2nd runner-up 2013, Semi-finalist Miss MD USA 2012
A native of Baltimore MD who lived in Washington DC during her reign, Ciera Nicole Butts was crowned Miss District of Columbia USA on 1 December 2013 and represented District of Columbia at the Miss USA 2014 pageant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has a background in digital marketing, web & graphic design
Ciera was born in Baltimore, Maryland where she attended Baltimore City College High School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. While attending high school, Ciera was actively involved in the SGA, serving as president of her class all four years, City Sisters, and The Baltimore City College Catwalk Models. At the age of 14, Ciera became very passionate about modeling, which motivated her to become actively involved in the fashion industry. In an effort to serve the community, Ciera was involved in a community-based modeling organization called Elite Icons. As President of Elite Icons, Ciera and her team coordinated annual fashion shows, which served as esteem building activities and commodious productive work areas, which kept teens away from inner city violence, and helped motivate teens to continue their ambitions.
Upon graduating from Baltimore City College High School, Ciera began her undergraduate studies at Marymount University in Arlington, VA where she earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree. Ciera has developed a strong foundation in special events and brand building communications. As a graduate from Marymount University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Communications, she soon plans to further her education by attaining a Masters in Communications Arts. She then plans to later operate her own Special Events Firm; specializing in fashion related and entertainment clientele.
Ciera was recently employed by ROCHE in New York City as the Production Coordinator of New York Fashion Shows. Before she was employed by ROCHE she had the opportunity to intern with IMG – Fashion Events as the Public Relations and Marketing Intern. There she was given the opportunity to assist on all tasks of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Public Relations and Marketing office and managed the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Press and Industry list. Ciera Also works free-lance with Maryland Based Designer, Courtney M. Roberts as the Event Coordinator in coordination with Roberts’ Fashion Events.
Ciera is an advocate for youth empowerment, confidence building, and scholastic achievement of young adults. She believes that confidence is a key essential for success.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Ciera’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
There’s nothing better than watching a contestant progress from year to year! Here’s a look back at Ciera’s previous pageant photos.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Ciera’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Lizzy Olsen as Miss District of Columbia USA 2015.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life. Here are Ciera’s “after the crown” photos.
