Miss America 2018: 4 things to know about Cara Mund

Out of 51 contestants, the crown went to Miss North Dakota.

ByABC News
September 11, 2017, 3:43 PM

— -- Meet your new Miss America.

Her name is Cara Mund and she's made history as the first woman from North Dakota to take home the crown in the Miss America pageant's history.

The 23-year-old beat out 50 other contestants to take home the crown and the title of Miss America 2018 Sunday night inside Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey.

Not only did she impress the audience with a jazz dance performance to Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," but she also wowed the judges during two rounds of questions.

If you're still wondering who Mund is, don't worry. We've got the four things you need to know about Miss America.

1. She's political

Mund has high ambitions when it comes to politics. In fact, Miss America wants to make history -- again -- by becoming the first woman elected governor of her state. The Bismarck, North Dakota native is on her way, as she recently interned with the U.S. Senate. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., congratulated her last night when she took home the crown. "Congratulations to our former intern and @MissAmericaND on being crowned #MissAmerica. You make North Dakota proud!" he wrote on Twitter.

2. She gives back

According to the Miss America website, Mund founded North Dakota’s Annual Make-A-Wish Fashion Show at age 14. It helps raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of children and teens with life-threatening medical conditions. Mund raised so much money for the organization -- $78,500 to be exact -- that she was recognized by then-President Barack Obama in 2011.

3. She's smart

Mund is not only an Ivy League graduate from Brown University, but she also has plans to attend law school in the future, according to the pageant's website. Miss America was accepted into Notre Dame Law School, along with other schools, but decided to defer enrollment until after pageant duties.

4. She's a great dancer

Well, you've seen how she can move. But did you know Mund choreographed her own performance last night? Miss America has plenty of experience dancing, having trained with the Rockettes.