MISS MISSOURI USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey

MISS USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey

Shandi Finnessey represented the state of Missouri at the 2004 Miss USA pageant at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Shandi became the first woman from the state of Missouri to capture the title of Miss USA. The hosts for Miss USA that year was Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell. Shandi's roommate was Lindsay Hill, Miss Oklahoma USA and 3rd Runner-Up.

Current Biographical Information:
Before moving to New York in April, Shandi was a resident of Florissant, Missouri. She is a 25-year-old honors graduate of Lindenwood University with a BS in psychology. She is working toward her doctorate degree in counseling. Shandi is currently employed with the Miss Universe Organization and will spend her year-long reign as Miss USA making special appearances on behalf of its sponsors and affiliated charities. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to impact women today.

Before winning Miss USA, Shandi traveled across the state of Missouri, encouraging young students to practice inclusion of those that are "different." Shandi works to promote inclusion of individuals with mental challenges, specifically mental retardation and Down syndrome, through mentoring and job placement programs. She has written a children's educational book entitled, "The Furrtails," that has been published. She uses this tool as a visual aid when speaking with students at the elementary level. To date, Shandi has traveled over 50,000 miles across Missouri sharing her time, her heart, and her voice with the people of the "Show Me" state.

Shandi supports many charities with her time and resources. Some of these charities include, but are not limited to, the AIDS foundation, Special Olympics in St. Louis, Variety Club Telethon, Best Buddies International, Gilda's Club.

In her free time, Shandi enjoys playing the piano and violin. She also is well studied in meditation and Yoga, and in the upcoming year is seeking certification for Yoga. She also enjoys painting abstract pictures, knitting, reading, working out, and napping with her cat, Squeaky. She is currently working to teach her baby African Gray Congo to talk.

When asked what it is about pageants that she loves, Shandi says, "It is a place for strong women with opinions, intelligence, and beauty to showcase their talents while building character, self-confidence, and gaining knowledge in fitness and health."

Shandi is the daughter of Patrick and Linda Finnessey, who have shared 33 years of marriage. She has three older brothers: Shane, 27, Damion, 31, and Paul, 33.