Who Is Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert? Everything to Know About the New Miss USA 2025

Audrey Eckert, a 22-year-old Nebraska native, has been crowned Miss USA 2025 during a glittering ceremony held on Friday, October 24, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The event marked a major turning point for the pageant after months of controversy and leadership changes.

Competing against 50 contestants nationwide, Eckert emerged victorious, with Ivy Harrington of New Jersey and Chantéa McIntyre of Oregon finishing as first and second runners-up respectively. The moment Audrey’s name was announced, she fell to her knees in joy, surrounded by golden confetti and applause.

Audrey Eckert’s Background and Career

Born and raised in Nebraska, Audrey Eckert is more than just a beauty queen. She graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in advertising and public relations. Her education has helped shape her passion for communication, leadership, and digital responsibility.

Professionally, Eckert works as a social media and marketing coordinator for Sapahn, a Thailand-based handbag company known for its ethical and sustainable business model. Outside of her career, she advocates for digital safety, mentoring young users on how to stay secure online and use social media positively.

During the Miss USA 2025 coronation, an unusual twist occurred — reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned Audrey in place of last year’s Miss USA, Alma Cooper, who was absent from the event. This symbolic handover highlighted a new chapter in the pageant’s legacy, now under the leadership of Thom Brodeur, who will serve as Miss USA’s president and CEO for the next decade.

Significance of Audrey Eckert’s Win

Audrey’s win carries weight beyond the glitz of the crown. It arrives after a period of turbulence for the Miss USA organization. The resignations of Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava earlier this year had sparked major controversy, with allegations of poor management and harassment within the organization.

Eckert’s victory symbolizes renewal and empowerment — a return to celebrating women who embody intelligence, compassion, and leadership. Her advocacy for online safety also reflects the evolving priorities of modern pageantry, focusing on social impact rather than image alone.

Audrey Eckert’s journey from a small-town Nebraska girl to Miss USA 2025 represents resilience and purpose. As she prepares to compete at Miss Universe later this year, she stands as an example of what it means to redefine beauty with integrity and awareness.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Audrey Eckert?

Audrey Eckert is a 22-year-old Nebraska native crowned Miss USA 2025. She is a marketing professional and digital safety advocate.

Q2: Where did Audrey Eckert study?

She graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on advertising and public relations.

Q3: What company does Audrey Eckert work for?

She works as a social media and marketing coordinator for Sapahn, an ethical Thai handbag brand.

Q4: Who crowned Audrey Eckert Miss USA 2025?

Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned her, as Alma Cooper, Miss USA 2024, did not attend the ceremony.

Q5: Why was this year’s Miss USA pageant significant?

It marked a comeback for the organization after leadership scandals and the resignation of Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt earlier this year.