Born in Baltimore, Maryland; Ciera graduated from National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Baltimore City College High School.

 

She began her undergraduate studies at Marymount University in Arlington, VA, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Communications and Fashion Merchandising. Throughout her time at Marymount, Ciera actively engaged in numerous organizations, founding the empowering women's group called The L.I.S.T. (Ladies Inspiring Strength for Tomorrow) and serving as its President and Vice President. Additionally, she assumed the role of Head of Public Relations for the Fashion Department at Marymount University.

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Ciera also gained experience as an event assistant, contributing to the success of various nonprofits and brands such as Becky's Fund, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Isaac Mizrahi, Christian Siriano, Neiman Marcus, The Washington Humane Society, The Aba Agency, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others.

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Following her undergraduate endeavors, Ciera embarked on a professional journey with Endeavor (formerly known as WME/IMG) in New York City. There, she held the position of Assistant of Global Marketing & Communications, IMG Fashion Events & Properties for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

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Upon returning to the D.C./Maryland region, Ciera participated in and triumphed in the Miss Maryland United States 2013 and Miss District of Columbia USA 2014 pageants. During her reign, she utilized her titles to inspire and support inner-city youth in D.C. and Baltimore to pursue their dreams. Ciera represented Maryland in the 2013 Miss United States pageant and represented D.C. in the 2014 Miss USA pageant.

 

After crowing her successor, Ciera starred on and won Oxygen's reality competition series, Last Squad Standing, and completed acting school at The Barrow Group Theater Company and School in New York City. 

 

Currently, Ciera is a pageant coach and owner of Crown Bound Pageant Consulting as well as brand designer and owner of The Agency Marketing and Design. She serves on the board of directors of Posh Pack, and is President of the Baltimore City College Class of 2008 Alumni Group.