November 19, 2006, will always be a day to remember for Mia Heaston. This was the day that she became the first African American woman to be crowned Miss Illinois USA! This was also Mia’s first time competing in the Miss USA pageant system and she had the time of her life. Mia is a 25 year old resident of Chicago,and is 5’7" with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She absolutely loves living in the city and says that the energy in the city is addictive and encourages her to keep striving for excellence. Mia is the only daughter of Mark and Maxcine Heaston and has five brothers that she loves spending time with. It’s hard to believe that Mia was once a tomboy and could be spotted on the basketball court with her purse wrapped around her shoulder! Although Mia isn’t a tomboy anymore, she enjoys participating in outdoor sporting activities and is

Mia is a 2002 graduate of the University of Memphis, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in Business. She then went on to complete her Masters in Business Administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY in May of 2005. Prior to being crowned Miss IL USA 2007, Mia was a Systems Sales Specialist for IBM in downtown Chicago. She plans to use her sales and business skills to fulfill her goal of owning and operating her own Leadership Training company, as well as her own Day Spa and pageant boutique.
 
Mia has a strong commitment to volunteering and community involvement.  She has been involved in various organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Adopt-a School Foundation, Girls, Inc., St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and The Boys and Girls Club of America.  Mia realizes the need for mentors and participates in Mentorship Outreach programs with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.  She is also an active mentor at Simeon High School in Chicago and enjoys dedicating her time to mentoring children. Mia strongly believes that no child should be left behind because everyone has a responsibility to encourage our youth; after all, they are the future leaders of America. 
 
During her reign as Miss Illinois USA 2007, Mia would like to focus on increasing mentorship programs in Illinois and Diabetes Awareness. Mia’s childhood best friend suffers from Type II Diabetes and Mia would like to increase awareness for this illness. She will also focus on educating people on preventative steps to take against diabetes, as well as tips on how to live with Type I and Type II Diabetes.

When Mia is not busy with work, volunteering and being Miss Illinois USA, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, scrapbooking, playing tennis and working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Her other hobbies include motivational speaking, shopping, and watching college football. Mia’s youngest brother plays football for Southern Illinois University and she’s a huge Saluki’s fan! 
 
Mia is very excited to be the first black woman to represent Illinois in the Miss USA pageant this spring! Hopefully she will bring home the crown to the Land of Lincoln.  Be sure to watch her on March 23, 2007, LIVE from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, CA!