From Mission Viejo to Mrs. California
If you attended Mission Viejo’s America 250 parade on July 11, 2026, you may have spotted USOA Mrs. California, Tephani McCleave, waving from a yellow 1960s-era Shelby Cobra 427 replica.
The United States of America Pageants crowned the Mission Viejo resident Mrs. California in November 2025. While intelligence, poise and beauty played a part in Tephani’s winning of the title, her true superpower is empowering and inspiring young girls and women, and advocating for families whose children face serious illnesses.
Tephani and her husband, Brett, a paramedic and firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, have five boys, ages 7 to 17. Three have special needs. Their youngest, Bradyn Anthony McCleave—known as BAM—was born with cancer, dwarfism and blindness.
Tephani initially feared that BAM’s diagnosis at just two months old would devastate her family. Instead, his journey brought the McCleave family closer together and awakened Tephani’s resolve to help others.
The BAM McWarrior Project
BAM’s experience inspired her to found the BAM McWarrior Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing comfort, support and resources to families with children facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“I established the BAM McWarrior Project to remind parents and patients alike that they have a support system, and it extends past their immediate family,” she says.
Tephani has recently faced some health challenges of her own but remains committed to fulfilling her responsibilities as Mrs. California through November 22, 2026, when the next preliminary pageant will be held in Downey.
“This journey with United States of America Pageants has given me the platform to serve, advocate and shine—while encouraging others to do the same. I'll crown my successor in November and would love for more California teens and women to apply for this honor.”
