Miss California: Noelle Freeman

Updated: Currently see Noelle in UFC'S TUF BRAZIL: SEASON 4

Noelle Freeman knows what it’s like to represent her home state. As the reigning Miss California, the Carlsbad native has spent the past year epitomizing all that the Golden State has to offer.

"I can honestly say that I’ve never had such a great sense of pride for my state as I do now," Freeman said of her current role. "The support I’ve gained while competing for Miss America is inconceivable, and I feel privileged to be able to serve as Miss California."

Freeman, who placed fifth in the Miss America 2012 pageant in January, is not to be confused with Natalie Pack, the "Miss California USA" in the rival Miss USA pageant, which began in the 1950s. 

Instead, Freeman competed in the long-standing Miss America pageant, which began in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1921. It is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and largest providers of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations awarded more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

A graduate of Chapman University, Freeman holds a major in public relations and advertising. She ran on the platform of "a promising future for autism," prompted by her experience of working with preschoolers in the California Avenue School in Vista.

White cover-up by ABBL Swimwear. Necklace by Hot Rock Jewelry. Earrings, bracelet and ring by Kiki Designs LA. Alexander McQueen sunglasses from Encinitas Optical. Sandals by

.

"After years of seeing these children with autism grow into young adults, I came to understand that the support and guidance received as preschoolers slowly declined as they approached their teen years," Freeman said. "It was then that it became my goal to bring a sense of community to those who have autism. The structure needed is simply forgotten when needed most."

Freeman’s platform includes the caregivers of those who have autism.

"Connecting the community of autism with those who are not mentally challenged is a crucial start to success," she said. "Changing the future for autism needs the help of everyone, which is the message I hope to spread as Miss California."