Belleair Beach, Florida’s Aileen Cerchiara is Miss USA 2026 first runner-up

Aileen Valerie Cerchiara Lopez competed in Miss Florida USA three times. She represented Florida, United States in the 75th edition of Miss USA.

BIOGRAPHY

Cerchiara is an American registered nurse, health coach, real estate agent and beauty queen from Belleair Beach, Florida. She is of Colombian and Argentine descent.

As a cardiac progressive care nurse, Cerchiara prepares patients for procedures like catheterizations and open-heart surgeries. As a wellness enthusiast, she is passionate about helping women look and feel their absolute best.

While employed as a nurse at BayCare Health System, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Cerchiara reigned as Miss Florida USA 2026. She is the first in her family to pursue a career in healthcare.

On January 3, 2026, Cerchiara turned 26. Here are 10 more things about her:

1. In 2015, she visited France, Italy, Monaco and Spain, Italy.
2. In 2016, she registered to vote in Florida.
3. In 2018, she graduated from Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Florida.
4. In 2020, she became a registered nurse.
5. Her father suffered from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and died in 2023.
6. She was Miss Florida USA 2023 fifth runner-up.
7. In 2024, she married Diego Kriger.
8. She was Miss Florida USA 2025 first runner-up.
9. She is Miss Florida USA 2026.
10. She was Miss USA 2026 first runner-up.

TIMELINE

Cerchiara speaks English and Spanish. She is affiliated with the Florida Democratic Party.

2010s

• In August 2015, she traveled to France, Italy, Monaco and Spain, Italy with other Strawberry Crest High School students.
• On June 2, 2016, she registered to vote in Florida.
• In May 2018, he graduated from Strawberry Crest High School.

2020s

• On May 14, 2023, she represented Belleair Beach at Miss Florida USA 2023 and competed against 55 other candidates at The Center of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Florida. She was fifth runner-up to Caroline Dixon.
• On October 16, 2024, she and Kriger got married.
• On May 24, 2025, she represented Belleair Beach at Miss Florida USA 2025, competed against 70 other candidates at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Florida. She was runner-up to Lou Schieffelin.
• On July 12, 2026, she represented Gulf Coast at Miss Florida USA 2026 and competed against 50 other candidates at the Linda W. Chapin Theater in Orlando. She won the title.
• On August 27, 2026, she represented Florida at Miss USA 2026 and competed against 50 other candidates at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. She was runner-up to Justus Kelley of Virginia, USA.