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Glastonbury's Erin Brady put Connecticut on an international stage recently when she was crowned Miss USA, marking the first time in more than a half century a local contestant has claimed top honor at the Miss USA pageant. But unlike a slew contestants, she didn't grow up in the pageant scene at all.
Brady, 25, only began competing a couple of years ago. Prior to Miss USA, she was working in Hartford as a financial accountant. She says graduating from Central Connecticut State University and having gained experience in the working world helped give her an advantage.
"It was actually a benefit I think because you have a little bit more life experience and maturity. So, you bring kind of spin and a different take on the whole experience," she said speaking on WNPR's Colin McEnroe show.
"They're looking for an educated business woman. And I think that' really helped me. When it came with the interviews and the on stage presence, it really benefited me."
Brady would like to be a roll model for younger women. But also acknowledges that pageantry is still controversial.
"Obviously, at the end of the day it is a beauty pageant. But the great thing about it is, it is a job. At the end of the day, you're going for an interview. It's a very sophisticated, respectable group. So, I'm really happy that I went and did it because now I get to represent, you know, Miss USA," she said.
She will live in Manhattan while she gears up to compete later this year among more than 80 women in Moscow for the title of Miss Universe.
Listen to The Colin McEnroe Show Tuesday June 25 at 1 p.m. for a full interview with Erin Brady, and a panel discussion on pageants.