Caressa Cameron

Caressa Cameron-Jackson (née Cameron) is an American model, event planner, and beauty pageant titleholder best known for winning the Miss America 2010 crown. Born on August 4, 1987, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, she made history as the eighth African American woman to win Miss America and the first African American Miss Virginia to claim the national title. Beyond pageantry, Cameron has built a career as an event planner, speaker, and public health advocate.

About and Early Life

Raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Cameron developed a passion for music and performing at an early age. She attended Massaponax High School, graduating in 2005, before earning an associate degree from Germanna Community College. She continued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she pursued studies in mass communications while actively competing in local and state pageants across Virginia.

Pageantry and Career Highlights

Cameron began competing in the Miss America system during her youth. After multiple top placements in state competitions, she earned the title of Miss Virginia in 2009. On January 30, 2010, she represented Virginia at the Miss America competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. Performing Beyoncé's "Listen" from the musical Dreamgirls during the talent portion, she won the coveted Miss America 2010 title. During her year-long reign as Miss America, Cameron traveled across the country as a spokesperson, advocate, and goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Business and Advocacy

Inspired by personal loss, Cameron selected HIV/AIDS prevention as her official social impact cause, launching the campaign "Real Talk: AIDS in Every Family." Following her title reign, she continued her advocacy work as the Director of Client and Community Engagement for Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services. In addition to her public health outreach, Cameron transitioned into entrepreneurship by founding Caressed By Design, an event production and wedding planning business. She has also worked in strategic event management for various corporate and non-profit organizations.

Personal Life

Cameron married her high school sweetheart, Nathaniel Jackson, in November 2012. The couple resides in Virginia and has two children. She remains active in civic engagement, mentorship, and community leadership.