The first woman from North Dakota to win the Miss America title, known for her advocacy on issues like education and women's empowerment.
Cara Mund is a name synonymous with excellence, beauty, and brains. She's the first contestant from North Dakota to be crowned Miss America, a feat she achieved in 2017, and has since become a trailblazer in the world of law and beyond.
Born on December 8, 1993, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Mund grew up in a family of performers. Her mother, DeLora Kautzmann Mund, is a choreographer and dancer, and Cara herself trained with the Radio City Rockettes for four summers. This early exposure to the performing arts laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Mund was an exceptional student, graduating as one of her class valedictorians and serving as the president of her school's National Honor Society. She then went on to attend Brown University, where she earned a degree in business, entrepreneurship, and organizations with honors in 2016. Her thesis, which explored the Miss America Organization, demonstrated her keen interest in the intersection of beauty pageants and social impact.
In June 2017, Mund was crowned Miss North Dakota 2017, and just a few months later, she won the coveted title of Miss America 2018. This historic win marked a milestone for North Dakota, as Mund became the first contestant from the state to take home the crown.
As Miss America, Mund traveling the country, advocating for women's empowerment, education, and children's hospitals. Her platform, "A Make-A-Wish Passion with Fashion," raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization close to her heart.
After her reign as Miss America, Mund pursued a degree in law from Harvard Law School, where she graduated cum laude in 2022. During her time at Harvard, she was an Executive Editor of Operations for the Harvard Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law, a member of the Harvard Law School Mock Trial Association, and a member of the Women's Law Association.
Mund's dedication to law and public service has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the "Five Women Who Changed North Dakota's History" and induction into the North Dakota Bluebook's "Notable North Dakotans." Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to young women everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Cara Mund's remarkable story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. From beauty pageants to law school, she has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired generations to come. As a true trailblazer, Mund continues to make waves in the world of law, entertainment, and beyond.
31 Years Old
The 2017 Miss America winner, a talented beauty pageant titleholder, is known for her advocacy of women's education and empowerment. She used her platform to promote arts education and support for the arts.
33 Years Old
The Miss America 2011 winner, crowned at just 17 years old, is known for being one of the youngest titleholders in the pageant's history and using her platform to advocate for education and women's empowerment.
