Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders welcome 11 new members for 2021 season — One an RPCV!

The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders are proud to announce their squad for the 2021 season. This year’s team features 11 new members, as well as 21 returning veterans. Hundreds of candidates auditioned, spanning across 24 states in addition to Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Canada.

Over the course of three months and several elimination rounds, 48 contestants made it to the final audition, where they showcased their talent and individuality with a creative solo performance. The 11 new members feature a published author and historian, press secretary for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, and Operation Smile global partnerships coordinator who recently worked in Koforidua, Ghana to coordinate a cleft lip and cleft palate surgical program.

“We are thrilled to announce our squad for the 2021 season,” said Barbara Zaun, Eagles Director of Entertainment Teams. “As ambassadors for the organization, the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders embrace meaningful engagement with our fans and have a strong connection with the community. This year’s newly selected cheerleaders will have an integral role in welcoming our extraordinary fans back to Lincoln Financial Field.”

The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders are brand ambassadors and entertainers. Comprised of both women and men, they are professional, talented, community-minded individuals that represent the Eagles organization year-round. As brand ambassadors, the cheerleaders have a unique platform to serve as role models through their involvement in Eagles youth programs, raise awareness and funds for important causes such as Eagles Autism Foundation, and communicate initiatives as media representatives for the team. They are driven to make a positive impact on the people and world around them. The squad is diverse, socially conscious, and celebrates authenticity.

Ariana Dunbar (Timor Leste 2015-16)

RPCV Ariana Dunbar (Timor-Leste 2015-16)

Ariana Dunbar is from Virginia Beach, VA. She currently serves as global partnerships coordinator at Operation Smile where she recently traveled to Koforidua, Ghana to coordinate a cleft lip and cleft palate surgical program. Ariana was selected to aid in the establishment of the Peace Corps program in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s newest countries, post-conflict. During this time, she learned to speak Tetum and served as an interpreter for English-speaking doctors from the U.S. Navy’s Mercy Hospital Ship and Tetum-speaking patients. She is a FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member, and participated in numerous relief trips, including eight after Hurricane Katrina. She graduated from Salve Regina University with a B.A. degree in international studies.