The Hollywood Reporter named her 'Philanthropist of the Year' in 2009. 'Because of my involvement with the NCLR and my charity work, I really wanted a better, more authentic understanding of what my community has gone through so I can help create change,' Longoria said.

Jude Children's Hospital and National Council of La Raza, the latter of which drove her to further her education in Chicano studies. In 2006 she founded Eva's Heroes, a charity that helps developmentally disabled children, and she executive produced Shine Global Inc.'s documentary 'The Harvest,' which focused on child migrant farm workers.

She had her big break on CBS' ' The Young and the Restless,' playing Isabella Braña from 2001 to 2003, at which time she was cast as Gabrielle Solis in ABC's ' Desperate Housewives.' The eight-year role earned her a Golden Globe nomination.Īside from an acting career, and several business ventures, including a restaurant in Hollywood, she is heavily involved in philanthropy work. In A Day' and guest starring on ' Beverly Hills, 90210.' This summer, Finnessey and former beauty queens posed naked for animal rights organization, PETA.įinnessey, along with fellow former beauty queen Susie Castillo, now runs Pageantology 101, a group empowering young women in the pageant industry to win in life through their unique workshop.Įva Longoria landed her first TV job just a year after the pageant, hosting a weekend destination segment on 'L.A. In 2007, the former pageant queen competed on the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars but was the second celebrity voted off the show.Įarlier this year, Finnessey appeared on NBC reality show Ready For Love and was chosen as the winner by bachelor Ernesto Arguello, but the relationship ended briefly after the show. In 2002, Finnessey authored an award-winning children’s book The Furrtails about a bunny with a disability and is working on a second book. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research, and joined forces with the USO to visit military troops and bases. While traveling for her Miss USA title, Finnessey advocated for the Susan G. since then, she has authored children's books and competed on 'Dancing With The Stars.'

Teen nudism pageant photo