Tianna Vanderhei
Wisconsin 2018
Tianna Vanderhei
State: Wisconsin
School: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
College Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Studies, Sports Broadcasting
Scholarship Winnings: $20,000
Social Impact Initiative: “B.O.S.S. — Building Our Soft Skills, Strengthening Our Future” While education, degrees and certification are important for career success, a recent national study finds that recruiters place a higher value on “soft skills” like effective communication, leadership and adaptability. Other national research reveals that one in three recruiting professionals believe candidates’ soft skills have declined in the last five years; as such, 97 percent of recruiting professionals agree that both parents and colleges need to do a better job of teaching students soft skills before they enter the workforce.
Miss America empowered me to: persevere through challenges and tribulations and never give up on my dreams.
Bio: Born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, Tianna began dancing at age five, training in tap, jazz, ballet and pointe. Her talent, a contemporary lyrical dance, reflects her studio training and high school and college dance team experience. From a young age, Tianna has been fearless, driven and compassionate, striving to fulfill any goal she sets out to accomplish. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Tianna began her career as a multi-media journalist and fill-in anchor for a local ABC Affiliate before pursuing a new path in advertising sales. Her platform — “B.O.S.S: Building Our Soft Skills, Strengthening Our Future” — focuses on the development of soft skills to help others both in their educational pursuits and career aspirations.
