Miss New York 2023

Get to know Amelia

What is your CSI and how did you get involved?
My community service initiative, POWHER: Promoting Women’s Health as an Entitled Right, works to improve access to healthcare and period products for women. Through my experience shadowing physicians in clinics, as well as pursuing my education as a Biology and Global Public Health major, I developed a strong passion for improving the quality of life for women in whatever capacity that I can.

How are you planning to leverage your crown with your CSI?
Using the distinguished title of Miss New York, and our partnership with New York By Rail, I will travel the state highlighting the three pillars of POWHER: reproductive justice, menstrual health, and access to cancer screenings. Furthermore, I am excited to carry these initiatives into NYU’s School of Global Public Health and explore research grants and opportunities to better the lives of young girls and women in our state.

What is a Miss New York partnership or sponsorship, either existing or new, that you are excited to develop this year?
I am excited to use our wonderful partnership with New York By Rail to travel the state and raise awareness about the various health disparities that women are experiencing. Additionally, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MMG, as modeling has always been a dream of mine – fun fact, I was signed with MMG over ten years ago!

How will you use your scholarships?
The scholarships I have earned through my participation in this organization will be used toward my tuition at New York University.

Tell me something about you that would surprise people.
Despite being outgoing now, I grew up being introverted and struggled to read and speak for myself in school. Competing in Miss America Opportunity pushed me to come out of my shell and today, I am able to address audiences with excitement and confidence.

What has your education journey been like so far and what are your goals for the future?
Striving for success in my educational career has always been important to me. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Global Public Health at New York University with the hopes of attending Medical School to become a Pediatric Oncologist in the near future.

When you look back on your year in June 2024, how will you know you succeeded as Miss New York?
Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do. By June 2024, not only do I hope that I will have inspired young girls and women to prioritize their health, but to take initiative in achieving their goals and dreams – no matter how many they have.

What is your favorite phase of competition? How do you prepare for it?
My favorite phase of competition is “Talent,” because I love sharing my passion for dance. As someone who is pursuing a professional dance career in New York City, I prepare for this phase of competition everyday whether it is by taking a class at Broadway Dance Center or Steps with choreographers like Tia Rivera and Keenan Cooks, or simply freestyling in my living room.

You won overall interview at Miss New York / Miss New York’s Teen. What was your approach to that conversation with the judges?
As simple as it sounds, I entered the interview room and chose to be authentically, me. For a long time I have struggled with confidence and being myself, but I’ve grown to realize that loving and embracing who you are as an individual is the key to success.

What is your favorite restaurant in New York and what dish should I order?
Suross Thai Bistro in Washington Heights is one of my all time favorite restaurants and also the first place I ate when I moved to New York City. The “Mussaman Curry” is so tasty!

What do you think is the most under-appreciated or under-rated skill a woman can bring to the role of a Miss America or Miss Americas Teen titleholder?
The ability to embody all of the values of the organization assuredly everyday and to represent all women from all facets of our society.