09/09/2025
Cassie Donegan became the 98th woman to hold the iconic Miss America title in the brand’s 104-year history, and the 8th Miss New York to earn the crown.
Cassie has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, 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.” For nearly two decades, she has championed every child’s right to creative expression, directing and designing youth theatre curricula, curating a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. 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.
For the talent phase of competition, Cassie delivered a powerful performance of “A Darker Shade of Blue” that brought the house down and secured the $3,000 Preliminary Talent Award scholarship.
Cassie 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.
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Cassie shared. “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.”