Miss New Jersey USA 2026 is a lifelong dancer, nonprofit founder, and finance professional whose world has always existed at the intersection of creativity and ambition. Whether she’s in a dance studio or the business world, the common thread is people: bringing them together, creating opportunities, and making sure they know there is a place where they belong.

Dance has shaped Katarina’s life for more than 20 years. She grew up in the studio, where she learned discipline, confidence, resilience, and what it feels like to belong. That perspective took on a deeper meaning through her cousin, Allie. Growing up, Katarina noticed a gap she couldn’t ignore. Many of the opportunities she had weren’t as readily available to Allie simply because she had a disability. She didn’t believe a disability should determine the opportunities someone gets to have.  So, she created something different.

Katarina founded Inspire Dance Team, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating dance and social opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began with dance grew into a community built on friendship and belonging. Her vision is to continue expanding those opportunities and one day create a permanent space where individuals with disabilities can connect, create, and grow.

Katarina brings that same mindset into her professional life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a minor in dance, from the University of South Florida before earning her master’s degree from New York University and building a career in finance. She believes creativity sparks ideas while business gives them the foundation to last.  The same mindset carried into pageantry.

Before winning the title, Katarina competed three times, making the Top 16 and finishing as first runner-up twice. Every time, she came back. She kept growing, kept believing, and refused to let go of a dream simply because it hadn’t happened yet.Some dreams are worth being stubborn about.

On her fourth try, in 2026, Katarina’s name was finally called as Miss New Jersey USA.  For her, that moment is more than a crown. It’s proof that almost doesn’t have to be the end of the story. She hopes her journey encourages others to challenge the expectations and limitations placed on them and decide for themselves what they’re capable of.

As Miss New Jersey USA, Katarina hopes to spend her year meeting people where they are: in classrooms, dance studios, community organizations, and on the Miss USA stage. More than anything, she hopes to leave behind more opportunity, more belonging, and more people who believe in themselves.

At the center of everything she does is one belief: success means little if it only serves you.