Ray won the title of Miss New Jersey USA 1991 in August 1990, the first time she entered the pageant.
[1] She went on to represent New Jersey in the 1991 Miss USA pageant, which was televised live from Wichita, Kansas on February 22, 1991.
After the evening gown, swimsuit and interview competitions, Ray's average score placed her third overall.
She improved after the final question, placing first runner-up to Kelli McCarty of Kansas.
[3] She was a top 10 semifinalist in that pageant, which was won by Ninibeth Leal of Venezuela.