Miss USA 2015- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
It’s been over 2 weeks since I competed at Miss USA and I have finally had time to relax and really process my time in Baton Rouge. As many of you know my journey to Miss USA began over 5 years ago and in November I finally got my chance to live out my dream. It has been a great 7 months of prep for the national stage, from flying out to Atlanta to pick out my dream gown to working with all of my sponsors to get mentally and physically in shape. The date for Miss USA was finally announced and to me a July pageant was a blessing to give us all more time to get ready. Media week was amazing! Before heading off the Miss USA, I attended the Albanian Festival, I was on air with Jordan Levy and Jim Polito and did interviews with The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald radio show! During this time was when Mr. Trump made his comments about Mexicans and illegal immigrants, yikes! Not going to lie, it was a challenge to handle that type of controversy right before leaving for nationals but it sure was good practice and good media not just for the Latina contestants but for me as well!
I was off to the pageant! After running to catch two planes, my sister queens, Maine, New Hampshire and I had finally landed in hot and humid Baton Rouge. The moment I walked into the L’auberge I felt right at home, the people and service were AMAZING! Southern hospitality at its finest! Registration and fittings soon begun and it was so exciting! I was one of the first to get into fittings and pick my favorites. We had the prettiest red white and blue bikinis from Sun kitten swimwear and gorgeous cocktails from Sherri hill. I was in heaven! From there I went straight to hair and makeup for my swimsuit and evening gown. This is where I found my hair guru Shannon who nailed my evening gown hair; One of my favorite shots from the competition. The part I was most excited for was shooting with Fadil. I loved our patriotic theme and the photos were out of this world. I mean come on its fadil!
Let the festivities begin! During my time in Baton Rouge, I attended
some really cool events! I did a VIP casino dinner where we filmed for the
pageant finale, a fabulous MUD makeup tutorial where I learned to
use the skills that I had already learned and perfect it and I visited Charlie’s
Place, a local home for Alzheimer’s patients with Miss USA Nia which was definitely
in my element. There, I met Randall “the king” who was so kind to teach me how to
golf, I loved it! All the Miss USA
contestants had a welcome event at the Old State Capital and an awesome dinner
by Ruffino’s. The next day I rock climbed at Perkins Road Extreme Park. This
was my first time rock climbing and I was last because I was busy doing
interviews with local news stations. Once I got up there, I understood what it’s
like to be scared of heights but I almost made it to the top! Yay! Our Best
Buddies event was really beautiful. We had so much fun making crafts, playing
games and dancing with the buddies. One of my favorite events!
The fourth of July spectacular! I had a mix of emotions that
day. While we were at the event, our official Fadil photos had come out so
moods had changed, some girls were really happy while others weren’t. The most
emotional part of the day was the fireworks show. It was amazing to watch while
being at Miss USA, but my heart was at home. I was missing Boston, my family
and friends so much during that time. 4th of july in Louisiana is
great, but it will never be quite like Boston #bostonstrong ;) Our final event
took place at Houmas Plantation which was stunning! It looked like it was
straight out of the Princess Diaries. I had an overload of crawfish and shrimp
and even was given my on selfie stick haha! Thank you Baton Rouge for the
development of my Bread pudding addiction! Yum!!!!!
Events had ended and rehearsals had begun, it was about to
get real! Stepping into that auditorium and seeing the Miss USA stage I had
been waiting to compete on was breathtaking to say the least. I couldn’t believe
it was actually happening. We had spent days practicing our opening
number and walks. They changed our song 3 times, the last time being the day before
the show and we rehearsed usually until 11 pm at night. It was hard and
tiring but I’m thankful we had more sleep than girls
have had in previous years. Rehearsals flew by, before we knew it was prelim time. I was so
excited to show the world how hard I worked and most importantly represent my
beautiful state! I stood waiting for a hair and makeup artist for 3 hours and then I
competed. I was on cloud 9 and thrilled. The next morning was interview. I couldn’t
wait! Interview is my most dreaded part of competition and this time around it
was my best and strongest! I felt unbelievably confident leaving that room! We
just had to wait for Sunday. It was a crazy thought going through rehearsals
and knowing the top 15 have already been chosen and we have no idea whether we
made it or not.
The Miss USA pageant had arrived and like some girls, it didn’t feel real. I felt eerily calm and collected. I walked on stage proud of who I was, where I came from and what I had accomplished in 24 years. That night I did not make the top 15, but I was prepared. With the controversy surrounding our pageant, trumps comments, being dropped from NBC, the replacements of all hosts, judges and performers; no matter how well I performed I was prepared not to place and still be ok with the results.
Miss USA was controversial. As positive as we tried to be, ultimately Trumps comments did affect the girls and the pageant. Yes, I did wish the pageant had happened before trump announced his candidacy or that trump had never said anything at all but some amazing things did happen during Miss USA, I spoke with people of major news stations and interviewed with the Worcester Telegram and gazette, The Associated press, HLN and THE Vanity Fair. Everything happens for a reason.
My message to girls who will compete and to those who never had the opportunity: I have always been Miss USA’s biggest advocate but the pageant is not always fair. Some girls DO get robbed and there will be girls who place and you just wont get it but this should never stop you from fulfilling your dreams. What I have learned is that it’s better to try and not succeed than it is to have never tried at all. There will always be favorites and you may or may not be one of them but there is always someone out there inspired by you and looking up to you as a role model. My most important message, win or lose, this pageant does not determine your self-worth, your life is not over if you do not win. It is a major stepping stone into bigger and better things. It truly is the journey not the destination, and as Miss USA Erin Brady told me, “It’s amazing to win but sometimes I wonder what opportunities would have come my way if I didn’t”. Don’t ever let anything stop you from going after your dreams J
Albanian Festival 2015!
Hosting the Albanian Festival was an incredible experience. I have always wanted to go as Miss Massachusetts USA and with the Miss USA pageant in July it was just meant to be! The festival was on June 4, 5 and 6 in Worcester, Ma. There is no feeling like bring surrounded by the people who truly believe in you, love you and most importantly are proud to have you as their titleholder. I spent probably 8 hours on my feet, taking photos, signing autograph and eating a gyro (delicious btw) when I had a chance. To make it even more epic, we were also celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Albanian church that I was baptized in when I was 15 years old. It was truly an experience I will remember forever. Nothing makes me more honored and proud than to represent not only Massachusetts but the amazing Albanian community. Stay tuned for my next event in just a couple weeks :)
Six flags New England Opening of Wicked Cyclone!
This year I did something crazy that I never thought I would ever do...I WENT ON A ROLLERCOASTER!! Yep it was my first time ever! I went in honor of the new ride wicked cyclone at six flags and was basically forced by Miss MA teen usa and Miss ct teen usa. Thanks girls you're the best lol.
Samaritans Breakfast of Hope 2015
I was honored to have attended the 2015 breakfast of hope for Samaritans suicide prevention hotline! I was in the presence of volunteers, staff members, survivors, governor Charlie baker and my beautiful Sophie. It was a beautiful outcome of over 500 people!! It is a blessing to be part of this organization that saves so many lives and I hope to do big things with it!
Art because Breast Cancer fashion show
It was an honor attending the art because Breast cancer fashion show at Neiman Marcus. Not only did I meet fabulous people who were survivors but also modeled in a runway show for this awesome cause. Thank you everyone for having me it was truly a privilege!
Strike out Pancreatic cancer!
I had a blast bowling with a great team as I did my part to "strike out" pancreatic cancer, in one day alone they made $10,000! Not only did I have a blast but I also made it into the wall of fame of Kings bowling by signing a pin, how cool is that!
Special Olympics fundraiser
Later that same day, I was hypnotized for charity. I made a fool of myself onstage while hypnotized but hey it was all for a good cause, plus my mom made me do it! LOL
James' Journey- MDA muscle team 2015!
I was honored to attend the MDA muscle walk of 2015 at Gillette stadium with my sister queens and of course my friends and family. I walked for my friend James and everyone who is affected by muscular dystrophy. I love this photo it says it all! As a group we raised over $4000!! So proud of everyone and of course James the ultimate champion, they don't call him captain for nothing!
Massachusetts takes on New York round 3!
I returned to new York for the 3rd time and visited the Miss Universe organization! The people were so sweet and I loved seeing where it all went down and where I would be living if crowned Miss USA 2015!
Music Drives US-Ferrari and Maserati 2015-vvroom vroom!
Sophie and I along with Mary- Miss RI Teen USA attended the Music drives us event benefitting music in schools. This was one of our coolest events. We met Ernie Bach JR and even hung out with Billy Ray Cyrus who performed that night! The event raised thousands of dollars for music in school all over the country and Sophie and I even made it in the Boston Herald thanks to Richard of Elyse Jewelers. We could not ask for a better sponsor.
Image Skincare Boston Launch Party 2015!
Image Skincare is the official sponsor for the Miss Universe Organization, so I was very honored to have attended the launch party for the new products of 2015 in Boston! I met some awesome women who work for non-profits and also the people behind image skincare! I am so lucky to have them as a sponsor and cannot wait to use the products at Miss USA 2015!
Clemente Productions photo shoot with Eleven sixteen studio.
We all had the privilege of working with Alyssa Riley last month for out group photo shoot! The theme was Vanity fair and we really blew it out of the water! My sister queens and I had a blast, thank you for the awesome shoot Alyssa!
Fun fact: Alyssa and I competed together for Miss Massachusetts USA in 2011 and 2012!
South Boston St. Patrick's day Parade 2015!
As many of you know, my journey to the crown was 5 years. I remember telling myself that the one thing I always wanted to do as Miss Ma USA was be in the parade and I finally got my chance and it was glorious! I traveled into south Boston on a rainy sunday with Sophie in our gorgeous Mercedes benz S550 from Mercedes benz of Shrewsbury. For hours we waved hello and interacted with the crowd. Honestly, it was one of the most proud and humbling moments during my reign. HUGE thank you to Mercedes Benz Shrewsbury for providing me with the most top notch car in the lot, I am truly grateful for your service!
Miss Pink Pageant 2015
Being invited to the Miss Pink Pageant was truly an honor. I watched 7 beautiful women who are breast cancer survivors tell their story and compete for the title of Miss Pink 2015. I was absolutely blown away by their stories, there was no dry eye in the house! I spent the evening in my gorgeous DVF gown and masquerade mask which after having marks on my face was ditched very quickly! I met a beautiful young girl, Hannah, from Ohio as well and we had a blast in the photo booth! Workin it! In my eyes everyone wins!
"Oh the places you'll go"-Dr. Seuss
This weekend I was invited to read to kids at the Northshore Mall with my sister queen Sophie. I read a beautiful book that not only inspired the kids but also me haha. Cheesecake factory catered the event and then later provided us with free lunch! yummmmyyy! Thank you for having us it was so much fun!
Reading to retreating! (hehe im a weirdo)
After our awesome appearance at the mall, we went back to the hotel where it all began to meet some new girls in the pageant and bond with our sister queens. I spent the rest of the weekend with my Maine and New Hampshire sisters for some lessons and of course a fun photo-shoot with Todd Ward!
ONE BIG HAPPY PAGEANT FAMILY!
Boston--->New York
I have had the best week of my life! I attended the opening of Mercedes Benz of Burlington, The Make a Wish foundation Diamond Wishes fashion show and then it was off the New York for Fashion Week!
First up: Mercedes of Burlington! I attended the high end event with my sissy Sophie. The event featured a fashion show featuring Herve Leger, Christian Louboutin, and Elyse Jewels and of course I was wearing all three that night! Represent! If all of this wasn't enough, Bill Belichick made a special appearance that night, SO COOL! Be sure to watch the Oscars this weekend, Elyse jewelers will have their jewelry on some of the biggest stars!
Next up: Make a wish Diamond Wishes fashion show!
This was my second time ever doing a fashion show but the only time on a runway, dream come true! I spent the evening walking the runway with my sister queens and pageant friends. I also met Billy Costa of Kiss 108! That night the Make a wish foundation raised over $50,000 to make more kids dreams a reality, dream big kids!!
Last but certainly not least-NEW YORK CITY!!
The Clemente Productions girls were all invited to attend the Sherri hill fashion show for Fashion week. Not only were we invited but Sherri hill allowed us to wear one of her dresses to the actual event! Never would I have imagined attending fashion week but all things are possible! I saw the fall 2015 collection, met more of the Miss USA contestants, reunited with my USA roomie Minnesota and finally met Miss USA Nia! She was the sweetest!
Fadil Berisha Photo-shoot
MDA Gala Boston 2015
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Miss Universe 2014 Miami!!!
One of the coolest experiences during my reign was in Miami for the Miss Universe competition. My mom and I flew down to Florida for one weekend, we spent most of Friday night on the phone with JetBlue trying to figure out flight information since we were traveling during a storm we were afraid we wouldn't make it in on Saturday night. Thankfully we did and I spend my Saturday night at the home of Jorge Estaban and 20-25 of my beautiful sister queens that I will be competing with this summer! I'm so thankful I am a part of this group of women they are beautiful inside and out! When I thought it couldn't get any better, the night got more star-studded, believe it or not! I had the pleasure of meeting both Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton and Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella! and if you are wondering, yes they are even more beautiful and sweet in person! Other members of the evening, included Miss USA's fiancé, and designers Fernando Wong and Macduggal :)
It was Sunday and it was officially the big day, Miss Universe 2014! Who would take home the crown!
I woke up on sunday extremely excited! I spent the day shopping with my mom and then it was back to the hotel to get ready for the pageant! On my way to the pageant, I honestly felt like a star headed to the Oscars, it was such an awesome feeling! The pageant was everything you could have imagined and more, I walked in to the auditorium and took photos with people from all over the world. Philippines, USA, Puerto Rico, Russia, Venezuela, the list goes on and on! During a photo with a fan, I see people running in one direction, I had no idea what was happening, come to find out Donald trump had just walked by me and I didn't even see him! he's smooth alright haha. I made sure not to be a crazy fan who wanted a photo, what's the point I will meet him in a few months anyway ;)
We finally entered the auditorium and I was in total awe, I couldn't believe I was there watching Miss Universe Live! The pageant was amazing to watch but honestly I wasn't paying too much attention I was just so excited to be in the same room as those women lol! The competition got real in the top 5, the question and answer was not that great...although Jamaica and USA had the best answers all around in my opinion. It was just as much a surprise to me when Jamaica was called as 4th runner up as everyone else in the world, her walk though......damn! I am very happy for both Miss USA and Colombia, congratulations to both ladies!
We were all invited to go to the after party at the Trump Hotel, my mom and I weren't sure if we wanted to go but we went anyway, it was the best decision we made! I was approached by paparazzi and then moved into a VIP area which little did I know was for the new Miss Universe, I pet her dog who was wearing the cutest dress ever and had no idea it was even her pup, all of a sudden Miss Universe walks in, she took a photo with her dog, a producer I had been speaking too and finally me...WOW! It was unbelievable being in one of her first photos, I was hoping some of her luck would rub off on me by touching her, I guess we will see ;) We partied the night away and I met some of the girls who competed for the title: India, Germany, Aruba, Kenya, Italy, Kosovo and Albania, and I even got some advice on the red carpet from Guam so also competed in Miss USA, talk about cool! The whole night was truly a unforgettable experience and I am so glad I was able to share it with my mother who has been on this journey with me since the beginning!
After being at the Miss Universe pageant and representing Massachusetts, I learned how wonderful it is to be from MA. People from all over the world spoke so highly about our state and we truly are a melting pot. I am so proud to represent this wonderful state of opportunity and diversity!
Miss New Hampshire USA!
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Somerville Comedy Club ROAR- Rock Out against Rett
I was honored to attend this event in Somerville on behalf of Sabrina who is a strong little girl with Rett syndrome. If you don't know anything about Rett, it is a rare neurological disorder that affects mostly girls. Imagine not being able to use your hands or legs, or not being able to speak and express your feelings. Although research is being done, there is no cure for this disorder. It was a privilege to be able to raise money and awareness for this terrible disorder and bring some more comfort to families affected by it. Thank you to Bonnie Budd for the invite and for putting on an awesome event with hilarious comedians as well! I even met Boston comedian Dave Russo :)
New Years Eve Synergy timeless global gala 2014- House of Blues Boston
I spent my first new years eve ever in Boston! I have always wanted to go just once and I finally got the chance as a titleholder! The foundation room at the house of blues was amazing, the walls were made from Indian wedding dresses, how cool is that?! It was a great experience at the event, I spend the evening mingling, taking pictures, eating (duh), doing interviews and of course doing the countdown to the new year, but I almost missed it.... at 11:50 all the TVs came on to watch the ball drop and get ready for the countdown which was supposed to be on CNN, however our TVs were on FOX (oops), at around 1 minute the clock disappeared on FOX news and I did not know when to start the countdown and neither did the event coordinator lol! I finally figured out the countdown at 4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! hey at least I didn't completely miss it haha ;)
I wish everyone a happy new year filled with love, happiness and health! I can now say I will be competing for MISS USA THIS YEAR! ahhhhh
Teddy Bear Tea Party- Four Seasons Boston
The holidays are about classic stories and that's exactly what we did! We had such a fun time reading Twas the night before Christmas and How the Grinch stole Christmas to a group of kids. oh and this teddy bear was awesome!
I was so excited to attend the Best Buddies Gala in Boston, I have wanted to work with this event and im so excited I got to! I also spent time with my Maine sister queens and enjoy a late night dinner with them in the North end....and ate bread and butter hehehe :)
Although I love to get dressed up and attend fancy gala, it was a nice change to visit 3 schools and donate books! It was amazing to see some of their eyes light up as they received a book, that is the most some of them will get this holiday season and I am grateful to Amy for setting up this event and being a part of it!
The Interfaith Feed the Hungry Gala was one of the most inspirational events I have attended thus far! Everyone is so passionate about this organization and they truly do amazing things! So thankful they captured this photo of me donating $100. With this money they are able to feed over 500 families this holiday season! :)