Ellen Bryan is a 2011 graduate of Ball State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications with an emphasis in news. Her career ambition to work as a TV broadcaster.

On June 18, Ellen was crowned Miss Ohio 2011. This January, Ellen will be competing for the title of Miss America 2012.

For three years, Ellen has served as a national spokesperson for lightning safety through a partnership with NOAA's National Weather Service.

This September, Ellen will be going on a 27-day bike ride around the state of Ohio to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals through the Miss America Organization. She will ride nearly 850 miles and will stop at 45 cities on the route.