Nia Sanchez Wins Miss USA 2014

The 24-year-old former Miss Nevada, Nia Sanchez, bested 50 other women for the crown of Miss USA 2014.

During the pageant the taekwondo black belt said that women need to be able to defend themselves as a way to battle the problem of campus rape, an issue that also requires awareness.

Judge Rumer Willis asked Sanchez why she believes the high rate of sexual assaults on college campuses is swept under the rug and what should be done about it. Her response was self-defense is paramount.

The 24-year-old revealed that she lived in a women’s shelter with her mother at a young age where she took up taekwondo in order to protect her mother and herself, as well as build up her confidence.

As she grew older, Sanchez volunteered at numerous women’s shelters, teaching residents how to defend themselves as well as teaching kids about “stranger danger.”

“I relate to them on a personal level because I’ve been there myself,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez added that she is “so proud to bring the title of Miss USA back to Nevada. It’s a dream come true.”

Audra Mari of North Dakota took the spot of first runner for Miss USA 2014.