our match meet-ups, we take polaroid photos with each other; here are some from this Fall!
Interview with News10 Albany
To celebrate National STEM Day, I interviewed with Albany Channel 10 about the national holiday and my work with Art Technically promoting STEM and STEAM education for underserved students.
Miss United States Court
Unveiling the official Miss United States court photos which include Miss California, Miss Montana, Miss Alabama, and Miss Mississippi.
Menands Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat
I had some fun at the Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat in Menands, NY yesterday. I was originally booked for the event as Miss New York, but the kids of Menands got Miss United States instead!
Interview with Channel 13 Albany
I interviewed with Subrina Dhammi on NewsChannel 13 Albany about winning Miss United States and my work in promoting children’s STEM and Arts Education with Art Technically.
I won Miss United States!
I was crowned Miss United States on October 17th, 2022 in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. During my year of service, I’m on a mission to promote my nonprofit Art Technically and children’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Arts education across the United States.
Miss New York | Miss United States Recap
I’m so grateful or my year as Miss New York US 2022, and I can’t wait for this next year, serving New York and beyond as Miss United States!
$10,000 Raised for Children’s STEM and Arts Education
This month, you helped me raise $10,000 for children’s science and arts education through my nonprofit Art Technically! Thank you so much for taking time to take surveys through HundredX Causes. I can’t wait to use these funds for more Science Bears, scientist and artist Barbies and toys, STEM/STEAM books, and workshop materials for disadvantaged K-12 students!
New Science Bear Colors
Meet a Science Bear from our new color collection! “Science Bears” is a special Art Technically project that creates scientist-themed teddy bears for children in need such as children at Child Advocacy Centers and family shelters.
Dinosaur Activity Kits for the Albany Children’s Hospital
These Art Technically dinosaur activity kits went to the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital this morning! Each kit had a dinosaur plushie, book, coloring book, and stickers.
Miss United States Interview
Yesterday, I interviewed for my dream job: Miss United States. We talked about my work with Art Technically, bringing STEM and Arts Education to disadvantaged K-12 students through book and toy donations and arts and sciences workshops!
$1,900 Raised for St. Jude – Rugged Maniac New England
Yesterday I volunteered with St. Jude Children’s Hospital collecting donations at the Rugged Maniac Obstacle Run in Massachusetts! I collected $1,900 worth of donations in my bucket from the hundreds of participating runners.
2021-2022 Art Technically Lab Coat
Every year, I keep a lab coat that my students sign every time I visit a school with Art Technically – it’s fun for the kids to get to add their names and write messages or draw pictures, and it serves as a keepsake for me to remember what is most important to our mission: the kids that we serve!
Miss New York – NYC
Miss New York United States 2022 – Times Square, NYC.
Official Miss United States Personality Page
My official personality page for the Miss United States program book! Photo by Heather Strickland, page design by Pageant Designs.
NYC Birthday Trip – Come From Away
I got to go see Come From Away with my mom for my 23rd birthday! Featuring my favorite Keith Haring by Alice & Olivia skirt.
Official Miss United States Headshot by Heather Strickland
This is my official headshot for the 2022 Miss United States pageant in October. Photo by Heather Strickland Photography.
Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Photoshoot with Doves
Audrey Hepburn inspired photoshoot with Andy Jones using a real dove, just like “Funny Face”!
Marilyn Monroe Potato Sack Photoshoot with Andy Jones
“In 1951, a journalist criticized Marilyn Monroe for a ‘provocative’ dress she wore, calling her “cheap and vulgar* and saying that she’d have looked better wearing a potato sack. So, she did a photoshoot wearing a potato sack as a response.”