Meet Mrs. Colorado American 2025 - Kendall Berg

Hi there! I’m Kendall Berg, and I’m so honored to be your Mrs. Colorado American 2025!

My journey to the crown has been a three-year adventure full of lessons, growth, and a whole lot of joy. I first entered pageantry in my 30s, hoping to build deeper community connections, support domestic violence survivors, and meet inspiring, high-achieving women — many of whom have now become some of my closest friends.

Honestly, I didn’t consider myself a “pageant girl” at first. I’m usually more at home in my sweatpants and reading glasses than in full glam on a stage! But what hooked me was the challenge — the opportunity to become the best version of myself, sharpen my communication skills, and embrace what makes me unique. When I placed in the Top 5 at my very first pageant, I was all in — and I signed up for my second year the very next day!

Since then, pageantry has helped open so many new doors. I founded my business, That Career Coach, and authored Secrets of the Career Game, a self-improvement book that will soon be published globally. I also launched The Lighthouse Project, which hosts two annual events to raise money, awareness, and resources for domestic violence survivors across Colorado — a cause very close to my heart.

I’ve been blessed to take on all these adventures (and tackle more 14ers than I care to count!) with my ride-or-die husband, David, by my side. Along with our two kids, K and E, we’re all about cheering each other on as we chase our dreams, giving back to our community, and soaking up the beauty and wildlife Colorado has to offer.

Over the next year, I’m excited to continue serving our community — supporting domestic violence survivors, cheering on the incredible women of Mrs. Colorado, and honoring the proud military men and women who protect and serve our great state and nation.

I hope that throughout this journey, I can inspire others to step into their dreams with confidence, clarity, and a heart for community. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s your time — it just might be!

— Kendall

Meet Miss Colorado for America Strong 2025 - Jessica Keller

Hi there! I’m Jessica Keller, and I’m deeply honored to serve as your Miss Colorado for America

Strong 2025— all while proudly wearing the uniform of an active-duty United States Space

Force Officer. My journey to the crown was anything but conventional. I didn’t grow up in pageants— I grew

up chasing goals in sports, STEM, and innovation. In 2022, I made a bold decision to step

outside my comfort zone and enter the world of pageantry. What I discovered was a powerful

360-degree challenge- one that calls on you to lead with confidence, speak with purpose, and

embody strength, grace, and poise. The moment I stepped on stage, I found a whole new way to

lead, connect, and inspire. What started as a leap of faith quickly became one of the most

empowering experiences of my life.

As a Space Force officer, I lead Guardians in protecting America’s interests in space. But when I

am not in uniform, I pour my energy into causes close to my heart- including personalized

women’s healthcare and STEM education for the next generation. I especially love mentoring

youth across Colorado, sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math- and

reminding young girls that they belong in these fields. Because when you see someone who

looks like you breaking boundaries, it changes what you believe is possible.

I’m also passionate about advocating for a more personalized, research-based approach

to women’s health. Every woman deserves to be heard, respected, and supported in her health jou

rney-and I’m using my voice and platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change.

Colorado has been home for over six years now. It’s where I recharge— whether I’m hiking at

Garden of the Gods with my miniature Australian Shepherd, Tess, or connecting with the

incredible communities across our state. In everything I do, I lead with heart, purpose, and a

vision of a future where every woman and child is empowered to rise.

So, if you’ve ever felt torn between different versions of yourself— career vs. crown, strength vs

softness— let me assure you: you don’t have to choose. You can be all of it. You can be strong,

soft, smart, and seen. And your story is worthy of the spotlight.

Are you ready to step into yours? Join us. Compete. Grow. Shine.

— Jessica Keller Miss Colorado for America Strong 2025

Meet Mrs. Colorado 2025 - Sunika Varner

Hello! I’m Sunika Varner, and it’s an honor to serve as your Mrs. Colorado 2025.

I never imagined a pageant would be part of my story. But last summer, in what I now know was a divinely orchestrated moment, I met the beautiful Emily Sanders, former Miss Colorado for America Strong 2021, at a fitness event. As she spoke about the pageant world, what struck me wasn’t rhinestones or stages — it was the words “sisterhood” and “women uplifting women.” I knew instantly: these were my kind of women.

That moment led me to Emily Stark, the incredible director of Mrs. Colorado. Before I knew it, I was signed up to compete for 2025. I didn’t enter the pageant to win a title — I entered to grow, to challenge myself, and to be surrounded by strong, inspiring women. And that’s exactly what I found.

With the guidance of Shalon Polson, Mrs. Colorado 2010, and the support of the Mrs. Colorado team, I stepped into orientation with an open heart. Over four unforgettable days, I was surrounded by 50+ accomplished, radiant, and powerful women. By the end of that week, I knew I had already achieved what I came for — I had changed, and for the better.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering love and encouragement of my husband, Jeff, and my family. Their belief in me and their constant support of my growth have been the foundation that allowed me to step into this journey with confidence and joy.

As an immigrant, attorney, and advocate for women’s leadership, I’ve spent my life stepping into spaces that weren’t always built for me — and holding the door open for others to do the same. My greatest hope is to encourage girls and women to discover their leadership potential and own their power, whether in classrooms, courtrooms, families, or communities.

Being part of the Mrs. Colorado pageant has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am deeply honored to wear the title of Mrs. Colorado 2025, and forever grateful to the Mrs. Colorado organization — and to Emily Stark and her team of Forever Queens — for creating a space where women are empowered to shine, to support one another, and to step fully into their purpose.

— Sunika

More historical photos over the 50 years of Mrs. Colorado Pageant

Program Book Covers

Sponsor Event: Please pop on your banner & CO Girl Gear

Come out to the Vintage Market in Loveland or COS and visit the Colorado Girl Booth!

It's swimsuit color choice time!

What is your favorite color for the 2026 swimsuit?

Farewell of the 2025 queens

Sweet moments of the Top Six Semifinalists - 2025 Pageant

Jonathan Kayne Gown

Finding the right dress can be an amazing adventure to wear on stage. We are lucky to have a partnership with Black Tie White Satin who carry many gown designers. One of the designers is Jonathan Kayne. Here are to dresses from Jonathan Kayne that Colorado queens have worn. Curious about Jonathan Kayne Dresses or Black Tie White Satin - check them out www.blacktiewhitesatinbridal.com and https://www.johnathankayne.com/

Nikki Goss wore this dress on the Colorado & national stage as Mrs. Colorado American 2022.

Jessica Keller - Miss Colorado for America Strong 2025 wore this dress.

Are you ready to participate?

Where Will You Find Your Greatness?

Originally posted in 2014 still relevant in 2025

Are you toying with the idea of competing for the title of Mrs. Colorado or Miss CO for America Strong, but something is holding you back? It's impossible to finish a goal that we don't start. Without taking the first step, goals are just nice ideas that fail to ignite our true potential.

As the Colorado director, I get asked a lot of questions, especially questions about what it takes to win. There must be a magic formula right? To that I say, NO WAY! Here are some Mrs. Colorado/Miss Co for America pageant myths debunked.

Do I have to be a perfect 'Barbie Doll'?
Barbie doesn't exist. It's about who you are as a person. For more insight, read Some of My Best Friends Are Beauty Queens, by Tricia Dampier, Mrs. CO 1989.

What if I have already won another title?
We don't care what your pageant history has been. Christina Sacha, Mrs. CO 2008, held the title of Little Miss America. Shalon Polson, Mrs. CO 2010, was Miss Teen CO USA 1997 and placed in the top 10 at Miss Teen USA.
                                       
What if I'm not originally from Colorado?
We don't care where you grew up, just that you live in Colorado now and want to represent our wonderful state. Marney Duckworth, Mrs. America 2007 and Mrs. CO 2006, was raised in Nebraska and later moved to Colorado. Nicki Myers, Mrs. Colorado 2014 was raised in Arizona and signed up for the pageant to meet ladies.

Do I have to be a college graduate or accomplished professionally?
Debi Moore, Mrs. CO 1994 was a stay-at-home mother, Nicole Covney, Mrs. CO 2020 was a business owner and Toni Cole, Mrs. CO 1990 was a full-time student when they won. Your life experience is what matters.

What if I didn't win on my first try competing?
Experience is gained through competing. Raeanne Smith, Mrs. CO 2000, competed for four years before winning. Traci Holman, Mrs. CO 2001, competed twice and won. Dani Holliday, Mrs. CO 2023 won on her 5th try.

What if I'm really busy?
Busy women know how to get things done. Courtney Graham, Mrs. CO 2012 ran her household and worked full-time while raising two boys active in many different sports.

Do you have to have children to win?
We have had several titleholders that did not have children including Jennifer Lamont in 2005 and Megan Yarberry in 2009, who also placed in the top 10 at Mrs. America.

What if I am pregnant or working on getting pregnant?
Deandre Warren, Mrs. CO 1997, was pregnant when she won. Tiffany Sawyer, Mrs. CO 2007, was pregnant during her reign. We are family at Mrs. Colorado. We have had pregnant contestants onstage.

Is there a height minimum or maximum?
There are no height requirements to win. Sheri Engstrom, Mrs. CO 2004 is 5'4" and Gina Mulholland, Mrs. CO 1998 is 5'3".

Am I too old or too young?
The only age requirement is that you must be at least 18-years-old. We have had winners from 21 to 39 years old. Janet Horvath was 39 when she won in 1991, Mina Muirhead was 37 when she won in 2013. Elisabeth Cartmill was only 21 when she won in 2003. Sylvia Waller was 60 years old when she captured the title in 2022.

What if I can't afford it?
We have many sponsorship ideas and resources that will be available if awarded a city title.  Plus, we have a new Share the Journey program to help you cover your expenses because life is more fun when it's shared.

What if I don't fit the mold?
There is no defined mold. Blair Morgan, Mrs. CO 1991, was in the military. Janell Ames, Mrs. CO 2011, is a self-confessed tomboy and placed second runner-up at Mrs. America. Nicki Meyer won with a short pixie haircut.

What if I have no pageant experience?
Over half of our contestants are "new" to pageantry. Both Amy Nugent, Mrs. CO 1996, and Sharon Nuanes, Mrs. CO 1981, won in their first year competing.

From Nicki Meyers: When I am gathered with my sister queens from years past or even at the Mrs. America competition just a few weeks ago, one thing I notice is that we are all so different. That's what I love about this program. As married women we all bring something unique to the pageant world.

Together, we have conquered fears, overcome challenges, discovered passions. We believe the starting line is a springboard to accomplishment and that the finish line is simply a metaphor for achievement. 

We are strong. Fierce. Able. And kind. We are destined for greatness. 

- Athleta Lifetime Espirit de She
If you have more questions about competing visit our website, www.mrscolorado.com or leave a comment below.

Swimsuit and Opening Number Dresses!

To celebrate the 49th anniversary - we are excited to share that the 2025 city titleholders will be rocking a print swimsuit for the first time! How fun! You can still join the fun through February 15th!

Mrs. Colorado American Program Book Covers

Our beautiful Mrs. Colorado American titleholders Program Book Covers

Program Book Cover Photos Over the years

Curious About the Colorado Pageant?

Join us on December 13th at 9am to learn more -

Email us for the Google Meet Link

Pageant Dress Brand Ideas and Stores

It’s time to compile a list of dress designers that work in the pageant arena -

Here are some great pageant dress brands - 

Mac Duggal

Sherri Hill

Jovani

Jonathan Kayne

Ramona Designs

Ashley Lauren

Rachel Allan 

Portia & Scarlett

Tarik Ediz (must try on as his fitting is unique for body style)

Debbie Carroll

Colorado Dress Stores:

Mariel

The Bridal Collection (Prom and Homecoming focused)

Something New Boutique (Prom focused)

Online:

Rent The Runway

Facebook Pages - Lots of pageant resale pages

Then once you have style down - shopping online becomes easier.  Most people have to alter the dress closer to the pageant anyway so buying online for a great price is a great avenue.  

Mrs. American Pageant with Sylvia (Copy)

After 10 amazing days of pageant week in Las Vegas, we are home recuperating from all fun and excitement of competing for national titles.  Although exciting it was emotional and physically draining.  This experience was a chance of a lifetime for me! I am so honored to share this journey with my sister queens Mrs. Colorado Nicole Covney and Miss for Colorado Juliet Abdel.  At age 61, I competed with women young enough to be my daughters. I am so proud to represent the baby boomers, the underrepresented. Making it to the top 15 And winning the Fitness Award was extremely humbling.  To God be the Glory!

Team Colorado made a strong presence!  Congratulations to Mrs. Colorado America-Nicole Covney for placing in top 15 and best whimsical costume; and Miss Colorado for America-Juliet Abdel she placed in top 6.  Way to go Team Colorado. Thank you, ladies, for your friendship and support.  2020 was a year of uncertainties and we navigated our reign together. I truly feel we developed a lifetime bond of sisterhood.

49th Annual Mrs. Colorado Pageant & 7th Annual Miss Colorado for America Pageant

Learn more about participating in the 2025 pageant.

2 Divisions - Married & Unmarried

3 Titles Awarded

Mrs. Colorado®

Mrs. Colorado American

Miss Colorado for America Strong

Dresses for Sale

Want a dress for your pageant? Grab a dress and do your part to be ecofriendly -

Have a dress to post - text JPG photo of you in dress, designer, size, price, your contact email & cell number.

If you want a dress, contact seller.

Please donate something to Victoria’s Voice if you sell your dress on this platform.

2025 Pageant Kick Off Party and Dress Sale

Let's gather and kick off the 2025 pageant season. If you are interested in participating, come check it out. If you have secured your city title, come grab your banner and goodies!

Do you have spare dresses in your closet and need them to move to a new home? Connect with Mrs. Colorado 2020 - Nicole Covney. Why buy new when you can get a dress for a steal of a deal? Text Nicole to sell your dresses - 720-840-6872

Need a dress? Come shop - you do not need to be participating to come shop for your prom dress, homecoming, or pageant dress. The more the merrier!