Kara McCullough, a 25-year-old scientist at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, was crowned Miss USA on Sunday night. This year marked the second time in a row that Miss District of Columbia has taken home the title. She was crowned in Las Vegas and will go on to compete in the Miss Universe contest. “I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity,” McCullough said Sunday. “I just want to encourage so many women nationwide to find their passion in any subject possible and understand that nothing is difficult if you really, truly put the work in for it.” During the interview portion of the competition, McCullough declined to call herself a “feminist,” noting she prefers the concept of “equalism.” She expanded on the topic to reporters afterward: “I believe we’ve come a long way and there is more work to be done.” She added, “I think domestically we are making progress and I do believe that we will become equal one day.”