Cheslie Kryst was crowned Miss USA in May 2019, and was the third woman from North Carolina to win the competition.
Cheslie is a complex litigation attorney licensed to practice law in two states. Passionate about criminal justice reform, she has worked pro bono with clients serving excessive time for low-level drug offenses.
In October 2019, Cheslie was named a correspondent for the nationally broadcast entertainment news show Extra, following interviews with top celebrities, including Lizzo and Paula Abdul. Cheslie will balance her duties as Miss USA and her hosting duties with Extra from her home in NYC.
Prior to winning Miss USA, Cheslie worked closely with Dress for Success Charlotte, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Recently named a Dress for Success Impact Ambassador on a national level, Cheslie supports chapters across the country, travelling to local communities to give back.
Cheslie was also recently elected to the national board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she gets to put her love of mentorship into practice.
Cheslie earned both her law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from the Honors College at the University of South Carolina.