Miss USA 2016 Winner: 8 Things To Know About Deshauna Barber From District Of Columbia

Deshauna Barber has been crowned as the new Miss USA 2016 winner. The beauty queen from District of Columbia had an amazing night and her determination and positivity earned her the crown.

Barber edged out Hawaii's Chelsea Hardin, who became the first runner-up, and Georgia's Emanii Davis, who became the second runner-up. Want to know more about the reigning queen who will move on to represent America at the Miss Universe pageant? Here are 8 things to know about her:

1. Deshauna is 26 years old.

2. She was born in Columbus, Georgia.

3. Due to her father’s military career, she relocated multiple times to states including North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and finally to Washington, D.C.

4. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management degree from Virginia State University, Deshauna moved to Washington D.C. where she is currently working as an IT Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

5. Being the daughter of a retired Army Master Sergeant, it is no shocker that Deshauna decided to join the Army.

6. She commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011 and is currently a Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.

7. Deshauna loves to dance, hike and enjoy quality time with her family.

8. Deshauna has a passion to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, specifically focusing her platform on PTSD treatment for soldiers returning from deployments and suicide prevention in the Armed Forces.

The initial Top 15 finalists were selected by a panel of judges during a preliminary competition that took place on Wednesday, June 1.

All 52 women took the stage sporting swimwear and evening gowns and were graded on that. The judges for this first viewing were Fred Nelson, Joey Boukadakis, Keltie Knight, Kristin Conte, Nick Phelps and Rebecca Bienstock.

The live telecast of Miss USA 2016 took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Terrence Jenkins, the opening scene had a special cameo by Steve Harvey poking fun at his Miss Colombia blunder during Miss Universe 2016. Both were joined by Ashley Graham from backstage having inside scoop and all the drama from behind the scenes.

Musical performances were made possible by Chris Young and Backstreet Boys. Judges for the telecast included Ali Landry, Crystle Stewart, Joe Zee and Laura Brown.