Miss America panelists for finals announced

Fifty outstanding women are competing for the job of Miss America 2022 and over $435,500 in scholarships, including a record $100,000 scholarship for the winner. On Thursday night, only one of the fifty women competing will be crowned by reigning Miss America, Camille Schrier, and will walk away with a six-figure salary and $100,000 in scholarship assistance.

“As we planned our 100th Miss America Anniversary competition, we felt who better to honor and celebrate the heritage of this iconic institution than the amazing women who have actually held the title,” said Shantel Krebs, Miss America Organization Board Chair and Interim President and CEO.  “We are excited to have our Forever Miss Americas join us as co-hosts and panelists as they truly understand the hard work and commitment that each of these incredible young women have put in over the past year as they prepare for our final night of competition and the official title of Miss America 2022.”

The Forever Miss America co-hosts for the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition are:

Nina Davuluri is an acclaimed filmmaker, activist, actor and entrepreneur. She first gained international recognition by becoming the first Indian American and South Asian to become Miss America in 2014. Her most recent venture combines the network she has cultivated, her love for advocacy, and disrupting global beauty standards by producing her new documentary, #COMPLEXion. Since serving as Miss America 2014, Nina has traveled around the world to address an array of audiences on her platform: “Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency.”  As part of her consciousness-raising efforts on behalf of diversity, Nina also launched a social media campaign, #CirclesOfUnity, to encourage constructive and civil dialogue on diversity issues. Through her social media channels, Nina asks people to share “representative thoughts and stories about their experiences on how we as a nation can advance cultural awareness.”

Ericka Dunlap is an award-winning Public Relations Strategist, Entrepreneur, Community Advocate, TV Show Host, Amazing Racer and also known as Miss America 2004. Her accomplishments during her year of service as Miss America have inspired leaders in education, government and business to refer to her wisdom as a trusted advisor, board member and motivator. For over 15 years, she has delivered numerous keynote addresses, commencement speeches and workshops on the topics of Self-Care, Etiquette, Diversity & Inclusion and Cultural Competency. Ericka has used her platform and range of experiences to create valuable opportunities for individuals and organizations as a devoted Coach, Mentor and Role Model.

The Forever Miss America panelists for the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition are:

Heather is a nationally renowned advocate for military veterans and a professional media specialist.  During her year as Miss America 2000, she worked with the Whitehouse and members of Congress and Senate to create landmark legislation to provide more funding and healthcare for homeless veterans and women veterans. For over 20 years, Heather has continued her work for veterans. She is the only woman to have served as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, serving under two Governors. She and her husband, former Lt. Governor Dr. Stephen Henry, founded the Rosemary Clooney Museum in partnership with Paramount Studios which houses the beloved White Christmas Movie Costume Collection.  She is now working to curate and preserve the 100th Anniversary Miss America Collection. Professionally, Heather is the Vice President of Media Training for the Brielle Cotterman Group, specializing in media strategy for women entrepreneurs.