Twenty-seven year old Crystle Stewart of Texas was named Miss USA 2008 on April 11th, 2008 after an arduous journey that culminated at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hailing from Missouri City, the Texan’s win was not merely a stroke of luck, but a testimony to dedication and years of hard work. After placing in runner-up positions at the Miss Texas USA competition several times over, Crystle took home the elusive title on her fifth attempt. Ever dynamic, she has addressed crowds of over a thousand with her inspirational speech, “Waiting to Win,” where she chronicles her personal achievements.

A graduate of the University of Houston with a BS in Consumer Science and Merchandising, Crystle is also an entrepreneur with her own company, Inside/Out, which she uses as a platform for public speaking appearances, character development lessons and event planning.

Throughout her reign, Crystle was, and continues to be, a spokesperson for the official causes of MISS USA® which include breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation. Crystle is currently traveling nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Gilda’s Club, among others.