Tonaya Sinclair
Amskapi Pikuni NationOki! (Hello!) Tonaya is 19 years old and was born and raised on the Blackfeet Reservation. This opportunity has allowed her to step into a position to be a role model to the younger generations on the reservations and hopefully inspire hope that they, too, can experience these kinds of opportunities. One of her biggest blessings has been been being raised in her beautiful, indigenous culture. Indigenous is beautiful.
Blair Puleo
Big SkyHaving recently earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology, Blair, also known as “Dr. B.,” aspires to become a psychologist to the stars. Blair concentrated her doctoral studies on college student-athletes, drawing from her own experience as a former Division 1 athlete to offer mental health support rooted in lived experience. During her free time, Blair enjoys country swing dancing, hiking, and spending quality time cuddling with her two cats, Thor & Loki.
Shelby Dangerfield
BillingsShelby, a proud 5th generation Montanan, is an accomplished performer with a BFA in Musical Theater. She went on to work for Disney Cruise Lines in their Broadway Style Production shows. Now working as a Commercial Insurance Advisor, she looks forward to traveling the state sharing her program “Master Your Mula” so students can plan successfully for their futures. Her
unwavering passion to honor and uplift the Veterans’ communities led to her initiative OPERATION HONOR WARRIORS.
Megan Brewer
BozemanA 22-year-old medical assistant and spin instructor, Megan grew up on a cattle ranch in a town of just 100 people. Megan is passionate about giving back to her community, volunteering with Special Olympics and Eagle Mount. She founded Cats for Community to promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This passion has driven her ambition of becoming a doctor to
provide accessible and inclusive care. Megan hopes to inspire big dream thinking in small town girls.
Jessica Picker
Copper CityJessica fully believes that pageants are the perfect place to practice being the best version of yourself. After seeing the tremendous growth in herself during her time as Miss Montana 2021, she is so excited to experience even more personal improvement during the Miss Montana USA competition. Jessica currently works in Butte as a Veterinary Technician at Highlands Veterinary Hospital and enjoys teaching martial arts, reading, opera, riding horses and hiking with her dog (and husband) in the vast Montana mountains.
Madi Goettle
Electric CityMadi is a Montana native, born and raised in the small town of Ennis. She gained an interest in the field of forensic science, which is how she found the town of Great Falls as her new home. She graduated in 2023 with her bachelor’s in Forensic Science. She has been working to put together a program for informing the youth of her community about the dangers of D.U.I.
Ella Harrison
Flathead CountyAdvocating for women in STEM, Ella, age 28, is an Account Executive at Microsoft, supporting state and local government agencies. She is pursuing her MBA at Quantic University of Business and Technology, graduating in July of 2024. Ella is an outdoor enthusiast who values time service-free, soaking up the beauty of Montana. You will often find her in the woods, on the river or lake, hunting, fishing, surfing, hiking and enjoying time with friends and family.
Taetumn Bailey
HelenaTaetumn, a Helena native, has dedicated her life to advocacy & opportunity for women and children. Taetumn attended the University of Montana, accomplishing her childhood dream of becoming a Griz cheerleader. She actively contributes to access to healthcare at a health insurance non-profit. She also mentors young women as the Head Cheer Coach at Capital High
School, her alma mater. Additionally, Taetumn is an ambassador for The Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, advocating for programs supporting the issue of childhood hunger in Montana.
Kenzie Butera-Davis
HyaliteKenzie is the CEO of Maro, a venture-backed Digital Health and EdTech company on a mission to eliminate the 11-year gap between first symptom and first intervention in youth mental health. Maro was named World’s Most Innovative EdTech Startup 2023 and Oracle Cerner’s Leading Pediatric Innovation. Kenzie ambitiously hopes to become the youngest female founder to operate a unicorn company (valued at >$1B). More importantly, Kenzie cares deeply about her family and getting outside.
Madelynn Hust
LaurelMadelynn, 21, is a CNA and student of Montana State University-Billings, with aspirations to be a nurse. In her future, she has plans of continuing to take care of her community and raising awareness for elder abuse. Her other passions include dancing and being a dance instructor and role model to the youth of her community.
Teagan Sundelius
Magic CityA Montana native, Teagan obtained her high school diploma 5 months early and began her journey in healthcare as a pharmacy technician. After losing both parents in adolescence, she became passionate about mental health and grieving awareness. She loves volunteering at mental health facilities and plans to start an organization that helps people struggling with mental health and grief. She plans to become a nurse practitioner. In her spare time, she loves reading, exercising, self-care, shopping and cooking.
Sofia Beers
Missoula CountySofia, Montana local and fierce advocate for Montana’s women, amplifies their voices and champions change. As a survivor of sexual violence, she tirelessly advocates for preventative measures and compassionate reporting. Serving as a bridal consultant, she empowers women statewide to find their dream wedding dresses. Sofia studies Women and Gender Studies with a minor in Nonprofit Management at the University of Montana. Amidst advocacy and studies, she finds joy in reading, tap dancing, and embracing Montana’s beauty.
Juliana Wilson
Paradise ValleyJuliana is passionate about community service, mental health awareness, and uplifting others. Juliana oversees a social media community of over 263K women and serves as event emcee for Lifeway Women. While she grew up on a dairy farm, Juliana began working as a model at the age of 12. When she is not traveling, volunteering, or certifying individuals in Mental Health First Aid, you can find her training for NBC’s hit obstacle course show, “America Ninja Warrior.”
Lizzy Hansch
Treasure StateLizzy just completed her junior year at Montana State University, studying Microbiology. Combining her love for travel and passion for healthcare, Lizzy will study abroad this summer, learning about community health in Italy. Motivated to make a purposeful impact on others through her intelligence and skill, Lizzy is pursuing a career in dentistry. She enjoys volunteering through her church, spending time with her beloved sisters, and experiencing the unrivaled outdoor beauty of Montana.
Dr. Alexandria Rutherford
WhitefishAlexandria is a practicing physician in rural Montana who loves to stay active. She holds an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and is a former college chemistry professor. She earned her doctorate in medicine (MD) at age 26 and was president of her chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association. Dr. Rutherford is a lifelong dancer, avid runner and hiking enthusiast who hopes to be the first physician to compete on the Miss USA stage.
Brianna Belgarde
YellowstoneBrianna is a 25-year-old mother who is a strong advocate for the welfare of children and families. A Great Falls native, she loves to test her boundaries with new challenges that help her become her best self—like competing at Miss Montana USA! Brianna has a passion for fashion and aspires to be her own boss. Making new and exciting memories with her 3-year-old son is Brianna’s favorite way to spend her time.
Olivia Brown
Yellowstone CountyOlivia is a successful entrepreneur who started her own furniture business, Montana Oak & Willow, at the age of 14. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys playing tennis and golf competitively. As the business manager of Total Eyecare Optometry, she enjoys diverse responsibilities and patient interaction. Olivia is a strong advocate for prevention of child sex abuse through #POCSA. She volunteers for the Billings Family Tree Center and Department of Justice to combat child sex abuse.