The Miss Michigan contestant competing in this year's Miss U.S.A pageant is a Chaldean American from metro-Detroit. Miss Michigan Kristen Samantha Danyal, 21, is from Sterling Heights. She's a Chaldean American, and a student at the University of Detroit Mercy where she was expected to graduate in May with a degree in business marketing. Initially she planned on becoming a physician's assistant, but that changed after her experience as Miss Michigan Teen USA 2009. Today she's considering a career in event planning, and then eventually owning an event coordinating company.

Danyal has been active in charitable causes including breast cancer and autism. Her passion for the two causes emerged after losing a loved one to breast cancer, and having a younger cousin who's autistic. A few months ago Danyal made an appearance at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn where she greeted and met with members of the Arab American community. Although Danyal hasn't took home the Miss USA title, the Chaldean community is supporting her, and has expressed much excitement about her competing in one of the country's most watched and anticipated beauty contests. Four other Chaldean women competed in the Miss Michigan pageant. The 2012 Miss USA pageant is June 3 on NBC at 9 p.m. eastern time. It will be broadcast live from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.