Ms. United States 2008

Graziella Baratta

Did he just say New York?  Oh wait, that's me!"  I remember everything in slow motion, as every syllable of my long name was pronounced the new Ms United States 2008!  From the moment the crown was placed on my head, my life has been a surreal whirlwind! 

Immediately after my coronation, I had a one week vacation that I used to visit family in California that I only get to see about twice a year.  My sister, grandmother and I drove from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, California in a rental car.  The view was gorgeous, and it was the most incredible feeling going to see my family right after winning...they were so proud, and I was so excited to share the news with them.  I posted a very quick G-Blog with photos from my phone to share the news faster with my family and friends around the world.  While in LA, I also met with my Auntie Annette (Annette Cardona, then known as Annette Charles, was Cha Cha Di Gregorio in the motion picture GREASE).  Annette is not my real aunt, but I do feel like she is, having been a career mentor and teacher of mine for a number of years.

Upon returning home from the West Coast, I had a super homecoming surprise party that I could have never imagined!  My mom literally rolled out a red carpet for me...of course, she's my proud mom It was amazing!  The day after I got home, I got down to business, and promptly had a TV interview for New York News 1.  I have had numerous diverse appearances in the past few weeks, all which were wonderful!  I was a guest at Ms Connecticut's (Diane Piccolo) ballroom dance competition at none other than the Crowne Plaza in New York City, which was breathtaking.  To spread my platform messages across the country, I created a free women's network on fitness, beauty, fashion and wellness at www.byouneek.ning.com.  I was then inspired to create two other networks for pageantry at www.pageantpalace.ning.com, and for dance at www.dancenewyork.ning.com.  They are so fun!

I am honored to be featured on the WomensHealth.gov and GirlsHealth.gov, national websites on health, where I give advice to women and girls on leading a healthy, positive lifestyle.   I couldn't wait to have my very first photo shoot as Ms United States with photographer Angel Sanchez, which was a blast!  Visiting with our national sponsor, Lia Sophia, was great fun where I was presented with a beautiful necklace from the Red Carpet celebrity line.  It was quite humbling to have a feature story in the New Jersey Suburbanite newspaper, where I am from, and have a photo shoot in my own town.  Although my platforms are "Healthy Habits for Life" and "I aM for Women," I enjoy being a spokesperson for many different organizations and causes such as the Queens Sickle Cell Anemia Network, whose walk-a-thon event I participated in as the grand marshall.  My Supermodels Unlimited Magazine Photo Shoot with Kevin Michael Reed in New York City was a great experience, where I was transformed into a different woman...I can't wait to see it!

There is nothing more invigorating than to make a positive difference in someone's life, however large or small.  My crown is my vehicle to do just that, and I look forward to many more opportunities to use it.  I believe that anything is possible through hard work, vision and heart, and I encourage everyone to follow their dreams as steadfastly as I do...

 

Until next time ~

Graziella J

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