MISS DELAWARE USA 2008
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo
Age: 23
Hometown: Newark

 

Are you currently involved in any educational studies?
I am a junior at the University of Delaware where I am majoring in English.

What are your educational goals:
My educational goal is to graduate from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. This degree will be significantly enhanced by the experience I will gain through a second internship, slated for winter 2008.

What is your career ambition after college?:
My career ambition is to become a broadcast journalist, and my ultimate goal is an anchor position on a national morning news show like Today or Good Morning America.

Extracurricular activities:

Community service work:
In 2002, as an 18-year-old high school senior, I co-founded the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! with a goal to reduce the high percentage of illiterate Americans. Since then, my organization has collected over 100,000 new and gently used books for redistribution throughout the East Coast, placed over 200 children’s book baskets, and coordinated and implemented the development of five independent libraries of 1,000+ books each.

Awards and Recognition:

Which one award makes you especially proud?:
I was incredibly honored to receive the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Community Service. Five awards were presented to volunteers from around the nation during a three-day award ceremony in Washington D.C.

What is the most surprising thing about you or that has happened to you?:
In 2004, Newark, DE Mayor Vance Funk declared July 15th “Vincenza Carrieri –Russo Day”! In addition, as a teen, I modeled in the premier issue of ELLE Girl magazine in an article about pageant contestants.

What are your hobbies and interests?
If I have any spare time, I love to read. My hobbies also include playing classical piano – I’ve studied for 13 years. And, I enjoy all forms of dance and have even taught ballet, tap, and jazz at a local studio to children ages 3-13.

Tell us about your family. Do you have siblings?:
I have three siblings. Italo, my older brother is now 25 and works in our family business. We’ve always been extremely close, since we’re just 18 months apart in age. My younger sister, Margherita is now 17 and probably my biggest supporter. She is also following in my footsteps in pageantry and currently holds a local title. Finally, my youngest sibling is my brother Vincenzo. At age 10 he’s no longer “the baby” although I still tend to think of him that way. He’s a passionate soccer player and an all-around great kid.

If you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and why?
I would love to have lunch with our First Lady Laura Bush. She is a dynamic, positive role model for women everywhere.

Why are you a role model among your peers?
Through my organization, Success Won’t Wait!, and using my own experiences as an example, I have encouraged young people to find their own passion and use their voice. I am proof that one person can make a difference.

Unique/interesting experiences you’ve had:
In 2005 I completed an internship for college credit for Delaware ’s Governor, Ruth Ann Minner, in the Constituent Relations Department. I assisted the staff with the daily planning and organization of a new program honoring Delawareans who were over 100 years old and traveled through the state presenting the awards as the official representative of the Governor’s Office.

What is your favorite way to spend a day:
 I’d like to have a productive day, checking things off of my “To Do List,” because I’m very goal-oriented. My motto is "Better busy than bored!”

Three wishes: 
World Peace, World Peace, World Peace!

 Why did you enter the pageant?:
I entered Miss Delaware USA because pageant competition provides contestants with crucial skills they will use for a lifetime – poise under pressure, successful interviewing techniques, goal setting, and perseverance. I believe these skills will assist me as I pursue a career in the highly competitive world of broadcast journalism.

What was your first thought when you heard your name called as the new Miss Delaware USA? :
After 9 years … FINALLY!

What are your expectations for the coming year?
I am ready for the challenge! And,I am excited to use my title as Miss Delaware USA to raise awareness of my literacy organization Success Won’t Wait. I think I’m really fortunate that the organization wants to partner and combine our efforts!

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As Miss Delaware USA 2008, Carrieri-Russ will spend her reign as a goodwill ambassador throughout the state, speaking to various groups and organizations to raise the awareness of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, which is the official cause of the National MISS USA Organization. She will also continue volunteering her time to assist community organizations and charities to raise awareness and funds for their causes. The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership

For bookings, interviews or additional information about Miss Delaware USA, please email at Laura@crownproductions.us or call at 302-221-5587.