Asya Danielle Branch, 23, of Booneville, Mississippi, United States was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA to African American parents. She has five older siblings and two younger siblings.

Raised in Booneville, Branch is a prison reform advocate. In 2010, her father was incarcerated. 

From Miss America to Miss USA

On June 23, 2018, Branch represented Tupelo at Miss Mississippi 2018 at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She became the first black woman to win the title. 

On December 23, 2018, Branch represented Mississippi at Miss America 2019 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. She was unplaced but she was second runner-up in the Quality of Life awards of the competition.

On October 26, 2019, Branch represented Northeast Mississippi at Miss Mississippi USA 2020 at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Tunica in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi. She won the title.

On November 9, 2020, Branch represented Mississippi at Miss USA 2020 and competed against 50 other candidates at the Exhibition Center and the Soundstage in Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. She became the competition’s first winner from Mississippi. 

Miss Universe 2020

On May 16, 2021, Branch represented the U.S. at Miss Universe 2020 and competed against 73 other candidates at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, USA. She finished in the Top 21.

It was Andrea Meza, 26, of Mexico who won the Miss Universe 2020 crown. The respective first, second, third and fourth runners-up were Julia Gama, 27, of Brazil, Janick Maceta, 27, of Peru, Adline Castelino, 22, of India and Kímberly Jiménez, 24, of the Dominican Republic.

Booneville

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Mississippi, Booneville is affectionately known as the “City of Hospitality”. Incorporated in 1861 and named after Colonel Reuben Holman Boone—a relative of the legendary pioneer Daniel Boone—this vibrant community serves as the county seat of Prentiss County.

Booneville balances a rich, storied past with a forward-looking spirit. The Downtown Booneville Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases preserved architecture like the Prentiss County Courthouse and the old Mobile & Ohio Railroad Depot, which now houses the Rails and Trails Museum. These landmarks offer a window into the town’s deep roots and its evolution over the last century.

Today, the city functions as a hub for education and community activity. It is home to the Northeast Mississippi Community College, which plays a significant role in the local culture and workforce. For residents and visitors alike, Booneville offers diverse recreational opportunities, ranging from Swift Park’s splash pads and walking trails to the unique W.M. Browning Cretaceous Fossil Park, where enthusiasts can hunt for 75-million-year-old fossils. Whether exploring local heritage or enjoying small-town charm, Booneville remains a quintessential example of Southern community life.