[ORLANDO, FL] August 23, 2025 – The Miss America organization is thrilled to welcome Nicole O’Brian “Niki” Lassiter as the Official Red Carpet Partner for Miss America! Niki will be hosting a Red Carpet Pop Up Pavilion and launching her new line at the It’s Miss America’s World Gala on Friday, September 5 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Orlando, Florida.
Ticketed guests and VIP Celebrity invitees will walk the red carpet, courtesy of Niki Lassiter, in celebration of the new partnership between Miss America and Creations by Niki. Have fun showing off your Niki Lassiter creation—the new line available for purchase at the Miss America World Expo—or hold one of the supersized ‘mock’ handbags at the Red Carpet Pop Up Pavilion. The evening festivities are a tribute to Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (MASF) and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® initiative.
Nicole O’Brian Lassiter is a designer, entrepreneur, business owner, philanthropist, wife, and mother. Her remarkable journey includes being crowned MISS TEXAS TEEN USA® and MISS TEXAS USA®, and placing as runner-up to MISS TEEN USA® and MISS USA®. As a model, Nicole has graced the covers of numerous magazines. Always ready for adventure, Niki placed 3rd in The Amazing Race and walked the Emmy red carpet when Season 5 won for Best Reality Show.
In 2015, Nicole was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders, requiring her to adapt to life with physical limitations. She found solace and therapy in her creative spirit and began crafting handbags. Her business, Creations by Niki Lassiter (CNL), started with online auctions of her unique designs supporting local non-profit organizations during the pandemic. Today, CNL handbags are sold in 18 countries, and you can often spot Miss America and Miss America’s Teen carrying them across the nation!
Beyond her professional achievements, Niki serves on the advisory board of UNICEF USA, is a member of the board of directors for KnowAutism, and is a 2025 Houston Women of Substance Honoree. She and her husband, James, generously share their time and resources with numerous outreach organizations and scholarship foundations.
A longtime friend of Miss America, we are honored to welcome Niki’s creativity, generosity, and spirit to the Miss America family as an official partner!
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About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.