DISA employee crowned Mrs. Hawaii America’s United States 

By Marla Ferrer  
Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization – Pacific
July 5, 2022 

Andrea Kaplan receives Mrs. Hawaii America’s United States crown.

In 2020, Andrea Kaplan, Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization - Pacific contract specialist, took a small leap of faith and stepped out of her comfort zone to compete in the America's United States Pageant.

COVID-19 caused the event to hold until this year when Kaplan competed against 20 contestants and was crowned Mrs. Hawaii America’s United States June 4.

The pageant is a personal development opportunity for titleholders and emphasizes skill building, poise and personal growth.

Kaplan will go on to compete for the national title of Mrs. America’s United States Aug. 11-13 in Albemarle, North Carolina, representing the state of Hawaii.

Andrea Kaplan crowned as Mrs. Hawaii.

“Competing on the national level and winning means I am creating opportunities with my crown, all while supporting the nonprofits that tie into my platform that is close to my heart, giving back,” Kaplan said. “Three words that describe me are ‘ready to serve,’ and that is what I intend to do.”

She will be partnering with Gimmie a Break, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to care for caregivers by giving them both an emotional and physical break, as well as providing adequate resources for their continued well-being.

“I will now be incorporating into Gimmie a Break’s existing efforts our veterans by collaborating with nonprofit organizations such as Honor Watch Foundation, Navy SEAL Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project,” she said. “These specific nonprofits typically support our service members and their families where Veterans Affairs cannot.”

Andrea Kaplan poses with her husband Steve.

Kaplan will spend the next year promoting her organizations and establishing fundraising events and sponsors that support the care of veterans and their caregivers.

“The milestones are big, but like the vision of America’s United States Pageant, it must start with someone and that is me,” she said. “One seed, planting roots, to be a positive force in my community and across the United States.”

She plans to carry the same passion and purpose as a national titleholder and is already treating her role as such.

“I am excited to serve Hawaii this year and go onto nationals and hopefully be the next Mrs. America’s United States,” Kaplan said.