By Megan Brewer —
U of L communication major Braea Tilford is taking a semester off in her quest to be Miss USA. She was crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2018 at the Jan. 27 pageant. Tilford was runner-up for the title in 2017 after a tie for the crown.
Tilford will compete in the 67th annual Miss USA pageant in 2018.
Tilford attended U of L from 2014 to 2017 and plans to finish her senior year in the upcoming summer term.
“After my crowning of Miss Kentucky USA 2018, I feel so very humbled and grateful,” Tilford said. “I tied for the win in 2017, ultimately walking away as 1st runner-up, so it was a very special moment for myself and family this time around.”
Tilford is a full-time model, professional speaker and the founder and CEO of Grow Lead Inspire. Grow Lead Inspire encourages self-love, education and leadership in teenage girls around Kentucky.
Tilford said winning Miss Kentucky USA allows her to positively impact her community.
“I have a social and societal responsibility to elevate those in my community who are either less fortunate, undeserved or simply seek to be empowered,” Tilford said.
In her time at U of L, Tilford had the opportunity to work with Student Activities Board to help produce the annual International Fashion Show, an event with over 850 attendees this year.
Photo Courtesy / Miss Kentucky USA Facebook
