Ashley Kazian Wins Miss United States

Former Eastside High School Student chose Cystinosis as her Platform and is the Cystinosis Research Network Spokesperson

Ashley Kazian is crowned Miss United States Laura McGinnis and Ashley Kazian

On August 25, 2007, Ashley Kazian was crowned Miss United States in the sixth annual Miss United States pageant. Ashley, age 21, is a junior at the Art Institute of Charlotte. Her dream job is to work as a fashion stylist for Vogue magazine in New York City. In October, CRN named Ashley an official spokesperson. Ashley took some time to answer a few questions about her pageant win and what it means to support cystinosis.

CRN: Can you describe the Miss United States organization?

Ashley: The Miss United States Organization is an amazing organization in which the winners will embark on an incredible year of experiences; they will travel throughout the country promoting issues dear to their hearts, they will work with numerous charitable organizations, while meeting various dignitaries and experiencing an unparalleled wealth of personal growth opportunities.  These experiences are unique to the Miss United States Organization and will become an integral part in furthering their aspirations. The phases of competition include: Interview 40%, Fashion 20%, Swimsuit 20%, and Evening Gown 20%.

CRN: What made you decide to compete in the Miss United States organization?

Ashley: After working in the pageant industry for over four years for famed designer Gregory Ellenburg, I competed in my first pageant. Ever since I was a little girl, it had always been a dream of mine to be a national titleholder. When I was younger, I would record all of the pageants, and watch them over and over. However, I was uncertain if I would be able to obtain my goal. I started competing in the Spring of 2006. Five pageants, and four crowns later; my dream came true as I was crowned Miss United States 2007.

CRN: How did you choose cystinosis as your platform?

Ashley: I attended Eastside High School, in Taylors, South Carolina where I was on the student government. My junior year our charity during our annual spirit week was The Cystinosis Research Network. I remember calling Frankie McGinnis (mother of Laura McGinnis who has Cystinosis) to ask her a question and we instantly clicked. I began finding reasons to call them or visit, and they have been stuck with me ever since. They are literally my second family. I promised myself that no matter how far I made it in pageants, I would always promote The Cystinosis Research Network any chance I got. The two pageant systems I competed in (United States and USA) do not have “platforms”, but I always put that The Cystinosis Research Network was my platform.

CRN: What opportunities have you had to draw attention to cystinosis research?

Ashley: At the national pageant during the interview, I was asked about Cystinosis. One question on our fact sheet was: “Who is your role model?” I put that my role model was 11 year-old Laura McGinnis. The judges asked me how someone half my age could be a role model to me. I explained about the disease and what Laura faces on a daily basis, and how she does it all with a smile on her face. I told them that about 5 years ago Laura made me a hand-painted jewelry box and that whenever I come home feeling sorry for myself, the jewelry box catches my eye and puts everything in perspective. It is then that I realize how wonderful I have it, and what Laura struggles with; but how she never complains.

CRN: How do people react when you talk to them about cystinosis?

Ashley: It is great to see how interested people become when I explain the disease, and I truly believe that it is all about getting the word out there, so we can get more funding for research. Everyone becomes very interested in the disease and wants to learn more about it. Once they meet Laura, they are automatically hooked and want to do everything they can to help out.

CRN: What plans do you have to promote cystinosis now that you are a spokesperson for CRN?

Ashley: I am truly honored to be chosen as a spokesperson for the Cystinosis Research Network. I plan on using this unique opportunity to promote the disease around the country, wherever I travel. I have brochures that explain what the disease is, and I pass these out when I travel. The Cystinosis website is also printed on my national autograph cards with hopes that people will check out the web. My personal MySpace account talks about the disease, and uses the CRN logo as my wallpaper. I have been in contact with some national news, and talk shows about the disease. I plan on doing everything I can to promote the disease and raise money for research.

CRN: What are your next steps/goals in your pageant career?

Ashley: My pageant career is over after this year, time to hang up my heels ;). I will always be involved in the industry because I love it so much, but I accomplished my goal and I believe after I pass on the Miss Untied States title, it will be time for me to move on with my life.

I am once again honored to be part of CRN and I plan to do anything and everything I can to promote awareness and raise funding for research. If I can assist anyone in fundraisers, please let me know:

Amkzn@aol.com

www.MissUnitedStates.net

864-346-6539