Miss California International Organizer Alisa Yurchenko on Online Casting, Pageant Opportunities, and the Road to the Crown
Online casting for the Miss California International 2027 beauty pageant is officially open. Starting today, young women from across California can take their first step toward participating in one of the state’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
This year, organizers expect to receive more than 200 applications. However, only the strongest candidates will be invited to the final in-person casting, where the official group of contestants will be selected.
We spoke with Alisa Yurchenko, President and CEO of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, the organization behind Miss California International, about what the organizers are looking for, why the pageant is no longer focused solely on appearance, and what awaits the finalists.
This year, organizers expect to receive more than 200 applications. However, only the strongest candidates will be invited to the final in-person casting, where the official group of contestants will be selected.
We spoke with Alisa Yurchenko, President and CEO of the Council for Cross-Cultural Affairs, the organization behind Miss California International, about what the organizers are looking for, why the pageant is no longer focused solely on appearance, and what awaits the finalists.
Alisa, online casting has already begun. What does this mean for young women who dream of participating?
It means their journey can begin today. The first step is very simple. All they need to do is complete the online application on the pageant’s official website:
www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com/apply
When and where will the final casting take place?
We invite all candidates to join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, 3-6pm, at Scott’s Seafood on the River in Sacramento.
👑 Final Live Casting Call
🗓️ Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏱️ From 3pm To 6pm
📍 Scott’s Seafood on the River
4800 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
This is where the pageant selection committee will meet the contestants in person and choose the young women who will continue their journey to the Grand Finale.
Important question: Is there a fee to attend the casting call or participate in the competition?
No. There is no fee to attend the Final Live Casting Call. If selected as an official finalist, contestants will receive complete information about the program, training, and participation requirements before deciding whether to continue. We believe every young woman should have the opportunity to be considered based on her potential, not her ability to pay.
Many people think contestants need to put on an elaborate show at the casting. Is that true?
Not at all. First and foremost, we want to see the person behind the application. We are looking for confidence, sincerity, strong communication skills, and a desire for personal growth. This is an opportunity to meet the selection committee in person, not a theatrical performance.
It means their journey can begin today. The first step is very simple. All they need to do is complete the online application on the pageant’s official website:
www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com/apply
When and where will the final casting take place?
We invite all candidates to join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, 3-6pm, at Scott’s Seafood on the River in Sacramento.
👑 Final Live Casting Call
🗓️ Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏱️ From 3pm To 6pm
📍 Scott’s Seafood on the River
4800 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
This is where the pageant selection committee will meet the contestants in person and choose the young women who will continue their journey to the Grand Finale.
Important question: Is there a fee to attend the casting call or participate in the competition?
No. There is no fee to attend the Final Live Casting Call. If selected as an official finalist, contestants will receive complete information about the program, training, and participation requirements before deciding whether to continue. We believe every young woman should have the opportunity to be considered based on her potential, not her ability to pay.
Many people think contestants need to put on an elaborate show at the casting. Is that true?
Not at all. First and foremost, we want to see the person behind the application. We are looking for confidence, sincerity, strong communication skills, and a desire for personal growth. This is an opportunity to meet the selection committee in person, not a theatrical performance.
What do the young women receive when they become official finalists?
The most exciting part of the program begins after the selection process. For six weeks, the contestants work with professional mentors, choreographers, and beauty industry experts. They receive training in stage presence, public speaking, interview skills, choreography, personal branding, and personal development. For many young women, this experience becomes a true school of leadership, self-confidence, and new opportunities.
What makes Miss California International different from other beauty pageants?
For us, the crown is not the ultimate goal. We are creating a platform that helps young women reach their potential, develop new skills, expand their professional and social networks, learn to speak confidently in front of an audience, and explore new career opportunities. This is why many contestants say the pageant changed their lives long before the winner was announced.
What awaits the winner of the pageant?
The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $10,000, including:
• Luxury jewelry from Sharif Fine Jewelers
• Gift certificates to top restaurants
• An educational scholarship
• Media coverage
• VIP invitations to prestigious events
• Numerous opportunities for continued personal and professional growth
But the most valuable rewards are a new level of self-confidence, meaningful connections, and the opportunities that open up after the pageant.
What are the eligibility requirements for contestants?
They are quite simple.
Each candidate must:
• Be between 18 and 28 years old
• Reside in the state of California
• Be unmarried
When will the Grand Finale take place?
The Miss California International 2027 Grand Finale will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026. On that evening, one of the finalists will receive the crown and the title of Miss California International 2027.
What would you like to say to young women who are still unsure whether they should apply?
Do not wait for the perfect moment. Very often, taking just one first step is enough to change your entire life. If you have dreamed of challenging yourself, reaching your potential, meeting amazing people, building self-confidence, and stepping outside your comfort zone, now is the time.We would be delighted to meet you, and perhaps you will become the next Miss California International 2027.
The most exciting part of the program begins after the selection process. For six weeks, the contestants work with professional mentors, choreographers, and beauty industry experts. They receive training in stage presence, public speaking, interview skills, choreography, personal branding, and personal development. For many young women, this experience becomes a true school of leadership, self-confidence, and new opportunities.
What makes Miss California International different from other beauty pageants?
For us, the crown is not the ultimate goal. We are creating a platform that helps young women reach their potential, develop new skills, expand their professional and social networks, learn to speak confidently in front of an audience, and explore new career opportunities. This is why many contestants say the pageant changed their lives long before the winner was announced.
What awaits the winner of the pageant?
The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $10,000, including:
• Luxury jewelry from Sharif Fine Jewelers
• Gift certificates to top restaurants
• An educational scholarship
• Media coverage
• VIP invitations to prestigious events
• Numerous opportunities for continued personal and professional growth
But the most valuable rewards are a new level of self-confidence, meaningful connections, and the opportunities that open up after the pageant.
What are the eligibility requirements for contestants?
They are quite simple.
Each candidate must:
• Be between 18 and 28 years old
• Reside in the state of California
• Be unmarried
When will the Grand Finale take place?
The Miss California International 2027 Grand Finale will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026. On that evening, one of the finalists will receive the crown and the title of Miss California International 2027.
What would you like to say to young women who are still unsure whether they should apply?
Do not wait for the perfect moment. Very often, taking just one first step is enough to change your entire life. If you have dreamed of challenging yourself, reaching your potential, meeting amazing people, building self-confidence, and stepping outside your comfort zone, now is the time.We would be delighted to meet you, and perhaps you will become the next Miss California International 2027.
Apply Now: http://www.misscaliforniainternational.com/apply
Learn More: www.MissCaliforniaInternational.com
Information: (916) 483-5454
Sponsorship: (916) 519-6461
This is your moment. Are you ready to claim the crown?