Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch have had some ups and downs on this season of Bachelor in Paradise. While they started out as a strong couple, things took a turn when Demi Burnett arrived and expressed interested in Kenny. At the same time, Mari told Kenny that she wanted the freedom to date other people on the show if the opportunity rose. So, Kenny pursued a relationship with Demi, and even got her rose at the second rose ceremony.
Eventually, though, Mari apologized to Kenny and told him she wanted to be all-in on their relationship. He ended things with Demi to fully commit to Mari, and they’ve been going strong ever since. In fact, they even told each other that they were falling in love! However, previews for the show’s Sept. 28 episode show Kenny and Mari having a tense conversation, where he worries about whether or not she’s on the same page as him. He even suggests taking a break from their relationship. Later, Mari can be seen hysterically crying. As we wait to see how it all plays out, here’s more to know about Mari:
Like many Bachelor Nation stars these days, Mari is a future pageant princes. She won Miss Maryland Teen USA while she was a freshman in college, and then competed at Miss Teen USA. In 2019, Mari was named Miss Maryland, and she came in the top 10 at Miss USA. Amidst her run in the pageant circuit, she began modeling, and was signed by Click Models.
Mari has created and run various non-profit organizations over the years. One of those is Moi Warriors, which aids women who are overcoming medical obstacles. She also works with Make a Veteran Smile, helping to provide free surgical procedures to veterans. Many of her non-profit efforts are in the areas of women’s health, children’s initiatives, homelessness and veteran’s affairs.