A Year In The Life of Miss Michigan USA 2008

New York City Fashion Week

2008-09-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

Katerina Bocci at New York City's Fashion WeekOn Sept. 6, designer Katerina Bocci and her crew of local talent headed to the Big Apple and showed New York City what Michigan had to offer.By Aleene Jinn HangFor the second year in a row, Bocci was invited to exhibit her designs at Couture Fashion Week at the Westin Times Square. The show is devoted to custom-made garments, and runs concurrently with the biannual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.This year, her collection included silk suits, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns. Figo Salon of Birmingham, along with lead makeup artist Gjysta Nuculaj of Mijo-a Event Make-up studio in Royal Oak, and 13 Michigan models including Miss Michigan, Elizabeth Crawford, and Miss Italia, Jordan Monaghan, were all part of the show.

Copied from the Detroit Hour Magazine.

Best Wishes

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008

Fashion Show For Oliverio's

2008-09-09T19:18:00.001-07:00

I was recently in part of Oliverio's Fashion Show.. I met up with some of the girls from Miss USA and Elizabeth-Miss Michigan Teen USA.. It was a blast..
I feel so fortunate to have Angela-Oliverio's sponsor me at Miss USA.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA

Photoshoot for Detroit Hour Magazine!

2008-09-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

The photoshoot was part of the editorial section for the month of Sept. in The Detroit Hour Magazine.. In representation of Fashion Week in New York City.
I was recently part of the New York Fashion Week;
What an honor to be part of this world class event... Which is considered the largest and most recognized fashion week in the World. I modeled for Katerina Bocci; she said she wanted to represent the state of Michigan. What better way as she said it, "than to have Miss Michigan USA model in my show." It was so amazing, and I feel so blessed to have been part of this.
The Fashion show was Sept. 6th, 2008 at the Westin Hotel near Times Square.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA!!!!!!

4th of July!!!

2008-09-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

I attended both the 4th of July parade and Plymouth City Picnic to prepare hot dogs! How fun, I really enjoyed being at the park making food for the community. It will probably be a once in a life-time opportunity for me.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!

Parade Celebration

2008-07-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

ColumbiaVille Parade, where my family is from!

My daddy grew up in this Small Town outside of Flint. I was so proud to be part of this, as I saw my grandma cheering me on the side walk.. What a memory!!

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

Detroit Hour Magazine Black Tie Event

2008-07-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Best of Detroit: "Made In Detroit" Fashion Show.. I met so many amazing people and models from the area..

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

2008-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Please visit my new website:
www.Activeforlifeoncancer.com

I've been trying to schedule as many appointments as possible to go into the schools to speak.

I have also been training for a Triathlon; it's pretty intense.
I have always been passionate about sports, so I thought after returning from Miss USA there's no better way to stay in shape and challenge myself; we'll see how I do on my first attempt next month.

Elisabeth Crawford

MICHIGAN WEEK!!!

2008-05-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sturgis, is a city in the south-west part of Michigan.. To add to that, it's an absolutely fascinating town... Michigan week starts here; all week they celebrate the history of the town with over 23,000 citizens and a lot of politicians involved in all the celebrations.
I was invited as a special guest and Speaker to the Start off Dinner and Theater performance, where I had the opportunity to meet some of the most hospitable people I have ever meet.
I was escorted around town by the Ex Mayor-Rob, Kathy and my sister Christy; I had the opportunity to see all the history of the town.
I participated in the Dinner, Theater performance, radio interview and Parade; What an amazing weekend for me. I talked a lot about all my wonderful experiences as Miss Michigan USA, and my purpose for being Miss Michigan USA..... This year has been full of so many new experiences and has put me on a totally new leadership level, that I'm so thankful for.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA

Women Helping Women Sold out!!

2008-05-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

Women Helping Women Luncheon & Fashion Show. Proceeds from this event support the operation of the Women’s and Children’s Program at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac. This was the 10Th Anniversary for this program that's so amazing, because all the proceeds will go to helping women get on there feet and be self sufficient; by training them in the areas that will help them be equally employed.
The stories that were shared with us from women who have gone through the program were so touching!
Liz (Miss Michigan Teen USA) and myself helped welcome the guest...

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!

Travels to Atlanta

2008-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

I recently went to the CNN World Center in Atlanta to better understand what I need to do to accomplish my goals of becoming a TV personality.

That was a promise to myself, if Miss USA didn't workout.

It was a dream come true to go and investigate the ins and outs of News making.. I have worked at a News station in the past, but this to me was a totally different level.

I also made a visit to the largest Aquarium in the Country while I was in Atlanta; it was soooo wonderful, I grew up around a very tropical, marine area; so this has always been something very close to my heart.

While I was there I was interviewed on the Radio (FM 104.3) by Dick Purtan.

Dick Purtan is regarded as Michigan’s most respected and recognized air personality, It was fun as always.

Thank you for all your support!!

Elisabeth Crawford

17 Days at Miss USA!!

2008-04-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

After Miss USA!!!!!

My Family from Chicago: Rick, Joy and Faith

My Uncle Jim and Aunt Gloria

We attended the TRYST Night club.... Haha, we were all really tired; I think you can tell by the smiles.

Habitat for Humanity: Basically we had to move furniture from one place to another. We finished in less than 30 minutes what it would take one person to do in 2 weeks..

It was a really good workout.

Our Welcome Dinner: Miss West Virginia USA, Miss Vermont USA, Me and Miss Wisconsin USA

Outside the Planet Hollywood with Miss Minnesota USA

Welcome Dinner with Miss Montana USA!

Bowling Night.. I'm not a good bowler. They gave a prize for the worst bowler, luckily it wasn't me.. That's one of my next goals, to become a good bowler.

Poolside Party Miss North Dakota USA and Me; She became a really good friend.Miss Texas USA and Me..

Cloud 9 Dinner; What's your Cloud 9 Experience? Miss Delaware USA, Me and Miss Nebraska USA

Family Dinner Night, I went shopping with my sister Christy.

One of our many dinners at the Planet Hollywood Restaurant where we ate everyday!

Miss Oregon USA, Me and Miss North Carolina USA.

Best Buddies Sock Off and Dance with Miss North Dakota USA

Eating Breakfast.. We ate at the same restaurant for the 17 days we were there. But it was really good, oh I have to say that....
My time at Miss USA will always stay with me; It's so full of different memories and emotions.

I don't regret anything, I went in being prepared and came out an even stronger individual.

I believe that all of life's experiences are there to teach us, sometimes make us even stronger.

I meet so many amazing women from all around the US. Some of the friendships that I made there helped me pull through when I was feeling tired. Because Trust me when I say four hours of sleep for 17 days sometimes wears on you...

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008

After Miss USA 2008!

2008-04-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

I just got back home from Miss USA; I had the most amazing experience of my life..

I'm still unpacking and trying to catch up on all the things I left behind while being gone for three weeks.

I will be uploading pictures of the entire three weeks that I was there as soon as I have time.

One of the pictures is Miss Poland Universe and me.

I'm so proud to be part of this whole experience.

There's so many people and experiences that I have gained through this.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA

March is Reading Month!

2008-03-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

The Big Day is here!!!

Tomorrow I leave for Las Vegas, So I decided the best Preparation for me is going to speak
at a school. Miss USA is all about what you will be doing on the JOB. ( Speaking)....
March is Reading has been implemented into many schools. I think it's so wonderful to teach children the importance of education at a young age.
Thank You Michigan for giving me so many Blessings!!!

I need to get into bed!! Have to be up at 4am.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA

On The Radio Before Miss USA!!!!

2008-03-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!
I'm preparing to leave to Miss USA; I've had Radio Interviews almost everyday.
These interviews were a little different since most of them were done over the phone.
I've been talking about all the preparation for Miss USA. One thing that I want everyone
to understand is that this is Miss USA and That once I leave things don't change. I'm still Elisabeth. I've been trying to live my life as if I already am Miss USA. Waking up early everyday to start my regular routine. This is The biggest year of my life; and I know I'm Blessed to BE Miss Michigan USA. I hope to make my state Proud while at Miss USA.
I will be leaving in a few days. I have a lot of faith in God and that all things happen for a reason.
I don't know what's going to happen at the end of The Three weeks, but what I do know is that I'm going in with NO Regrets and that I have done everything I could do to prepare myself to do my Best.
Thank you for all the Support!!
Here's a list of all the Radio Interviews I've been doing. Maybe you can listen to one before I leave.

CBS Radio Live with Chrystal Knight.
Real Detroit Weekly, Article called Character Sketch.
1290 WLBY Radio: The show airs live from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday.
WCCW-FM – Live Interview with Charlie D.
WWJ Newsradio 950 –Live with Greg Bowman.
WIOS a.m.- Live interview with Kevin Allen.
Real Detroit Weekly – Interview with Eric Allen.
Detroit Free Press – Julie Hymes is going to do a feature story about the pageant.
Your Magazine- Flint Area, feature story on Miss USA and my experiences in life.
http://www.yourmagazine.net/

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA

What a Special Day for Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the entire day going to four different schools. It was so amazing;

I speak about things that are very near and dear to my heart. Preventing Cancer by starting

Good Habits at a young age and goal setting.

It was so wonderful to see the different age groups and how they each react to

my talks about these things.

The best part about being Miss Michigan USA is the influence you have.

Usually after I give a speech a few children will run up to me and show me what goals they

have in life and what they want to become eventually.

I like to use real life experiences and talk about all the adversities I had to overcome to achieve

my goals. Every single time I go into a class I'm left more amazed at the reaction and the influence one has in this position. Today I walk into the cafeteria while the Middle school was having their lunch break and the funniest thing happened; within 10 seconds I had the in-tire student body around me shouting and screaming. I just had to laugh because the teachers had to rescue me... Days like these are so worth Being Miss Michigan USA!

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

Preparing for Miss USA!!

2008-03-14T16:45:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy lately; mainly preparing myself for Miss USA!!

There is so much involved in preparing oneself.

I have had fun in everything I have been doing to get ready.

I will be leaving for Las Vegas on March 26th.

I am so proud and excited to be representing the state of Michigan.

At this point the most important thing is knowing what is important and

living a balanced life. As you can see in one of the pictures, I'm practicing my

walk, amongst other things. I'm going to BE the BEST

"Lissy" I can be.........

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

My favorite Part of Being Miss Michigan USA!!

2008-03-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

I get this question a lot, "what's your favorite part of being

Miss Michigan USA?"

With out a doubt it's a day like today.

This is what it's all about, talking to Children; our future-

about issues that I think are important.

Cancer Awareness and Prevention, as well as setting goals

and the importance of BELIEVING in your DREAMS!!

I was amazed at how receptive children are to listen and want to implement good habits.

I'm so Excited because this is my platform,

I lost my mother to cancer a few years ago. Since then I have started a non profit called "Active for Life On Cancer". This is what it's all about, speaking about starting good habits while your still young.

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA!!!

Radio Interview on 102.9

2008-03-04T18:11:00.001-08:00

Good Morning!!! Waking up at 4 am for a radio interveiw is always fun!
I was on the radio talking about both Cancer Awareness and the Miss USA pageant recently!!
Its always fun to get on the radio and talk about something you enjoy doing.

As many of you know I will be leaving at the end of the month for Miss USA; and there is so many things I need to do before leaving.
I'm so excited about going to Miss USA!!

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA!!!

Special Speaker at the Dow Corning Tennis Match!

2008-02-07T15:35:00.001-08:00

The Dow Corning Tennis Classic, a USTA Pro Circuit Event, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with another exciting international cast of players from the ranks of the ITF/WTA Tour. Up for grabs is $75,000 in prize money as rising stars and tour veterans from 25 nations compete on the courts of the Midland Community Tennis Center. My aunt Gloria and I attended; we thought the weather would keep people home from attanding this event.. We were wrong, there had to had been at least a thousand in attendance. John and I did the speaking for the event.

The ride home was another story; there was a reported 12 inches of snow to drive home in.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!

The Special Olympics 2008!

2008-02-05T10:42:00.001-08:00

I had the most amazing time at the Special Olympics. The people involved from a volunteer standpoint as well as the Athletes are the most genuine and sincere individuals I have ever gotten to know.
I truely had a fun time. Liz-Miss Michigan Teen USA and contestants for the Miss America Michigan pageant were there as well.
I was overwhelmed with hugs and kisses from the athletes. We got to dance the YMCA on Stage, that was fun.. I hope to do this again.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!

Charity Preview at the Auto Show!

2008-01-23T17:09:00.001-08:00

At Eagle U

2008-01-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Eagle U was so amazing; I'd say more so because I met so many beautiful, young, determined women.

I'm so excited and can't wait to get to know them at Miss USA!!

It was fives days of complete motivation and getting to know oneself better.

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008!!!

Queen For a Day!

2007-12-30T16:55:00.001-08:00

Today was so amazing!!!

Breanna was crowned "Queen for A Day"!!

Breanna is a 6 year old beautiful girl.

Both Liz and I were so touched by this event;

maybe because she was beyond thankful for everything in life.

It really makes one think, and hopefully give thanks for all the blessings that

we so often forget or neglect in life.

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008!!

2007-12-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

The i Group Modeling Agency Party.
I had so much fun at the Christmas Party for the i Group.
Liz and I both ate and meet so many wonderful new people.
Well, what can I say "I love food"!!

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!!!

2007-12-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I represented The i Group at the the MDA, I had the honor and pleasure of participating in MDA's Southfield II Lock Up to help "Jerry's Kids". The Money Raised was done on my very own Web page.
The MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. The MDA also funds research for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages.

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!!!

2007-12-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

You can also go to my website at:

Elisabethcrawford.com

Miss Ohio USA/Teen!!!

2007-12-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been quite exciting; the Miss Ohio USA and Miss Ohio Teen USA final Night is Today.

Both My sister Queen Liz, AKA Red and I are so excited to see who is crowned.

Benefiting The Arc Of Livingston

2007-11-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

The Fourteenth Annual Celebrity Holiday Fashion Show!!

The Arc of Livingston is an agency that advocates for persons with developmental disabilities.

I had so much fun, my date for the night was Chris. Chris has been part of this event for over eight years. I also meet so many amazing people.

On another note, Tomorrow is Miss Ohio USA and I want to wish all the girls the best of Luck!!

Elisabeth Jean Crawford!!

Miss Michigan USA 2008

Thanks-Giving!!!

2007-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year to reflect and count all your blessings; I have so much to be thankful for..
What I count to be the biggest blessings in my life are intangible and very deep in my heart.
I spent today with my family.
Last night was very exciting; The Hobble Gobble Black Tie Event. A charity for the Parade in Detroit.
I met so many Wonderful people.
This is an event like no other, on one side you have clowns and different characters and on the other, you have a very formal dinner.
I'm so blessed!!

Thank you,

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008

2007-11-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Tailgate for the BIG GAME:

University of Michigan V. Michigan State..

This is one of the biggest events of the year, in my opinion that is.

It was 25 degrees outside. I was on the radio again with Mike and Stephanie, simply the

Best Dj's on the Radio.. I hope to do more events like this, its always fun.

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008!!

2007-10-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!!
Today was my photo-shoot with Tim Priest in Grand Rapids.
As you can see from the Pictures we were roaming the streets and yes it was really cold outside..
It was a lot of fun. I can't wait to see the results and all the pictures, it was an all day
photo-shoot..

Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008!!

Komen Community Challenge!!

2007-10-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

This month is Breast Cancer awareness month.

I attended the Susan G. Komen Foundation, "Close The Gap-Community Challenge.

There was so many interesting people there, survivors and people with cancer right now.

So many different stories; its amazing to think that 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime. Its almost scary to think your mother, sister, friend or neighbor will have breast cancer, maybe even you. The good thing is that events like this teach us that its in our hands to make a difference; we can educate ourselves and teach others the importance of cancer prevention. I plan on being an Ambassador for Cancer Awareness. Lets all take part in making a difference.

Today will be the start of something good!!

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008!

2007 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

2007-10-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was so touched by a sweet little girl that reminded me of myself when I was younger.

She was a premature baby, that was helped by the March of Dimes.

Macy is nine and has the voice of a 25 year old who can sing like Alicia Keys.. Wow, I was blown away. This event raises the money to help those in financial need, that can't afford medical help. March of Dimes helps save babies from premature birth. Babies who survive could be disabled for life. Premature birth threatens more than half a million babies every year. It's a national health crisis that must be stopped.

During the month of November, Prematurity Awareness Month, help the March of Dimes fight premature birth.

Best Wishes

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA 2008!!

On The Radio!!

2007-10-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Radio-Thon!!! Karmanos Cancer Institute

2007-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Today was an amazing day. I volunteered for The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

We worked with WDVD 96.3 to help raise over Fourty Five Thousand Dollars!! The Money will go to fund research for Breast Cancer. They also interviewed me on the Radio. One thing you do learn when doing these events is that volunteers are needed and make all the difference.

With all My Love

Elisabeh Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

Weekend of Miss Michigan USA 2008

2007-10-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my experience while going to Miss Michigan USA.

The one thing I took with me while preparing is understanding that its only three days; three days that fly by so fast and every second counts.

I arrived Thursday morning. Took my first picture of the weekend with Crystal.

My family took me to the hotel to drop off my luggage. It felt like I was moving in.

All the contestants were lining up to go to rehearsal at the theater. I knew a few girls from the previous year, but over all there was a lot of new girls. I met so many amazing women that weekend. It was finally here; we started the dance pattern. I have never been a really good dancer, But have fun trying to learn new things. That night we had a dinner party to go to. The Miss Michigan USA organization did several presentations. Kelly and Melissa gave some words of encouragement.

"It's the second day of competition, and today is the day that really matters". Another day of dancing and walking all day. Kent did an amazing job at helping all 61 contestants look their best. Friday nights competition went by in a flash. Saturday morning was interviews. This is what I take the most serious. I woke up three hours before my interview to gather my thoughts. The interview went so fast. They asked me a little about everything from Immigration to why should I be Miss USA?? Get it, Not just Miss Michigan USA but, Miss USA..

After the Interview I left to go eat lunch with my family.

My family dropped me off at the theater. It was finally here,The Big Night. All I knew was if I didn't make the top 15, it was OK because I gave it all and had no regrets. We had about five hours to get ready. While we were getting ready Miss Michigan Teen USA was going on.

They announced the Winner, Elizabeth Hawthorne...

After the Miss Michigan Teen USA was over we went out for our last dance practice.

It's here, Miss Michigan USA final night. We lined up and started the dance. Rob starts by saying "this is our top 15".. First: East Michigan, Elisabeth Crawford, I thought "OH wow, first one out. I set the tone and I better know the patter". It flew by so fast, I had less than two minutes to get dressed and on stage. Calling of the top Five. They called four girls and I thought, "OH no, they aren't going to call me". They Called me last.. It was so surreal. We answered the questions and went back off stage. They gave the special awards when I was in the back of the stage.. Kent calls my name, "Elisabeth Run, we need you". I ran on stage, as they announced that I was voted Miss Congeniality. Wow, this to me is the biggest honor, because the contestants who get to know you over the course of the three days vote for you. I didn't expect this award, but I'm so thankful and it means a lot to me. Soon after this they called out the top five; and runners up. As they called fourth runner up, third runner up, second runner up, and finally I was standing next to Hannah Lynn, An amazing, beautiful woman. I thought "Well, I have got First-runner-up twice before.. So I knew this feeling very well. Rob said "the First runner up is Hannah Lynn from Jackson.. and the winner is East Michigan-Elisabeth Crawford. If you could only see my face. It felt like a little bit of every emotion you can imagine. There is no words to describe this moment. I had been standing so close to this before, but it never had happened all the way. Right after winning Miss Michigan USA, I went downstairs to the Coronation Ball. I gave a speech and thanked a few people. In reality there's so many people to thank I can't even begin to put all the people in a speech. I met Melissa personally for the first time while at the Coronation Ball. I'm so thankful that I have such a wonderful, family oriented director.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity, and I promise to strive to always be better than what I am right now.

With All My Love

Elisabeth Crawford

Miss Michigan USA

2007-10-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I am so thrilled to be your Miss Michigan USA 2008.
I would just like to share with you a little about my life for those of you that may not know me personally.

I was born in Veracruz, Mexico. My parents were Missionaries. My family worked with impoverished families. At the age of thirteen my family & I moved to the United States -
South Texas.

I started a journey at the age of eighteen that transformed my life into the woman that I am today; this journey took me seven years but now at twenty five I have reached one of my goals in life.

I’ve always been a competitive person all my life, in school sports or while in my first year of college where I was elected Vice President of the student government association. I always push myself to the limit.

I lost my Mother to cancer while I was attending my second year of college at Texas A&M Kingsville. Shortly after that I started a non-profit cancer awareness organization; Active for Life On Cancer.

While attending Texas A&M Kingsville from 2003 – 2005 I studied Mass Communications and Political Science.

In 2005 I decided to move to Michigan so I would be closer to my family and friends. I’m employed by a video production company; Pask Video Productions, Inc. where I’m responsible for producing and directing all types of videos. I love it, I’m able to be creative with this job. I’m also employed by the Acura automobile company as a spokesperson. My third job is something that brings a lot of joy to my life; volunteering with cancer patients.

With All My Love
Elisabeth Crawford
Miss Michigan USA 2008