26 years old Candice Bennatt was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2015 and will now represent Louisana at the Miss USA 2015 pageant. Candice attended the 2014 Miss Louisiana USA pageant to support two friends competing in the event. She then decided to enter the pageant and a year later, her commitment paid off. “I am confident that if I make the sacrifices, I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” Bennatt said.

Candice Bennat is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where she completed her bachelor’s in Biology and earned a minor in Communications. She is a former NFL cheerleader with an abundance of dance awards to her credit. She received a scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans College of Law where she is currently pursuing a career in patent and trademark law. Candice aspires to be a legal analyst for a major news network where she can combine her love law and public speaking. Her goal as Miss Louisiana USA 2015 is to inspire people to work towards achieving their success. In her free time, Candice loves to dance and work out. Her hobbies include dancing, and playing with her pets.

Talking about her motivation behind joining the pageant, Candice says, “My mother is a constant inspiration in my life. She is a single mom, 1st generation American (from Puerto Rico), and the most giving person I know. My friends, classmates, and family all encouraged me to compete. My dad is a tall, Italian “manly man” with no pageant affiliation. He sent me a text message one day that told me I was born to do it, so go for it. Coming from my dad, this text message meant a lot, so I decided to reach for my dreams.”