Kira Kazantsev

Miss New York 2014

Kira Kazantsev, 22 years old, is a graduate of Hofstra University Honors College. Finishing her undergraduate career with a triple major in Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography, Kira plans to attend law school and pursue work in women's issues and international diplomacy. As a first generation American, Kira speaks Russian fluently in addition to Spanish from her studies growing up.

Kira, a vocalist, has participated in the Miss America Organization for the past 2 years. She held the local titles of Miss Cosmopolitan 2013 and placed in the top 10 at Miss New York 2013, and Miss City of New York 2014. On May 24th, 2014, Kira was crowned Miss New York 2014 and she will go on to represent the State of New York at the Miss America pageant held in Atlantic City on September 14th. Kira's Platform is called "Love Shouldn't Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence". A victim herself, she passionately believes that this taboo subject must be given more exposure in the public eye. She currently works with Safe Horizon, the leading Domestic Violence Organization in the Country, is an Honorary Council member and Emerging Philanthropist for the Women's Prison Association, and regularly speaks at various homeless and domestic violence shelters, among many other projects that include planning fundraising events and hosting Twitter parties with cast members of the hit Netflix show, Orange is the New Black.  

Throughout her reign, Kira will continue to work closely with organizations that support women and hopes to set an example for other victims of not only being able to recover from an abusive relationship, but to move on and reach genuine happiness and success. Kira wants to empower women to know that regardless of what has happened in the past, you have the power to control the outcome of your future.