Miss California USA 2023

Video by U.S. Army Sgt. Ricardo Da Costa, Marketing Recruiting and Retention Battalion, California Army National Guard

Story by U.S. Army Sgt. Marla Ogden
California Military Department Public Affairs

Jan. 10, 2023

Los Alamitos, Calif.— Sgt. Tianna Clark, a native of the San Fernando Valley embarked on her modeling journey at the tender age of 11 when a talent scout spotted her during a game of mini-golf.

Her path led her through the realms of runway, editorial, and fashion modeling before she was crowned Miss California USA on June 18, 2023, triumphing over 86 contestants from across the Golden State.

During her participation in the Miss California USA and Miss USA pageants, Clark held a deep sense of responsibility, recognizing her presence extended beyond personal representation. She understood that she symbolized not just herself but also the essence of California and the United States military.

Raised by a dedicated single mother in law enforcement, along with a grandmother and supportive father, Clark was nurtured within a strong support system that fueled her ambitions from an early age. Her childhood, bustling with the duality of school and a modeling career, brimmed with happiness despite the constant travel demands between gigs.

In 2020, Clark answered the call to serve, enlisting in the California National Guard as a Human Resources Specialist.

She radiates gratitude for her experiences in the Cal Guard, acknowledging the profound impact it has had on her life. Simultaneously, she holds appreciation for the honor of representing her home state as Miss California USA 2023.

For her, these opportunities have not only shaped her journey but have also allowed her to showcase her dedication, values, and commitment to service and representation on both local and national stages.

Prior to becoming a content creator for the Cal Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Clark was a recruiter, spending her days engaging with California's youth, sharing her own journey as a living testament to the potential achievable through the National Guard.

“One of my favorite things about attending those [recruiting] events is talking to the students and being able to answer their questions, be relatable, and even just get to know them,” she said. “I don’t want a kid to come to me and think that they can't join; I want to be that encouraging voice," she said.

Clark emphasized how her service in the Guard has been transformative, noting several significant milestones in her life. Notably, it enabled her to continue her higher education after receiving a bachelor’s degree from California State University and achieve homeownership at the age of 27.

As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Clark understands the importance of representation.

"When the younger generation sees somebody who looks like them, it makes them realize that it’s possible for them to accomplish things that they thought they couldn't," she said.