Rwandan-born Melissa Mbera Uwase, 24, has secured a spot among the finalists for Miss New York USA 2025, the pageant that crowns the state’s representative for Miss USA.
Celebrated for her beauty, intelligence, and poise, Melissa advanced to the finals after impressing judges through multiple voting and selection rounds. The winner will be announced at the grand finale on August 15, 2025.
The Miss New York USA pageant is one of the most respected beauty contests in the United States. The winner continues to the Miss USA pageant, where contestants from all 50 states participate.
Last year’s Miss New York USA title went to Marizzaa Delgado, who went on to place in the Top 20 at Miss USA 2024, despite not taking the national crown.
If Melissa wins this year, she will have the chance to represent New York State at the national level in the Miss USA pageant . The last Miss USA from New York was Kimberly Ann Pressler, who claimed the crown in 1999. Two decades earlier, Mary Therese Friel brought the title to the state in 1979.
Miss New York State holds a special place in the pageant’s history because The very first Miss USA, Jackie Loughery, was from New York. She won the crown in 1952 and passed away in February 2024 at the age of 92.
As the final event approaches, Melissa continues to prepare seriously for this important competition. She is calling on Rwandans and supporters from around the world to stand by her and help her achieve this important goal.
Ineza Umutoni Nadia / The Kaminuza Star