HILARY CRUZ
MISS TEEN USA® 2007

When Hilary Cruz stepped onto the stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on August 24, 2007 she could not believe she would be walking away as MISS TEEN USA® 2007. With the 25th anniversary of the Miss Teen USA title, Hilary is the first titleholder from Colorado to wear the crown. An especially amazing feat considering she entered her state pageant on a whim, "It was my first pageant, and I'm so proud and honored to have represented my home state.  No matter where my new title and life takes me, my heart is always with Colorado."
 
Hilary is a self-described "people-person" and aspires to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. "My mom has always said, 'A good day starts with me.' I want to carry this message throughout my reign and inspire everyone to be proactive and positive." An avid actress, Hilary has spent over ten years participating in local theaters where she discovered her love of the stage and comfort in front of the camera. She will continue honing her acting skills at the New York Film Academy in New York City. After her reign, Hilary plans on attending the University of Northern Colorado and earning a BA in Communications.

An only child from Louisville, CO, Hilary has surrounded herself with an extensive support system. Her experience volunteering with foster families was inspired by her mother and father, who are both social workers and involved with human services. In Hilary's spare time, she enjoys playing with her dog and three cats and developing her creative side. Her hobbies include: jewelry and fashion design, painting, photography, cooking and watching movies.
 
The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. Miss Teen USA spends her year building relationships with organizations committed to education and action, such as Best Buddies, Outside the Classroom, Do Something, Sparrow Clubs and D.A.R.E.