THE 2022 MISS NEW YORK FOR AMERICA & AMERICAN CONTESTANTS

2022 MISS NY FOR AMERICA CONTESTANTS

Behind the Scenes...

The Mrs. New York America, Mrs. New York American, and Miss New York for America Pageant celebrates women, families, and community service. We empower women and give them the platform to become leaders.

The 2022 pageant will be held on Sunday, July 17th starting at 2pm at the Marriott Downtown Syracuse on the 10th floor ballroom. We will have a pre-show vendor pop-up with over 25 amazing vendors to shop and enjoy starting at 11am. We hope to see everyone there. Tickets go on sale June 1!

Please welcome our amazing Mrs New York American 2022 contestants.

Please visit www.mrsnyamerica.com To vote for your favorite contestant from June 15th through July 15th for our annual Fabulous Face and People’s Choice Contests!

Diane Hardgrove Director

Diane Hardgrove has served as the Executive Director for the past twelve years for the Mrs. New York America, Mrs. New York American, and Miss New York for America Strong Pageants. During her reign as Mrs. Arizona 2006, Mrs. America 2006, and Mrs. World 2007, Diane served at over 600 appearances around the world!

She studied dance for twenty years in the areas of tap, jazz, ballet, and Polynesian. Diane has worked closely with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for the past eighteen years. She was nominated as the Honorary Chair in 2006 and 2007 for the Southern Arizona Race for the Cure. She now serves as a Team Leader and Committee Member for the North Dallas Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to raise funds for education, research, screening, and treatment.

Diane’s highlights include the television commercials for the Race for the Cure, guest on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles, ringing the bell at NASDAQ on Times Square in New York, traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to speak at the Go Red Heart Disease Gala, presented awards at Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night for Parkinson’s Disease Research in Scottsdale, Arizona, and served as the keynote speaker on leadership at the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Photographer: @carlosvelezstudios Make-up Artist: @alileeglam

“Mia’s community service platform, “Beautifully and Wonderfully Made,” focuses on helping women accept themselves as the amazingly strong and limitless women that God created them to be.”

MIA ELENA ALDACO

Miss Ontario County

Please help us welcome back and congratulate Miss Ontario County for America Strong, Mia Elena Aldaco!

Mia was born and raised in Texas. When she was twelve years old, she moved to upstate New York with her family. Mia is adventurous and driven, having moved several times across the country to pursue her education and career.

Mia finds strength through her faith and hopes to glorify God in everything she does. Mia’s community service platform, “Beautifully and Wonderfully Made,” focuses on helping women accept themselves as the amazingly strong and limitless women that God created them to be. As a woman who has personally experienced an eating disorder, she hopes to promote self-love through her platform and continues to recover through the help of close friends and her faith. Oswego with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Justice/Pre-law. In 2016, Mia graduated from the University of Providence with a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2019, Mia received her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School daily, weight-lifting, and spending quality time in New York’s Finger Lakes with her dear friends. With the help of her close friends, Mia had the opportunity to promote networking and friendship for women through her monthly events for “Ladies who Brunch.” Mia has been blessed to meet so many amazing women through pageantry.

Congratulations Mia! We are so happy for you and excited for your 2022 journey ahead.

Photography and Gown Provided by: Laura Marino Make-up by: Alexandra Ryan Axenfeld

and was admitted to the New York State Bar in June 2020. Mia works as an Associate Attorney at the Whitcomb Law Firm in Geneva. In her free time, Mia enjoys running

“My motto in this life is everything happens for a reason and there are absolutely no coincidences.”

SAMANTHA SCHULTZ

Miss Monroe County

Please help us give a warm welcome and congratulations to our new 2022 Miss New York for America Strong Contestant, Sam Schultz, Miss Monroe County for America!

Please see her amazing bio below.

My name is Samantha Schultz and I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I currently reside in Webster, NY with my two extraordinary boys, who give me the drive to “keep on keeping on” as my late GG would say. I was diagnosed with bilateral ovarian cancer stage 3C at the age of 28. Prior to that I was a nurse for five years. When I found out my diagnosis, my world was completely turned upside down. I realized you have to make room for detours in your life plans. I know that so many people need to hear my story and that is why I chose to do the Miss New York For America pageant this year and talk about my experience with having cancer, living through it, and more importantly, surviving. and take. I was given a scholarship to attend the school of pharmacy at St. John Fisher. but unfortunately I was unable to fulfill that opportunity at the time. But, I can now smile and be grateful I was given such a beautiful opportunity. I also learned that life

is happening, it can happen to us or we can choose to live it. I choose to live mine to the fullest.Tomorrow is never promised, so savor each day. My motto in this life is everything happens for a reason and there are absolutely no coincidences.

During the summer of 2016, I spent so many nights talking to god from the bathroom floor. Trying to stop the constant flooding of pain that entered my soul. I knew I must find a way to rise above the pain. For me, I found some of that peace by advocating, talking, and even sitting as a volunteer within hospice patients.

I’m living proof of that you can overcome even the greatest odds if you put your mind to it, and don’t give up.Only 2% of population with my particular diagnoses survive to where I am today.I now am working on implementing patient services at Rochester Regional Health, and helping any way that I can If this even resonates and helps just one person, well it was all worth it.

I stand tall as a past nurse who became a patient, who is now the steady hand to grab. I am proud to be your Miss Monroe County for America 2022.

“Passionate about empowering people to transform into becoming the best versions of themselves.”

DANIELLE JONES Miss Rochester

Please give us a warm welcome and wongratulations to our new 2022 Miss New York for America Strong Contestant, Danielle Jones, Miss Rochester!

Please read Danielle’s incredible bio below. Welcome to the Sisterhood, Danielle!

“I am a New York State certified licensed medical aesthetician, residing in Rochester NY my entire life.

Passionate about empowering people to transform into becoming the best versions of themselves. With hopes of using my platform “The power of transformation” to share my story of overcoming addiction through positive choices and a healthy lifestyle.

Whether it’s through volunteering at schools to help kids develope life skills and healthy habits, being a part of an annual clothing exchange where all the proceeds get donated to places in need. Having the chance to be able to speak into as many people and be a vessel of hope in sharing my story and the tools I used to overcome and completely transform my life . Having a love for skin care, health, fitness, traveling and beauty. To now having the career of my dreams. Im excited to take on this next chapter in competing for the title of Miss

New York for American Strong and encouraging other girls to believe in themselves and do the same. They always say “You’re one decision away from a completely different life.” Makeup- Jessica Lahr @ jessicaellebeauty

Photographer- Greg Hollar @ greghollarprojects Glow- Heather Renee”

“Machaela is currently training to be a Licensed Veterinary Technician and works as a Veterinary Assistant at VCA Fairmount Animal Hospital. She enjoys helping and caring for animals in need.”

MACHEALA KOZLOWSKI

Miss Onondaga County

Please help us welcome back and congratulate our Miss Onondaga County for America Strong, Machaela Kozlowski!

Machaela is currently training to be a Licensed Veterinary Technician and works as a Veterinary Assistant at VCA Fairmount Animal Hospital. She enjoys helping and caring for animals in need.

Machaela serves as the cotreasurer board member of AAGS, Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse. She presented a $1,000 check to AAGS for winning the People’s Choice Award during last year’s pageant.

Machaela is also proud that her platform P.A.W.S., Providing Animals With Safety, helps raise money for foster and rescue animals in need. So far this year, she was able to raise $400 from her sponsors and sell the stickers she made. Proceeds were given to an 8-week puppy in foster care and she was able to help pay for the needed surgery on his leg. The puppy is now adopted and in a loving home!

Machaela loves to paint and draw. She also enjoys working-out and participating in outdoor activities- snow boarding, ice skating, rollerblading, ATV riding, boating, jet skiing, and more! Machaela lives in Syracuse and loves pursuing new goals. She’s excited for

her pageant goal, I cannot wait to meet her sister queens soon! Congratulations Miss Onondaga County for America Strong, Machaela Kozlowski! We are thrilled for you!

Photographer: Laura Marino Make-up: Alexandra Ryan Axenfeld

“Her mission is to provide a path to earn scholarships, internships, and dream jobs for youth ages 13-17, by helping them navigate college, the workforce, and life with her social impact initiative Endless Opportunities.”

TAISHA ELIZABETH ST JEAN Miss Erie County

Please help us welcome back and congratulate Taisha Elizabeth St. Jean, with a new local title, Miss Erie County!

Please read Taisha’s amazing bio below.

“Taisha Elizabeth St. Jean was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from Leonardo da Vinci High School in 2013, Medaille College in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, and with her Master’s Degree in Marketing Communication from St. Bonaventure University in 2018. She has won various awards such as Changemakers 30 under 30; Grassroots Rising Star; Community Service Award; Medaille College Dean’s List; Travers Collins Scholarship, Heidi Raphael Scholarship, Who’s Who in American Colleges and University Recipient; Merit Award from Medaille College, recipient of Business First Community All-Stars and was the Commencement Speaker at her graduation.

Taisha’s currently holds the title Miss Erie County and will be competing for the title of Miss New York For America Strong 2022. Her mission is

to provide a path to earn scholarships, internships, and dream jobs for youth ages 13-17, by helping them navigate college, the workforce, and life with her social impact initiative Endless Opportunities. She also participates in various community service projects and leadership programs.

Taisha is currently working for the City of Buffalo Common Council as the Deputy Chief of Staff and as Professor at Medaille College. She is also an elected Erie County Committee Person and Vice-Chair for Zone 10. Taisha wants to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her. She hopes to encourage young women to pursue their dreams and to not let fear stop them from achieving their heart’s greatest desires.”

Congratulations Miss Erie County! We can’t wait to see you shine on the famous stage, July 17th!Mrs. NY America, Mrs. NY American, and Miss NY for America Strong Pageants

“Rachel’s mission is to help those with disabilities realize they can accomplish anything.”

RACHEL BARCELLONA

Miss Queens

Please help us give a warm welcome and congratulations to our new 2022 Miss New York for America Strong Contestant, Rachel Barcellona, MISS QUEENS!

Rachel is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in English and minor in communications. She is a model, writer, singer, and actress with a film premiering this year around the country! She moved to Valley Stream New York several years ago and is currently working with New HD Media as an on air personality and developing stations in markets across the United States. New HD Media New York and Los Angeles are the first of many broadcast areas created with a goal of employment for individuals with disabilities and will provide universal digital coverage via the app, website and social media.

Rachel is the founder and president of her non profit “Ability Beyond Disabilities”, a 12 year dream that became a reality in 2021.

Rachel is a spokesperson and board member at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and has traveled internationally with the Global Autism Project. She supports a variety of New York charities including Long Island Cares and the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Rachel has spoke at the United Nations on World Autism Day, and was elected to the board of directors for Safe Minds Inc. which worked on passing Kevin and Avonte’s Law to protect Autistic children, along with supporting other important legislation

in Washington D.C.

She’s has been awarded $50,000 by the National Hockey League for volunteer service to distribute to her charities of choice, and used her influence to help families affected by Autism get the services they need, such as insurance, jobs, housing, etc. She’s been interviewed by the likes of CNN and People Magazine about her journey with autism and has worked with NBA and NFL players to help make sports arenas more inclusive. Most recently Rachel has been awarded the gold medal from the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and was one of 5 individuals picked to represent the United States at the International conference which includes 133 countries.

Rachel is proud to be Miss Queens for America Strong and looks forward to continuing to speak out in support of those with varying abilities. Additionally, others will see the Miss New York for America Strong system as one who supports young women of all abilities, an organization that values all levels of diversity, and an organization that seeks to lift the self-esteem of young women and help them realize their dreams. As Miss New York for America Strong she will continue to spark widespread change.

Welcome to the Sisterhood, Miss Queens! We can’t wait to see you on the famous stage, July 17th!

photo/hair/makeup: Austin Ryde

“Her journey of self growth was fueled by her love of working with children as well as her passion for fitness and nutrition.”

CHRSITINA CONTENTO

Miss Orange County

Please help us give a warm welcome and congratulations to our new 2022 Miss New York for America Strong Contestant Christina Contento, Miss Orange County!

Please see Christina’s impressive bio below. Welcome to the sisterhood, Miss Orange County. We’re thrilled for your journey ahead.

Christina Contento is a certified New York State educator and administrator for over 20 years. She is extremely proud of her career as a High School Assistant for at-risk students. She resides in Orange County with her family as well as their dog Teddy and cat Iggy. Christina loves to start her weekend with a 5 mile walk around the lake, enjoys attending dirt modified races, and is passionate about creating healthy meals.

Her journey of self growth was fueled by her love of working with children as well as her passion for fitness and nutrition. Her platform Fuel Up your Energy Level (F.U.E.L) utilizes her passion for nutrition and fitness into helping children and women reach their full potential through compassionate guidance in food choices and movement with 1 on 1 and interactive group activities. Challenging herself while making a difference is why she chose to compete for the prestigious title of Miss for NY Strong.

Christina works with area gyms / schools / communities to directly provide opportunities for underprivileged children/women to feel they are involved and included in something they wouldn’t typically have the opportunity to - which will help guide them to a positive path. She plans on making a connection with the National Football League to raise funds and awareness for the Fuel to Play 60 program.

She is very active in the community volunteering for various organizations such as Orange County Fair Speedway Kids Club, Ladies of Motorsports Magazine, Town of Chester, Cultivating Healing and Justice Initiative Support Services, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mt. Alverno Center, and Warwick Valley Youth Cheerleading. Additionally, she creates content for her Fitness and Nutrition 101 series that contains videos and blogs to inspire others to work towards a healthy mind and body. Christina has partnered with ladies looking to improve their health by creating nutritional plans and workouts that suit their lifestyles.

Magazine. Christina has competed in fitness shows and placed 3rd this past December in the diva bikini division. She is the current ambassador for the Ladies of Motorsport

Christina is proud to be your Miss Orange County.