Shandi Ren Finnessey American beauty queen, model and TV presenter Date of Birth: 09.06.1978 Country: USA

1. Biography of Shandi Ren Finnessey
2. Early Life and Education
3. Pageant Career
4. Role as Miss USA
5. Television and Other Ventures

Biography of Shandi Ren Finnessey

Shandi Ren Finnessey was born on June 9, 1978, in Florissant, Missouri, USA. She is an American beauty queen, model, and television host, best known for winning the title of 'Miss USA' ('Miss Missouri USA').

Early Life and Education

Finnessey attended the private Roman Catholic all-girls school, Incarnate Word Academy, and graduated in 1996. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Lindenwood University in 1999. She was also pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling at the same institution.

Pageant Career

Finnessey began her pageant journey by competing in the 'Miss Missouri USA 2000' pageant, where she finished as the first runner-up. The following year, she placed third (second runner-up). In 2000, she also participated in the 'Miss Oktoberfest' competition, but the title went to Jenna Edwards, who later became 'Miss Florida' and 'Miss Florida USA'. In 2002, Finnessey won the titles of 'Miss St. Louis Metro' and 'Miss Missouri'. She represented Missouri in the 'Miss America 2003' pageant, where her evening gown presentation was highly praised, but she did not place. Finally, her third attempt to win the 'Miss USA' ('Miss Missouri USA') title was successful, making her the first woman from Missouri to achieve this honor.

Role as Miss USA

As 'Miss USA', Finnessey dedicated six months to various charitable events, including those for the AIDS Foundation and Special Olympics in St. Louis. She also advocated for breast and ovarian cancer research. Her victory earned her the right to represent the USA in the international 'Miss Universe' competition, held in May 2004 in Quito, Ecuador, where she finished as the first runner-up, losing to Jennifer Hawkins from Australia.

Television and Other Ventures

After her reign as 'Miss USA', Finnessey became one of the hosts of the game shows 'Lingo' and 'PlayMania' on the GSN cable channel. She also appeared in several documentary films. She participated in the reality show 'The Apprentice' and led the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2004. In 2006, she was named one of the "10 Outstanding Young Americans" by the JCI organization. Finnessey made her debut on the fourth season of 'Dancing with the Stars' in March 2007, paired with Brian Fortuna. They remained on the show for three weeks. She also appeared as a guest celebrity on NBC's 'Phenomenon' in October 2007. Finnessey hosted the Hollywood show 'Hollywood Fast Track', focusing on movies, music, and fashion brands, as well as co-hosted several specials on the TV Guide Network. In 2002, she authored a children's book, 'The Furrtails', which teaches kids to appreciate their individuality and understand their peers with disabilities.