Profile: USA -

Photos Videos Blog Charitable Alliances

  • FOURTH OF JULY AND GETTING READY FOR A NEW MISS TEEN USA

    posted by Alyssa Campanella at 2:14pm on 07/08/2011

    Time for another blog! It is my third week as Miss USA. You know when the outgoing titleholder always warns their successor that the year will go by fast? Yeah, they are not kidding, so I'm definitely cherishing the next 11 months! Media week died down a bit, although the interviews never stop! I'm ... more

    17 comments

  • My first blog as Miss USA

    posted by Alyssa Campanella at 1:17pm on 06/27/2011

    Hello world! It is my fourth day as the new Miss USA and I am writing my first blog at my desk in my new apartment. I am so excited to be in New York City embarking on a new adventure. First of all, I am still speechless and so honored to have won the 2011 Miss USA Pageant. Three weeks ago, while ... more

    12 comments

Read All Blog Entries

  • Gilda's Club

    It is the vision of Gilda's Club Worldwide to become the international leader for strengthening the global awareness of this philosophy, and to advance an understanding of the essential bond that emotional and social support brings to the cancer experience, not only for those living with cancer, but also for the families and friends who surround them.

  • USO

    The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress - and enduring style of USO delivery - is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. The USO currently operates more than 135 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens located in the continental United States and overseas.

  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure

    Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. They work together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, they have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Quick Bio

Profile

Alyssa Campanella

USA

State:
California
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Age:
22

Bio

On June 19, 2011, fiery redhead Alyssa Campanella captured the crown at the 2011 MISS USA® Competition at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 22-year-old model, who represented the state of California, became the 60th Miss USA titleholder.

Following her win in Las Vegas, Alyssa traveled to São Paulo, Brazil to represent the USA in the 60th Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Competition held on September 12, 2011. She competed with 88 other contestants and placed in the Top 16 during the live telecast, which is viewed around the world by more than 1 billion viewers.

As Miss USA, Alyssa has served as a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer – a platform that is close to her heart as it personally affected her grandmother who was diagnosed cancer-free in September 2011. She has travelled nationwide as an advocate for organizations, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda’s Club, to stress the importance of getting mammograms. She also worked closely with the USO as part of Miss USA’s commitment to support the troops. She promoted the USO Wishbook, participated in WWE’s “Tribute to the Troops” television special, and traveled through Germany on a USO Entertainment Tour spreading good cheer to troops and military families overseas.

A natural in front of a camera, Alyssa made several television appearances including NBC’s “American Giving Awards” where she served as a presenter during the program. She put her cooking skills to the test on Food Network’s “Celebrity Cook-Off”, a cooking competition pitting Team Guy Fieri and Team Rachael Ray against one another that aired on January 1, 2012. A huge fan of celebrity master baker Buddy Valastro, she made a guest appearance on his program, TLC’s “The Next Great Baker,” which was televised on January 23, 2012. As Miss USA, Alyssa also took her passion for modeling and hit the runway for designers, such as SACHIKA, during the 2012 New York Fashion Week.

Alyssa was raised in Manalapan, New Jersey where she developed an interest in the modeling and entertainment industries while living so close to Manhattan. Active in school plays and dedicated to her studies, she graduated with honors from Freehold Township High School a year early after receiving a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. A natural born blonde, Alyssa dyed her hair in 2005 to fit the role of Cherry Valance in the play, “The Outsiders.” She decided the red hair fit her red hot personality and has kept it ever since.

In 2006, Alyssa decided to give pageants a try and was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2007. She went on to represent New Jersey at the 2007 MISS TEEN USA® Competition placing 1st runner up. The title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA was rewarding for Alyssa, as the exposure helped launch her modeling career. She has modeled for numerous fashion designers, major retail stores, book covers for romance and thriller novels, and was featured on the movie poster for “Get Him to the Greek.”

In May 2010, Alyssa left the East Coast and moved to Los Angeles to continue her pursuit of a career in acting and modeling. She decided to compete in the 2011 MISS CALIFORNIA USA® Competition and won the crown on November 21, 2010.

Alyssa is a self-proclaimed “geek” with an extensive knowledge of the “Star Wars” series and a passion for European History. When she manages to find free time in her busy schedule, she enjoys traveling, reading, Pilates and cooking.

In Her Own Words

" For me, being Miss USA is not just about who you are on the outside, it's all about who you are on the inside. I may be 22 years old, but as Miss USA I have learned so much more about myself such as new passions of mine I never knew before. It was a year of personal growth as I truly discover who Alyssa Campanella is. "