Ashley Bradarich Interview
Miss Illinois USA 2010
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Illinois USA pageant?
I entered the Miss Illinois USA Pageant for the first time in 2009 because I wanted to challenge myself with something I had never done before. When I placed 2nd runner up out of 88 contestants, I thought this might be something I could really do, and put my whole heart and soul into the 2010 competition when I took home the crown! After winning, I was introduced into a whole new world I’d never known existed or was a possibility for me to be a part of, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to hold this title.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Illinois USA?
When they didn’t call my name as the first runner up, making me the winner, all I could think was “Ohygosh I did it? I really did it? Wait, me? What?!” I actually thought, “Shoot, what do I do now?!” and I wondered what my mom must be thinking. I tried looking for family and friends in the audience to share in their reactions, but I was so excited all I could do was smile, laugh, and be so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in to achieve my goal.
What would be your most memorable moment in Las Vegas during your reign as Miss Illinois USA?
My most memorable moment was during the time we spent with the Best Buddies program. I am grateful to have had the chance to spend the day with a young lady named Vanessa. She was such a smart, beautiful, wonderful girl, and I just fell in love with her. She filled me with so much warmth and positivity; it changed my whole attitude and made me feel like a winner even before competing in the Miss USA Pageant.
What are your duties as Miss Illinois USA?
As Miss Illinois USA I am a role model for women. I have been in contact with many young women who look up to me more than they would have without my title. It has been wonderful to be able to effect peoples’ lives in a positive way, to inspire them, and answer their questions. In addition to being a role model, I am also a spokesperson and representative for Illinois. I have attended various events to help raise money for different causes, or simply to show my support. I never thought I would have such amazing opportunities to enhance the lives of others, and I think this is one of the most rewarding things about being Miss Illinois USA.
Lastly, what will you be up to after your reign as Miss Illinois USA is over?
When I give the crown away in November, I think I will be continuing my life as I have been, but just keep myself a bit less busy! I work full time as an art director at one of the top marketing agencies in Chicago, and I design and develop websites for various clients in my spare time. In addition to this, I give skin care and make-up classes for women who wish to learn more about proper skin care and make-up application. I am very involved with the arts – I play the piano and the harp, I dance, and I practice fine art making. I also volunteer my time with various organizations including helping them with their websites or other “design” projects. I think when my reign is over, it will be up to me to find the areas of my life where I might best succeed. I would love to continue to be a spokeswoman in some way, or perhaps coach other woman in areas of leadership and business.
I entered the Miss Illinois USA Pageant for the first time in 2009 because I wanted to challenge myself with something I had never done before. When I placed 2nd runner up out of 88 contestants, I thought this might be something I could really do, and put my whole heart and soul into the 2010 competition when I took home the crown! After winning, I was introduced into a whole new world I’d never known existed or was a possibility for me to be a part of, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to hold this title.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Illinois USA?
When they didn’t call my name as the first runner up, making me the winner, all I could think was “Ohygosh I did it? I really did it? Wait, me? What?!” I actually thought, “Shoot, what do I do now?!” and I wondered what my mom must be thinking. I tried looking for family and friends in the audience to share in their reactions, but I was so excited all I could do was smile, laugh, and be so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in to achieve my goal.
What would be your most memorable moment in Las Vegas during your reign as Miss Illinois USA?
My most memorable moment was during the time we spent with the Best Buddies program. I am grateful to have had the chance to spend the day with a young lady named Vanessa. She was such a smart, beautiful, wonderful girl, and I just fell in love with her. She filled me with so much warmth and positivity; it changed my whole attitude and made me feel like a winner even before competing in the Miss USA Pageant.
What are your duties as Miss Illinois USA?
As Miss Illinois USA I am a role model for women. I have been in contact with many young women who look up to me more than they would have without my title. It has been wonderful to be able to effect peoples’ lives in a positive way, to inspire them, and answer their questions. In addition to being a role model, I am also a spokesperson and representative for Illinois. I have attended various events to help raise money for different causes, or simply to show my support. I never thought I would have such amazing opportunities to enhance the lives of others, and I think this is one of the most rewarding things about being Miss Illinois USA.
Lastly, what will you be up to after your reign as Miss Illinois USA is over?
When I give the crown away in November, I think I will be continuing my life as I have been, but just keep myself a bit less busy! I work full time as an art director at one of the top marketing agencies in Chicago, and I design and develop websites for various clients in my spare time. In addition to this, I give skin care and make-up classes for women who wish to learn more about proper skin care and make-up application. I am very involved with the arts – I play the piano and the harp, I dance, and I practice fine art making. I also volunteer my time with various organizations including helping them with their websites or other “design” projects. I think when my reign is over, it will be up to me to find the areas of my life where I might best succeed. I would love to continue to be a spokeswoman in some way, or perhaps coach other woman in areas of leadership and business.