Miss New York’s Teen 2024
Talent Service Initiative My Miss America journey began on my first day of high school when my homeroom teacher said, “You do acting? You should try a pageant!” Initially, I thought it was a crazy idea, but here we are! My background in competition dance taught me to walk and dance simultaneously. At ten, I competed at the World Tap Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany, and won a gold medal. That same year, I made my professional stage debut at North Shore Music Theatre. Since then, I have performed in over a dozen Equity theatrical productions across the northeast and worked in major motion pictures including “Little Women” (2019) and “Godmothered” on Disney+. During COVID-19, I needed a creative outlet beyond dancing, so I turned to costume design, my favorite part of performing. I started bedazzling old dance clothes in my parent’s guest room and turned it into a business called “Dancers Designs Costumes.” I’ve made all my own talent costumes since I started competing and have worked with dancers across the country to create custom costumes that help them feel beautiful and confident on stage. At seventeen, I moved to New York City alone to attend the Institute for American Musical Theatre. This move allowed me to pursue my passion for musical theater on a larger scale while completing high school online. Thanks to the opportunities provided by Miss America, I have learned about networking and social media, which has led to ambassadorships with formal wear companies including Alexandra’s Too, Faviana, and Dear Moon Dresses. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in the fashion marketing industry. My Community Service Initiative is called “Paws For A Cause: Fighting For Animal Justice”. In February 2020, my family adopted Pippa, a dog who initially struggled with fear and anxiety. As I supported Pippa through her journey to overcome these challenges, I found a renewed purpose in advocating for animal welfare. This journey inspired me to actively engage in legislative efforts, such as writing and passing my own piece of legislation that prohibits pet stores from profiting by selling dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in my hometown. This achievement, supported unanimously by our community in May 2023, marked a significant milestone in my advocacy journey. In October 2023, I signed a national partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). I’ve organized impactful fundraisers and campaigned for endorsed candidates through the Voters for Animal Rights Manhattan Borough Team. As a member of the ASPCA’s Regional Advocacy Field Team (RAFT), I collaborate nationwide to advance critical animal welfare legislation. As Miss New York’s Teen, I am dedicated to expanding these efforts, ensuring lasting protections and advocacy for animals in need. Throughout my journey, I have embraced my love for performing and designing, which has shaped me into the confident, determined woman I am today. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact and to inspire others through my work and my story.
Education
Institute for American Musical Theatre
Tap Dance
Paws For A Cause: Fighting For Animal Justice
Erica Parks
How did you get your start competing in Miss America, and what was your first local title?
My journey into the Miss America Opportunity began in Fall 2020, thanks to a high school teacher who shared her inspiring experiences and involvement in the organization. Her enthusiasm and success stories drew me in, planting the seed for my own adventure. In 2023, that very teacher became my first business manager as I proudly took on the title of Miss Boston’s Teen. From a young age, I thrived as a performer. My passion for the arts led me to a professional acting career, where I performed in live theater and major motion pictures. As a dancer, one of my most cherished memories is becoming a World Tap Dance Champion, winning the gold medal at the World Championship with my team. The Miss America Opportunity has seamlessly allowed me to blend my artistic passions with a greater purpose. As a titleholder, I cherish the chance to empower other young women, sharing my love for dance, advocating for animal rights, and building meaningful relationships. The Miss America Opportunity has given me invaluable role models, lifelong friends, and even the next generation of little sisters. This community continually inspires me to challenge myself, grow as a titleholder, and evolve as a young woman.
What are your future career goals?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I discovered a hidden passion for fashion by bedazzling items from my closet to pass the time. What started as a simple pastime quickly grew into a creative obsession, leading me to open my own small business designing custom dance costumes. One of my proudest moments was showcasing my work during the talent portion of the competition at Miss New York’s Teen. Since joining the Miss America Organization, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve as a brand ambassador for three prom and formalwear companies. This role has not only honed my design skills but also given me invaluable insights into the marketing and social media aspects of running a business. Fashion has become one of my greatest joys, and I am determined to turn this passion into a thriving career in fashion marketing. My ultimate goal is to blend my creative talents with my love for marketing and social media to build a successful brand that resonates with fashion enthusiasts around the world.
How have you used your scholarship dollars?
From an early age, I had already embarked on a successful career as a professional actor. When I became involved with the Miss America Opportunity, the scholarships I earned transformed my journey. These funds allowed me to advance my skills in the performing arts while still pursuing my primary education. With the support of these scholarships, I was able to achieve remarkable independence, living on my own at just seventeen. This financial assistance enabled me to continue my degree online and attend the prestigious Institute for American Musical Theatre full-time. Thanks to this incredible opportunity, I could fully immerse myself in my passion for the performing arts while building a solid educational foundation.
Who’s your favorite singer?
I am a HUGE Swiftie! As a dedicated Swiftie, I’ve been enchanted by her music since the very beginning—literally, since her debut album dropped just a couple of months after I was born. Taylor’s versatility as an artist and her incredible work ethic inspire me every day. Last year, my sister and I had the unforgettable experience of attending the third and fourth shows of the Eras Tour in Las Vegas. It was beyond magical! We met fellow Swifties from around the globe, trading friendship bracelets and sharing stories. The sense of community reminded me so much of the Sisterhood in the Miss America Opportunity. In fact, inspired by this bond, I decided to make each of the Miss New York’s Teen Delegates a friendship bracelet this year. The connections we form are truly special, and these bracelets symbolize the unique and unbreakable ties we share.