Miss New York Cassie Donegan became the 98th woman to hold the iconic Miss America title in the brand’s 104-year history, and the eighth Miss New York to earn the crown.
Fifty-two women representing every state along with District of Columbia and Puerto Rico competed for the coveted crown at 2025, Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida. The competition was televised on Miss America's YouTube channel.
This year’s celebrity judges included actress Mayan Lopez, Datona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, fashion designer Frederick Anderson, sports reporter Jen Hale and journalist and Miss America 1976 Tawny Godin Welch.
Cassie Donegan is now Miss American 2026Donegan has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, including a $50,000 scholarship for winning the crown, funding her undergraduate education and supporting her pursuit of a master’s degree.
Raised in a non-traditional household, Cassie found refuge in the arts, a space where she felt safe, seen and empowered. That connection now drives her service, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.”
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Donegan said. “I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”
For nearly two decades, she has championed every child’s right to creative expression, directing and designing youth theatre curricula, curating a K-12 STEAM masterclass, and founding three scholarship funds to bridge accessibility gaps in arts education.
Beyond her advocacy, Cassie serves as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand into a multi-faceted, multi-state business. Under her leadership, the company has created flexible career opportunities and financial stability for hundreds of women—empowering them to balance their work, families, and passions.
She is also a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, having built a professional performance career on stages across the nation, sharing the spotlight with some of the industry’s most celebrated talents.
Current titleholder for 2025 Belle Nicholas represented the State of New Jersey.
