OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Laura Clark is the license holder for Miss Earth in the United States. Serving over 20 years in the pageant, performance and entertainment industry, Laura has been recognized as Best Director by Pageant Planet, Art & Beauty Magazine and Prestige Pageantry Awards. She has held positions with the Miss United States Organization, Miss World America, the National Football League, Universal Dance Association and the International Ms. pageant. Laura spent several years as a full time choreographer and game day entertainment director for professional and collegiate teams. After earning the title of Ms. United States 2011, she began her career in pageantry as a state director and national marketing director. Under Laura's leadership, USA ranked 2nd Runner Up Miss World, 1st Runner Up Miss Earth and won the elusive Miss Earth title in 2020. Laura dedicated six years cheering in the National Football League. Her favorite time as an NFL cheerleader was performing for the U.S. military in eight countries. She also appeared on CMT's Making the Team as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Semifinalist. She holds a bachelor's in public communication with a minor in political science, is a certified Climate Reality Leader and holds a diplomatic pass to the United Nations in Switzerland. Laura, her husband and two children are based in Chicago.

Ariel is originally from Southern California, was raised in Arizona and now resides in Northern California. For many years, she has worked as a Healthcare Administrator in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A veteran in the pageantry for over 15 years, Ariel has competed in various systems including USA, United States, Teen America and Teen World. She was previously Miss Teen Arizona World 2007, Miss North Phoenix Teen America 2006 and has received the Congeniality Award at both Miss Arizona Teen America and Miss Virginia United States. Since 2014, Ariel has served as a judge and contestant coordinator for Miss United States and Miss World America in several states on the East Coast. Ariel's "hidden" talents include playing classical piano and the steel drums, riding horses and ballroom dancing. She gives her time frequently to charitable purposes including military appreciation and allergy awareness.

Raised in Texas, Jenna currently resides in Oklahoma as a proud Air Force wife. A graduate with a Masters in Applied Developmental Psychology, Jenna enjoys a career improving the health of children and young adults as Program Director at Brain Balance Achievement Centers. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. In 2016, Jenna competed as Miss Colorado Earth, ranking to the Top 20 at Miss Earth United States. She has previously represented her state at Miss International and Miss United States pageants. Jenna has modeled for Johnathan Kayne pageant gowns and was a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Her favorite part of being on the national leadership team at Miss Earth USA is creating a fun and stress-free environment for all delegates.

Based in Virginia Beach, Khia is an accomplished pageant director, judge, coach and competitor. She competed for three years at the Ms. United States pageant and placed top five in multiple circuits including Teen All American and American Coed. As a director and coach, her delegates have won state and national titles. Khia has served on the Executive Council of the Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals and was recognized as a Distinguished Young Professional. She has been a member of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, the Women’s Leadership Council, and the National Association of Professional Women. In 2015, she launched her brand—K. Cimóne— an online earth-friendly accessory boutique for men and women, as well as Style Syndicated--a boutique styling, design, and production consulting conglomerate. In her free time, Khia volunteers as an EMT with the City of Virginia Beach and serves as an advocate and community resource for homeschooling students and families through her non-profit, The Homeschool Alliance. She is a wife, mother of three children and one fur-child.

Brittany served as Miss Earth USA 2015. During her successful competition at Miss Earth in Austria, she was named Miss Earth Water. During her one year as an international titleholder, Brittany represented Miss Earth during travels to Colombia, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico, and multiple domestic visits. She has interviewed on Univision and appeared on the cover of Crowned Magazine. For six years, Brittany has successfully performed as the master of ceremonies for Miss Earth USA national finals airing on the Dish Network and VIP Pageantry Network. She has placed twice in the Top 5 at Miss California USA and was awarded first runner up at Miss Hawaii USA. Brittany currently appears in an ad campaign for Queenly. In addition to overseeing production for Miss Earth USA national finals, Brittany serves on the Board of Directors and is a Co-Founder of the nonprofit organization Beauties for a Cause USA. Brittany most recently has lived in California, Hawaii, Florida and Germany working in the hospitality industry.

Allie most recently served in the national title of Miss Earth USA Eco 2020 and is a Public Affairs and Field Artillery Officer in the Rhode Island National Guard. She has 15 years of experience in pageants including serving as Miss Rhode Island America 2015 competing at Miss America. Allie graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in Political Science and Public Relations. She earned an MPA from Brown University and M.S. in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security. Allie has been a speaker at several major conferences including Running Start’s Young Women’s Political Leadership Summit and the New England Women's Policy Conference. She was honored at the 10th annual Young Women to Watch Awards and Girl Scouts Leading Women of Distinction. Allie is a two time TEDxSpeaker, with talks titled “Leading Ladies: Why Representation Matters" and "Daring Daily: The Power of Practicing Courage." Outside of her work in the Army, Allie is the digital media manager for Plant City Providence, the world’s first plant-based food hall, focused on sustainable food systems and addressing the climate crisis.

LaShawn "Elle" White's extensive background in event coordination, hospitality, entertainment, media and pageants make her a valuable asset for the Miss Earth USA Executive Team! Having competed in Maryland and District of Columbia for several years, Elle now works in the hospitality industry around the United States. In recent years, she appeared as a cast member on WETV "Match Made in Heaven."

Keyace joined the official Executive Team of Miss Earth USA in 2021. She is a proud mother and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Florida International University. She is an accomplished member of the US Air Force, currently working as a Financial Management Journeyman. She previously served as Elite Miss Earth USA 2018. Now as a key team member of the Miss Earth USA organization, she concentrates on furthering the efforts of the nonprofit division "Beauties for a Cause" including marketing, grant proposals, and special projects.

A member of the national Executive Team, Jennifer has been involved in pageantry for over a decade as a contestant, coach, judge, director, and a pageant mom. A life-long Midwesterner, Jennifer was born and raised in North Dakota, and has held the titles of Mrs. North Dakota America, Mrs. North Dakota Earth and Mrs. Norway Eco International. She dedicated a few years as a beloved state pageant director before joining the national leadership team at Miss Earth USA. In addition, she has modeled both in print and on the runway. Outside of pageantry, Jennifer is a high school counselor in Fargo, a wife, a mother of two, and an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

Laura Cliff, MHC, MA is a trauma-informed clinician, mental health educator, and public speaker, with a special interest in healing attachments, relational trauma, grief, ADHD, and issues specific to the LGTBQ community. She uses a holistic and egalitarian approach to create safe spaces for her clients. She is passionate about educating her clients and community on mental health topics, explaining how trauma and deep core wounds impact our daily lives, eating disorders and suicide prevention, and skills to assist with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She believes her role as a therapist is to be the mirror for her clients, reflecting their challenges back in order to help them navigate forward with non-judgment, empathy, compassion, and a lot of humor. Laura is a graduate of Salve Regina University with a Master of Arts in Holistic Clinical Mental health counseling. Outside of her work as a clinician, she is passionate about creating progressive change through legislative advocacy. She’s a voting member of the Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus and was selected to be part of the New Leader’s Council 2022 cohort, a fellowship awarded to leaders in Rhode Island eager to make progressive change her goal is to use these newly acquired skills and create an impact in how Rhode Island approaches mental health. Laura has competed in pageants including placing Top 10 at International Ms. 2019.

Nic is a Certified Life Coach and holds a Master's degree in social and behavioral science. She is owner of Nic B Cosmetics, an Atlanta based company specializing in beauty products for women of all races and ethnicities and co-owner of Inspire Gravity Consulting, a competition and life coaching company specializing in pageant, career and sports coaching services. Nic works as a Public Health Advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this role she serves as the principal Project Officer supporting emergency preparedness and managing a budget of over 190 million dollars. She has received several awards for exemplary service in public health for her continued role in emergency preparedness. She was recently honored by the Governor's office and City Hall with a proclamation for her dedication to children in foster care. With over 20 years of pageant experience, Nic coaches contestants at all age and experience levels. Previous titles include Miss Guyana Universe (formally Guyana USA) 1995 (youngest contestant to win at age 17), Miss Caribbean International 1997, Mrs. Snellville America 2015, Mrs. Georgia America 2016, Top 6 finalist at Mrs. America 2016. She has been ranked to Top State Pageant Directors by Pageant Planet.

Residing in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband and two children, Christina has been involved in pageantry since 2013. After placing 1st Runner-Up at the 2021 Mrs. USA Earth competition, Christina felt called to lead other talented Kentucky women to shine on the Miss Earth state and national stages--while simultaneously facilitating a sisterhood that gives back to Kentucky. Christina holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kentucky, and outside of pageantry, enjoys traveling, photography, and decorating.

Jillian Spano is a wife and mother of three. She holds degrees in Psychology and Communication and a Master's in Counseling Psychology. After a successful career in the healthcare industry, she founded Next Paige Productions with the goal to empower girls and women to feel and look their best. With over 15 years of experience in pageantry, beauty and fashion, her team specializes in pageant and fashion production, pageant coaching and styling, image consulting and personal development. Next Paige Productions was awarded a Top 3 spot for Coach of the Year by Beauty it’s Everywhere, All Time Top 100 by the United Pageant League as well as voted Top 10 Best Pageant Coach by Pageant Planet. In 2020, Next Paige Productions officially went international as a mentor for the Intentional Glamour Project based in India. Named one of The Most Fascinating People in Pageantry by Art & Beauty Magazine, Jillian has been a judge, director, producer, state and international titleholder. Finally, she has served as Vice President for the official hair and makeup team signed to Miss Universe Organization state pageants and other national pageant systems. Jillian continues to lives by her own belief: “You cannot become what you dream by remaining where you are.”

Serving as Texas state director for nearly 10 years, Jackie is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Bazaar Models, recognized as a top modeling agency in the Southwest region of the United States. Prior to becoming the state director, Jackie held the state title of Miss Texas Earth, influencing her to believe strongly in the mission of the Miss Earth Organization. Jackie studied Electronic Media Communication at the University of Texas at El Paso. Previously known as Wilhelmina Bazaar, Jackie is well known for her talent in developing men, women, and children for careers in modeling as a talent agent. She and her husband live in El Paso and have a son.

Voted Best State Pageant Director for several years by Pageant Planet, and a finalist nominee for Best State Director/Producer from The Global Beauty Awards, Teri has taken the pageantry industry by storm. Teri has had a successful 25 year career in Human Resources Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, leading, training and developing some of the best recruiters in the country. Applying the tools she learned in Human Resources, in 2016, Teri began pageant directing and to date has crowned over 60 queens, five national winners and two Best National State Costume winners. Teri holds a Masters’ Degree from UMUC in Human Resources Management & Development and a Masters Certificate in Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and currently resides in PG County Maryland with her husband Michael of 33 years.

Maryn has been involved in pageantry as a contestant, judge, coach, and director throughout her life. Through her participation as a contestant, she not only found success onstage, but developed a love for community service, made lifelong friends, and honed interview skills that have translated into the professional world. As a local director in the Miss America Organization for five years, she produced two state winners. As a coach, Maryn had helped women achieve semifinals placements at US International and Miss Earth USA, and a winner at United States of America’s first national pageant. Maryn has enjoyed a successful banking career and has been named Employee of the Year by two financial institutions. She currently works for an international financial institution as a Relationship Manager, where she oversees the risk and compliance of a portfolio of third party vendors. Maryn resides in Las Vegas with her fur baby, Bruiser. Because she is a second-generation native and lifelong resident of Nevada, Maryn believes in the power of the women in her home state.

Brittanie Nicole Brooks aka "Brett" has been involved in pageantry for the last decade, from a contestant, judge, coordinator and served as a three time Miss Illinois titleholder. More recently, she was 2019 Miss Illinois Earth USA. Brittanie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University as well as a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Public Affairs Reporting. She’s worked in all facets of journalism from radio, print and television. A former college professor, Brett also had the opportunity to work at Pageant Planet as their Queen of Social Media and as a news writer. Currently, she is a portrait photographer and the Founder/Host of Pageants & Prosecco Podcast, available on every major streaming platform reaching on average 3,000 pageant enthusiasts per episode. One of her proudest achievements was passing legislation at the Illinois State Capitol to bring awareness to Ovarian Cancer & Ovarian Cysts, the latter of which she’s personally endured. You can catch a glimpse of her creative side and photography work on Instagram BeeSquaredFilms.

Kaleigh works as a full time Marketing Manager in the cycling industry, and in her free time enjoys reading, traveling, hiking and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to begin a new chapter in the pageant world and looks forward to supporting women around the state in pursuit of their goals and dreams. Kaleigh has been involved in pageantry for nearly 17 years. She has held numerous state and local titles, including Elite Miss Massachusetts Earth. She also was a top charitable fund raiser, earning her the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico for the annual mission trip. Kaleigh is excited to work as a director to develop and expand her pageant passion.

Marc Harvey has concentrated on a career as a professional makeup artist, hairstylist, beauty expert and product developer, having worked in the beauty industry for more than 15 years. Marc has worked with top brands including L’Oreal and Bobbi Brown. He traveled as brand ambassador for L’Oreal launching its top selling products and working such events as The Beyonce Experience Tour. He is a host/presenter and was featured on Home Shopping Network and The Shopping Network Canada. He was the Global Artist and Brand Ambassador for Luminess Air Cosmetics with notable and record-breaking sales in the millions. Marc is also an educator with clients and students from countries around the world, including Canada, Paris, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. He is the proud creator of Elementwo PRO airbrush cosmetics, MHB Cosmetics and MySkincAir Organics. As a director for Miss Earth USA, Marc looks forward to bridging the industries of beauty, fashion and pageantry.

A resident of Irmo, South Carolina, Clarissa is the mother of two girls and one boy who all enjoy pageantry. A formally trained artist and vocalist, she majored in graphic design and photography at University of South Carolina and the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh and now works as a freelance Graphic Designer. She brings decades of experience in pageantry as a contestant, pageant mom, consultant, judge and director. Her hobbies include traveling, singing, painting and drawing. Giving back to the local community is a priority. She is a volunteer soccer coach for youth boys with SC United FC and a Girl Scout troop leader for the past six years. As Ms. South Carolina Plus Intercontinental 2021, Clarissa launched her platform BeYOUnique, a mentoring program to support young female artists. For the 2021 pageant season, Clarissa received the honor of Pageant Planet's Best In Pageantry Ms. Headshot Winner and a Top 10 placement for Evening Gown.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Lisa Opie is the creator of Beauty by LadyCode, Vizcaya Swimwear, and the LadyCode Shop. Lisa has over 10 years of experience with hair and makeup, and was trained in New York by Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian's favorite makeup artist. Lisa studied hair from Jen Atkin, another Kardashian favorite and founder of OUAI Haircare at her Mane University in New York City. In 2018, Lisa continued her education by taking her second master class with Makeup by Mario in Miami and second hair certification from Chris Appleton's Fabulous AF master class in Los Angeles, where she also attended a seminar with Kylie Jenner's makeup artist Ariel Tejada (@makeupbyariel), Lilly Ghalichi, and Patrick Ta. As a former beauty queen herself, Lisa has perfected the competition look for both hair and makeup. Lisa has titles in the Miss United States, Miss USA, and Miss Nationwide systems. A trendsetter in the beauty industry, her beauty-based YouTube channel boasts over 5 million views. In 2019, Beauty by LadyCode was nominated for the second time for best hair and makeup by the Global Beauty Awards.

Thom resides in Arizona and is a proudly successful businessman, philanthropist, media personality and producer. Thom is the founder of Brodeur Beauty - a company that brings disruptive beauty, personal care, and fashion brands to market. His most recent management roles include Yandy.com and La Reina Belleza Universo. Thom has been recognized by Art & Beauty Magazine as one of the “Most Interesting People in Pageantry,” and has been featured in Pageantry Magazine, Pageantry Now, VIP Pageantry, Pageant Live and Supermodels Unlimited for his contributions to the industry spanning over three decades. Thom has also been a multi-award nominee and Lifetime Achievement host for The Global Beauty Awards. For nearly 30 years Thom has served as judge, producer, state, national and international director and pageant coach with more than two dozen state and national titleholders, semifinalists and finalists in the Miss USA / Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Globe, Miss World America and Miss Earth systems to his credit. While a college student at Youngstown State University, Brodeur was a professional runway, editorial print and commercial model represented by the Ford agency where he worked for brands including Structure [now Express Men], Adolfo, Perry Ellis and Hugo Boss. Brodeur was also Mr. Male America 1991 where he bested a field of 38 other contestants and won the Photogenic, Runway and Spokesmodel competitions. Brodeur holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics from Youngstown State University and is an Executive MBA alumni from the renowned Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Katerina has been involved in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, and judge for nine years. She is no stranger to the Miss Earth USA organization as Katerina held the title of Teen Miss New York in 2016 and served as a state interview judge in 2018. She most recently placed in the Top 6 at the United States of America pageant in Las Vegas. With nearly five years of experience in digital marketing, public relations, and content creation, Katerina has worked for companies such as Pageant Planet, signedNYC, and Queenly. She also serves as a Board Member of the Sherlock’s Homes Foundation, a 501(C)3 non-profit that aims to end LGBTQ+ homelessness through social housing initiatives and real estate investments. Katerina oversees Miss Earth USA content development and strategy for TikTok and Instagram.