Cristin Duren Interview
Miss Florida Teen USA 1997,
Miss Florida USA 2006 & 4th runner up @ Miss USA 2006
Why did you decide to compete for the title of Miss Florida USA?
After winning the title of Miss Florida Teen USA nearly a decade earlier, I had always imagined the thought of becoming Miss Florida USA to be incredible. Deciding to compete for this title was truly recognized when my mother and I traveled down to Hollywood Floridato watch a dear friend of mine compete in 2005. On our way home, sitting in the plane I looked at my mom and I said let’s do it! My mom and I are a great team and she was just as excited as I was. So when we landed back home, we were on a mission…. and Miss Florida USA 2006 couldn’t come soon enough!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Florida USA?
First thought was pure excitement. Not only had I won, but I had done something no one else in my lifetime had accomplished, at that point I was the only person to have ever won both the Miss Florida Teen USA and Miss Florida USA titles. WOW!!!!! Second thought was what a year a fun this will be because I knew having been in similar shoes before I wasn’t going to let a moment pass without making the most of it! And then reality hit me…… I was headed to Vegas the very next day for a National Sales Meeting with my company, at the time, and what was I going to do? Luckily I had a fantastic manager and supportive teammates and they handled the news so well! We celebrated in Vegas and it all worked out just fine!
What would be your first thoughts when you were called into the top 15, the top 10 and finally as the 4th runner up at Miss USA?
Well you know I was called 15th in the top 15, so by number 12, 13 14, I was getting REALLY nervous. When they called Florida as 15, I remember clasping my hands together and thanking God and feeling ecstatic! Top 10, I was still nervous but super excited and by top 5 I was just live’ in it up. It was just like a dream come true to be up there on that stage with so many friends, family, and supportive people back home I knew were cheering me on. I remember seeing my sorority sisters out in the audience holding up the F L O R I D A signs and screaming at the tops of their lungs!!! By the time the final questions came around, I drew a tough one, and kind of realized during the commercial break that it was all she wrote. As the countdown began I started silently routing for my girl Tamiko Nash, Miss California, I really thought she had it. All in all it was a blast and talking with Mr Trump after the show, his kind words were just the icing on the cake! Later that night I spent time unwinding with my friends and family who had supported me all the way through and my mom and I packed all though the night, never sleeping, to catch a plane back to Birmingham AL the next morning where my sorority sister and dear friend was getting married that night!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Wow the entire experience was unforgettable; although, I can name several highlights. From the moment I walked into the select hotel we called home, began a true reality TV moment as I was picked as one of two delegates to be followed throughout my experience for “UNCOVERED, The Hidden Lives of Miss USA.” Every moment was documented on film, from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to bed. That was a very eye-opening dose of reality TV. Second, having a chance to visit local charity events and fundraisers throughout our 3 week stay was so much fun. Spending time with “Best Buddies” we were given the opportunity to individually pair up with our new best friends, mine was Michael, and tour the science museum in Baltimore, so much fun!!! Our trip to New York City was a definite gold star in my book. It was a whirlwind beginning at 5:00am as we were allowed the chance to be a part of various shows like Regis and Kelly, TRL, Fox News and many others. Also while in New York we walked the red carpet joining Mr Donald Trump for his book release party! That was a blast. Rehearsals and competition were tough but oh so fun! In the end I walked away with a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will forever cherish and made many new friends one of which we refer to ourselves as “Soul Sistas!” Miss Washington and I were born on the exact same day, same year and had we not been afforded this opportunity may have never met at all! The entire 3 weeks flew by so fast and I will forever hold on to the many memories!
You were chosen as one of the case models on “Deal or No Deal” prior to the Miss USA pageant. Tell us about your experience on the show.
Deal or No Deal was a once in a lifetime experience!!! They picked 25 of the 51 USA delegates to be on the show, so just getting picked was excitement enough! But little did I know the fun would start when we were all on set. A lot more work goes into those shows than meets the eye. After placing all the delegates with their particular case, which we have no idea what dollar amount really is inside, the taping began. Unfortunately, whether it was the heat of the lights or the steep stairs we were on, we had a delegate pass out, falling down and opening the case with the dollar amount in clear view. Once she recovered, we had to start again…from the very beginning. It was tough standing in heels and on very steep stairs under bright lights, on camera for so long, but we all made it through. I held case number 2 with $10.00. The best part was not only did the contestant win over $300,000 but he proposed to his fiancé and she said “YES!” It was incredible! Rumor has it that it was the longest show filmed on the set of Deal or No Deal to date. Howie was a blast too, although we never had a chance to meet that sneaky banker!
You appeared on a segment on “The Daily Show” during your reign as Miss Florida USA. Tell us about why you were on the show and what you talked about.
The Daily Show actually contacted me during rehearsals for Miss USA and because I was a pharmaceutical rep asked me to partner with them in an upcoming show they were producing regardless of the outcome of the pageant. I agreed and after returning home from the pageant was flown back to New York to film the show. At the time of filming, I was not aware exactly were they were going with the plot as it was top secret. I spent an entire day in Manhattan interviewing and shooting for the show all around the city. When I saw the final product I realized it was a spoof on pharmaceutical sales and I personally thought it was hilarious! If you haven’t seen it you should check it out for a good laugh. It’s Dr Spin , The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Another great opportunity that I will never forget!
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Florida USA?
My entire reign as Miss Florida USA I spent on the go and it truly was so much fun! I worked with local communities and charities raising money and donations for children in need and Habitat for Humanity. I also loved being able to play a part as the host for our telethon benefiting Hurricane Katrina and Wilma’s kids. Being asked to give the invocation for the Miami Dade Speedway was a little nerve racking but another unforgettable memory. I had the chance to meet national celebrities as well such as Al Roker, Nick Lachey, and Scott Stapp to name a few. Also being invited to help out with St. Jude’s will always hold a special place in my heart. I have worked with the Children’s Miracle Network for many years, so being asked to come in to visit with these precious children was such an honor. While we were in Memphis, we took a private tour of Graceland. Elvis is such a legend and it was fantastic to see first hand where he and his family called home! My year as Miss Florida was full of timeless memories that I will always remember as one amazing year!
What would be the difference of being Miss Florida Teen USA and Miss Florida USA?
Well for me it was a difference of 9 years. I was a 15 year old sophomore in high school when I won Miss Florida Teen USA and I was a 24 year old young women when I was crowned Miss Florida USA. Although the basic pageant may have remained similar, I was indeed a very different individual. I had begun experiencing life, as a graduate from the University of Alabama, had begun my career as a pharmaceutical sales representative. I embraced each moment of that cherished year as a representative and ambassador of the state of Florida. Fortunately I had the support of family and friends which allowed me to take the year off from work to make the most of each opportunity during my reign. I was also afforded many additional experiences as a Miss Florida USA verses a Teen to reach out to my local and state community in various charity events, to travel the state and the entire country as a spokesperson, advocate and voice for various programs that I believed in. Looking back I can honestly say I made the most of each day as Miss Florida USA and didn’t take a single minute for granted.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Florida USA ended?
Since my reign ended, I have had the wonderful experience of traveling the country working as a spokesperson for Lexus, pursuing my hopeful ambition to become a host of various television shows and recently landed a job with Takeda Pharmaceuticals which I absolutely love. The traveling was great while it lasted but it is so nice to come home to my own bed and favorite two angels.. my dogs Bailey and Sadie! Living back in Florida on the world’s most beautiful beaches isn’t too rough either! Life is good!
After winning the title of Miss Florida Teen USA nearly a decade earlier, I had always imagined the thought of becoming Miss Florida USA to be incredible. Deciding to compete for this title was truly recognized when my mother and I traveled down to Hollywood Floridato watch a dear friend of mine compete in 2005. On our way home, sitting in the plane I looked at my mom and I said let’s do it! My mom and I are a great team and she was just as excited as I was. So when we landed back home, we were on a mission…. and Miss Florida USA 2006 couldn’t come soon enough!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Florida USA?
First thought was pure excitement. Not only had I won, but I had done something no one else in my lifetime had accomplished, at that point I was the only person to have ever won both the Miss Florida Teen USA and Miss Florida USA titles. WOW!!!!! Second thought was what a year a fun this will be because I knew having been in similar shoes before I wasn’t going to let a moment pass without making the most of it! And then reality hit me…… I was headed to Vegas the very next day for a National Sales Meeting with my company, at the time, and what was I going to do? Luckily I had a fantastic manager and supportive teammates and they handled the news so well! We celebrated in Vegas and it all worked out just fine!
What would be your first thoughts when you were called into the top 15, the top 10 and finally as the 4th runner up at Miss USA?
Well you know I was called 15th in the top 15, so by number 12, 13 14, I was getting REALLY nervous. When they called Florida as 15, I remember clasping my hands together and thanking God and feeling ecstatic! Top 10, I was still nervous but super excited and by top 5 I was just live’ in it up. It was just like a dream come true to be up there on that stage with so many friends, family, and supportive people back home I knew were cheering me on. I remember seeing my sorority sisters out in the audience holding up the F L O R I D A signs and screaming at the tops of their lungs!!! By the time the final questions came around, I drew a tough one, and kind of realized during the commercial break that it was all she wrote. As the countdown began I started silently routing for my girl Tamiko Nash, Miss California, I really thought she had it. All in all it was a blast and talking with Mr Trump after the show, his kind words were just the icing on the cake! Later that night I spent time unwinding with my friends and family who had supported me all the way through and my mom and I packed all though the night, never sleeping, to catch a plane back to Birmingham AL the next morning where my sorority sister and dear friend was getting married that night!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Wow the entire experience was unforgettable; although, I can name several highlights. From the moment I walked into the select hotel we called home, began a true reality TV moment as I was picked as one of two delegates to be followed throughout my experience for “UNCOVERED, The Hidden Lives of Miss USA.” Every moment was documented on film, from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to bed. That was a very eye-opening dose of reality TV. Second, having a chance to visit local charity events and fundraisers throughout our 3 week stay was so much fun. Spending time with “Best Buddies” we were given the opportunity to individually pair up with our new best friends, mine was Michael, and tour the science museum in Baltimore, so much fun!!! Our trip to New York City was a definite gold star in my book. It was a whirlwind beginning at 5:00am as we were allowed the chance to be a part of various shows like Regis and Kelly, TRL, Fox News and many others. Also while in New York we walked the red carpet joining Mr Donald Trump for his book release party! That was a blast. Rehearsals and competition were tough but oh so fun! In the end I walked away with a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will forever cherish and made many new friends one of which we refer to ourselves as “Soul Sistas!” Miss Washington and I were born on the exact same day, same year and had we not been afforded this opportunity may have never met at all! The entire 3 weeks flew by so fast and I will forever hold on to the many memories!
You were chosen as one of the case models on “Deal or No Deal” prior to the Miss USA pageant. Tell us about your experience on the show.
Deal or No Deal was a once in a lifetime experience!!! They picked 25 of the 51 USA delegates to be on the show, so just getting picked was excitement enough! But little did I know the fun would start when we were all on set. A lot more work goes into those shows than meets the eye. After placing all the delegates with their particular case, which we have no idea what dollar amount really is inside, the taping began. Unfortunately, whether it was the heat of the lights or the steep stairs we were on, we had a delegate pass out, falling down and opening the case with the dollar amount in clear view. Once she recovered, we had to start again…from the very beginning. It was tough standing in heels and on very steep stairs under bright lights, on camera for so long, but we all made it through. I held case number 2 with $10.00. The best part was not only did the contestant win over $300,000 but he proposed to his fiancé and she said “YES!” It was incredible! Rumor has it that it was the longest show filmed on the set of Deal or No Deal to date. Howie was a blast too, although we never had a chance to meet that sneaky banker!
You appeared on a segment on “The Daily Show” during your reign as Miss Florida USA. Tell us about why you were on the show and what you talked about.
The Daily Show actually contacted me during rehearsals for Miss USA and because I was a pharmaceutical rep asked me to partner with them in an upcoming show they were producing regardless of the outcome of the pageant. I agreed and after returning home from the pageant was flown back to New York to film the show. At the time of filming, I was not aware exactly were they were going with the plot as it was top secret. I spent an entire day in Manhattan interviewing and shooting for the show all around the city. When I saw the final product I realized it was a spoof on pharmaceutical sales and I personally thought it was hilarious! If you haven’t seen it you should check it out for a good laugh. It’s Dr Spin , The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Another great opportunity that I will never forget!
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Florida USA?
My entire reign as Miss Florida USA I spent on the go and it truly was so much fun! I worked with local communities and charities raising money and donations for children in need and Habitat for Humanity. I also loved being able to play a part as the host for our telethon benefiting Hurricane Katrina and Wilma’s kids. Being asked to give the invocation for the Miami Dade Speedway was a little nerve racking but another unforgettable memory. I had the chance to meet national celebrities as well such as Al Roker, Nick Lachey, and Scott Stapp to name a few. Also being invited to help out with St. Jude’s will always hold a special place in my heart. I have worked with the Children’s Miracle Network for many years, so being asked to come in to visit with these precious children was such an honor. While we were in Memphis, we took a private tour of Graceland. Elvis is such a legend and it was fantastic to see first hand where he and his family called home! My year as Miss Florida was full of timeless memories that I will always remember as one amazing year!
What would be the difference of being Miss Florida Teen USA and Miss Florida USA?
Well for me it was a difference of 9 years. I was a 15 year old sophomore in high school when I won Miss Florida Teen USA and I was a 24 year old young women when I was crowned Miss Florida USA. Although the basic pageant may have remained similar, I was indeed a very different individual. I had begun experiencing life, as a graduate from the University of Alabama, had begun my career as a pharmaceutical sales representative. I embraced each moment of that cherished year as a representative and ambassador of the state of Florida. Fortunately I had the support of family and friends which allowed me to take the year off from work to make the most of each opportunity during my reign. I was also afforded many additional experiences as a Miss Florida USA verses a Teen to reach out to my local and state community in various charity events, to travel the state and the entire country as a spokesperson, advocate and voice for various programs that I believed in. Looking back I can honestly say I made the most of each day as Miss Florida USA and didn’t take a single minute for granted.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Florida USA ended?
Since my reign ended, I have had the wonderful experience of traveling the country working as a spokesperson for Lexus, pursuing my hopeful ambition to become a host of various television shows and recently landed a job with Takeda Pharmaceuticals which I absolutely love. The traveling was great while it lasted but it is so nice to come home to my own bed and favorite two angels.. my dogs Bailey and Sadie! Living back in Florida on the world’s most beautiful beaches isn’t too rough either! Life is good!