Mekayla Diehl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mekayla (Diehl) Eppers
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Mekayla before her Miss USA interview, 2014
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Mekayla Fawn Diehl
November 28, 1988 Elkhart, Indiana, U.S.
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| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
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| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
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Mekayla Fawn Diehl Eppers (born November 28, 1988) is an American who has won several beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss Indiana USA 2014. Later, she competed in the Miss USA 2014 contest. There, she finished in the top twenty.
In 2018, Mekayla was crowned Mrs. America 2018. She then competed in the Mrs. World competition in South Africa. She placed in the top twelve at this international event. Mekayla is also the first woman of Native American background to represent Indiana at the Miss USA pageant.
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Early Life and Education
Mekayla Diehl was born in Elkhart, Indiana in 1988. She grew up with her grandmother. Her family has roots in the Ojibwe tribe. This tribe is part of the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation in Ontario, Canada.
She graduated from White Pigeon High School in 2007. During high school, she was a successful athlete. She played basketball, volleyball, and ran track.
In 2011, Mekayla earned a bachelor's degree. She studied mass communication at Albion College. She also continued her sports there. She played on the college volleyball team and the track team.
Pageant Journey and Career
Early Pageant Success
In June 2012, Mekayla competed in the Miss Indiana 2012 pageant. She finished as the second runner-up. She also won a special "Joy of Life" award. Later that year, she was a semi-finalist in the Miss Indiana USA 2013 pageant.
Radio and Miss Indiana USA
In 2012, Mekayla worked at Froggy 102.7 WLEG in Goshen, Indiana. She was the production director and an afternoon DJ. She stayed there until the station changed its music style in 2013.
In October 2013, Mekayla won the Miss Indiana USA 2014 title. This win allowed her to compete in the Miss USA 2014 pageant. She placed in the top twenty at this national event. She made history as the first person of Native American descent to represent Indiana at Miss USA.
Promoting a Healthy Body Image
Mekayla, who is 5 feet 8 inches tall, became known for her healthy body. She was praised for being a "normal" size 4. This was different from the very thin stereotype often seen in pageants. Nia Sanchez, who won Miss USA 2014, said Mekayla was like other athletic contestants. She noted that the pageant focused on being fit and healthy.
Mekayla's healthy image inspired many young women. She encouraged them to be active and healthy. She showed that you don't need extreme habits to be beautiful.
Media Appearances and New Ventures
After her pageant success, Mekayla appeared on many major TV shows. She was interviewed on Fox and Friends by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She also appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Entertainment Tonight.
Mekayla later earned her real estate license. She worked for Century 21 Affiliated in Northern Indiana.
In April 2017, Mekayla competed in and won the Mrs. Indiana America title. She then went on to win Mrs. America 2018 in August. This national pageant was held at the Westgate in Las Vegas.
In December 2018, Mekayla started her own business. It is called Reign Pageantry. She uses it to coach people who want to compete in pageants.
Personal Life
In November 2015, Mekayla married Christopher Eppers. He is from Elkhart, Indiana.
