HAGERSTOWN, Md., June 25, 2025 — Maria Derisavi, a 22-year-old from St. Mary’s County in Southern Maryland, was crowned Miss Maryland 2025 on June 21, 2025, at the historic Maryland Theater in Hagerstown. As the first Iranian-American and the first St. Mary’s County resident to win the title in the organization’s 104-year history, Derisavi will represent Maryland at the Miss America competition in September 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
The victory followed a week-long competition featuring interviews, fitness, on-stage questions, talent, and evening gown segments. For her talent, Derisavi delivered a compelling speech about her immigration to the United States at age nine, her gratitude for American opportunities, and the importance of using those opportunities to serve others. She earned over $11,000 in scholarships, which she plans to apply toward law school.
A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama, Derisavi holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Chinese. She was a fellow in Harvard Law School’s inaugural Future Leaders in Law program and a U.S. Senator Shelby Scholar. Her academic achievements and community service made her a standout among competitors.
Derisavi’s community service initiative, SeizeYourOpportunities, focuses on resilience development for low-income Maryland students. Since 2021, she has reached thousands through school seminars, teaching goal-setting and self-efficacy skills. During her year as Miss Maryland, she plans to expand this program and volunteer with other charitable organizations.
“I am honored to represent Maryland and bring attention to the needs of our students,” Derisavi said. “My journey as an immigrant has taught me the value of resilience, and I want to empower others to seize their opportunities.”
The Miss Maryland 2025 competition results are as follows:
Placement Name Title Scholarship Award Winner Maria Derisavi Miss St. Mary’s County $11,000 First Runner-Up Alaysia Bookal Miss Potomac $5,000 Second Runner-Up Jaclyn Davis Miss Northern Maryland $3,500 Third Runner-Up Allie Wolfe Miss Montgomery County $2,500 Fourth Runner-Up Elle Miles Miss Baltimore $1,500
Derisavi’s win underscores the diversity of Maryland’s pageant community and highlights St. Mary’s County’s role in shaping state leaders. Southern Maryland, often underrepresented in statewide competitions, celebrates her achievement as a milestone for the region.
The Miss Maryland Organization, established in 1921, promotes scholarship, service, and personal development. Derisavi’s platform aligns with its mission, focusing on education and empowerment. Her preparation for Miss America includes refining her advocacy message and engaging with communities across Maryland.
Residents can follow Derisavi’s journey and learn more about the Miss Maryland Organization at Miss Maryland’s official website. Her term as Miss Maryland begins with appearances at community events.
