Justus Kelley is an American beauty queen, healthcare philanthropy executive, foster care advocate, and the official winner of the Miss USA 2026 pageant. Representing the Commonwealth of Virginia, the 31-year-old made pageant history on August 27, 2026, in Miami, Florida, becoming the first married woman, the first foster mother, and the oldest contestant ever crowned in the competition’s 75-year history.
Kelley’s landmark victory follows historic rule modernization by the Miss Universe Organization, which recently eliminated long-standing age caps and restrictions against married women and mothers. Beyond the sash and crown, Kelley brings a distinguished career in non-profit healthcare fundraising and active child welfare advocacy to the national stage.
Justus Kelley: Quick Profile & Bio
| Full Name | Justus Kelley |
|---|---|
| Current Title | Miss USA 2026 (represented Virginia) |
| Age (as of 2026) | 31 years old |
| Hometown / State | Northern Virginia / Virginia |
| Alma Mater | Indiana University (Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees) |
| Occupation | Senior Philanthropic Adviser, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital |
| Husband | Tyler Kelley (married 2017) |
| Family Status | Licensed Foster Parent & Mother |
| Non-Profit Platform | Founder, Foster Footprints |
| Upcoming Competition | Miss Universe 2026 (San Juan, Puerto Rico) |
A Historic Night in Miami: The Miss USA 2026 Coronation
The 75th Miss USA pageant took place at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida, bringing together 51 accomplished delegates from across all U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Throughout the preliminary and final broadcasts, Kelley stood out with her commanding stage presence, articulate interview answers, and authentic personal narrative.
When the final placements were announced by the selection committee, Kelley secured the national title, succeeding outgoing titleholder Alma Cooper. With this crowning, Justus Kelley earned the privilege of representing the United States at the upcoming 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Age, Education, and Professional Career
Born in 1995, Justus Kelley is 31 years old. Her academic and professional background underscores the evolving ethos of modern pageantry, which increasingly values career leadership and community impact:
- Higher Education: Kelley earned both her undergraduate degree and master’s degree from Indiana University, specializing in non-profit management, strategic communications, and philanthropy.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Kelley currently serves as a Senior Philanthropic Adviser for St. Jude, leading major-gift development strategies to support pediatric cancer treatment and research initiatives.
- Healthcare Philanthropy: Prior to St. Jude, she managed regional advancement portfolios for UVA Health and served as a fundraising officer for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.
Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Foster Parenting
Kelley met her husband, Tyler Kelley, while both were undergraduate students at Indiana University. Following years of dating, the couple married in 2017. Together, they established their home in Virginia, sharing a deep commitment to service and child welfare.
Several years into their marriage, Justus and Tyler became licensed foster parents. The couple has opened their home to multiple foster children across diverse age groups—ranging from infants to pre-teens—providing crucial stability, emotional support, and temporary care for vulnerable youth navigating the foster care system.
Advocacy: The Foster Footprints Initiative
Throughout her journey from Miss Virginia USA to the national crown, Kelley utilized her platform to spotlight systemic challenges within the American foster care system. She is the founder of Foster Footprints, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering foster children across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
In a poignant moment during pageant week, Kelley made headlines by carrying her competition wardrobe in black heavy-duty trash bags. She used the demonstration to highlight a heartbreaking reality: nationwide, thousands of foster children are forced to transport their worldly possessions in disposable garbage bags when transitioning between foster placements. Her campaign advocates for providing dignified luggage, educational mentorship, and trauma-informed resources to foster youth.
Justus Kelley Net Worth and Titleholder Earnings Overview
Prior to winning Miss USA, Justus Kelley maintained a stable professional salary as a senior executive in healthcare philanthropy, earning an estimated annual compensation between $90,000 and $130,000 based on national non-profit industry standards.
Winning Miss USA 2026 includes a comprehensive titleholder prize package valued between $250,000 and $500,000, encompassing:
- A year-long salary and appearance stipend.
- Luxury apartment accommodations during her official reign.
- National wardrobe, styling, and travel sponsorships.
- Endorsement opportunities and commercial appearances.
Taking into account her corporate career earnings, joint assets with her husband, and incoming pageant contracts, Justus Kelley’s estimated net worth is approximately $350,000 to $700,000 as of 2026.
Net-worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect private assets, liabilities, taxes, or undisclosed financial arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Miss USA 2026?
Justus Kelley, representing the state of Virginia, won the Miss USA 2026 title on August 27, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
How old is Justus Kelley?
Justus Kelley is 31 years old as of 2026, making her the oldest contestant to win the Miss USA crown following the removal of age restrictions.
Is Justus Kelley married?
Yes. Justus Kelley is married to her college sweetheart Tyler Kelley; they have been married since 2017.
Does Justus Kelley have children?
Yes. Justus and her husband Tyler are licensed foster parents who actively care for foster children, making her the first mother to win Miss USA.
What is Justus Kelley’s day job?
Kelley works as a Senior Philanthropic Adviser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is the founder of the foster care non-profit Foster Footprints.
Where will Justus Kelley compete next?
Kelley will represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November 2026.