About the Miss Collegiate USA Organization

Dr. Keia Brown is the founder of the Miss Collegiate USA Organization, a non-profit that affords young women across the country college-readiness, financial literacy and academic rewards through scholarships and grants. Keia was a #MoneyMatters contributor for The DC Ladies, and an international spokesperson and contributor of SponsorChange, an organization that helps provide funds for those seeking help to obtain money for educational support. She earned her doctorate degree from Frostburg State University with a focus on Higher Education Leadership, and holds a MFA in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University in California, and an undergraduate degree from Marymount University.

Turia Cook is employed by the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development as the Energy Management Officer.  She earned her degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University and previously worked as a financial advisor for over 20 years.  Turia was a former beauty queen and served as a Contestant Coordinator for several pageants.

Morgan Aguirre serves as the Digital Content Creator for the Miss Collegiate USA Organization, where she plays a key role in capturing the unforgettable moments that define the national pageant experience. From behind-the-scenes footage and contestant features to event highlights and social media storytelling, Morgan helps bring the MCU mission and sisterhood to life through engaging digital content.

Beyond her work with MCU, Morgan is an accomplished content creator and YouTuber with experience producing lifestyle, pageantry, and personal brand content for online audiences. Her passion for visual storytelling, creativity, and authentic engagement allows her to create meaningful content that connects with viewers while showcasing the impact of the Miss Collegiate USA Organization.

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Erika Taylor received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from East Carolina University. 

Professionally, Erika is a marriage and family therapist and clinical faculty member within the Division of Behavioral Medicine at ECU Family Medicine Center, a primary care clinic and resident training program attached to ECU Brody School of Medicine.  Within her role, Erika practices as a medical family therapist and educates family medicine residents on the importance of integrating emotional and behavioral health into patient care practices.  

Maggie Mae Stapleton, is the President-Elect of the Junior League of Raleigh and has been a dedicated leader since 2022.

Maggie Mae has worn many hats in service to others, including empowering women through her business, Authentically You Consulting, where she helps women of all ages embrace their authenticity through pageantry and life coaching.

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Outside of the League, she serves as Director of Communications for the American Institute of Architects, Chairwoman of Distinguished Young Women of Wake County, and Board Member of Girls Geared for Greatness.

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Dr. Tisa Silver Canady, Ed.D., MBA is an award-winning educator, author, and nationally recognized collegiate financial wellness expert. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness (MCCFW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students and families make informed decisions about higher education financing, student loan borrowing, and long-term financial success.

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Throughout her career, Dr. Canady has advised students and families on the repayment and management of more than $100 million in student loan debt and has contributed financial education content to leading outlets including Forbes, Investopedia, and BET. Her expertise has been featured by TIME, USA Today, Black Enterprise, FOX Business, and numerous other national media platforms.

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A passionate advocate for educational access and financial empowerment, Dr. Canady continues to lead statewide initiatives that advance collegiate financial wellness, financial literacy, and student success throughout Maryland and beyond.

Alexia Rawlings serves as a valued member of the Miss Collegiate USA team, bringing a strong background in customer relations, leadership, and organizational operations. A graduate of Salisbury University with a Bachelor's degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution and a minor in Marketing Management, as well as a Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.  Alexia has developed expertise in project coordination, problem-solving, team collaboration, and relationship management.

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Professionally, Alexia currently serves as an Academic Program Specialist at Salisbury University's Institute for Public Affairs & Civic Engagement (PACE), where she supports program leadership and organizational operations. She has also received the Excellence in Civic Engagement award and has participated in multiple speaking events, representing herself as an alumna and professional.

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At Miss Collegiate USA, Alexia's passion for service, professionalism, and creating positive experiences helps support the organization's mission of empowering young women through scholarship, leadership, sisterhood, confidence, and legacy.

Sarah Spund, LCPC serves as the Mental Health Education & Wellness Coach for the Miss Collegiate USA Organization through Maryland Mindfulness & Mental Performance Counseling. A licensed mental health professional, Sarah is dedicated to empowering individuals through mindfulness, emotional wellness, resilience-building, and personal growth.

Through her work with Miss Collegiate USA, Sarah helps support the organization's commitment to holistic well-being by providing mental health education, wellness resources, and meaningful programming that encourages contestants to prioritize self-care, confidence, and emotional resilience. Her compassionate approach and expertise help foster an environment where young women can thrive both personally and professionally while embracing the values of scholarship, leadership, sisterhood, confidence, and legacy.

Rodgers Polk serves as the Official National Photographer for the Miss Collegiate USA Organization, capturing the moments, memories, and milestones that define the national pageant experience. Through his creative vision and attention to detail, Rodgers has helped showcase the confidence, leadership, and achievements of contestants and titleholders while preserving the legacy of the organization through stunning imagery.

With years of experience in portrait, event, and pageant photography, Rodgers is known for creating a comfortable and professional environment that allows individuals to shine authentically in front of the camera. His dedication to excellence and storytelling through photography has made him a valued partner of Miss Collegiate USA, helping bring the organization's mission and sisterhood to life through every image.