BREAKING BARRIERS
Marizza Delgado, a 25-year-old Filipino American, made history by becoming the first Filipino American to be crowned Miss New York USA 2024 a few weeks ago. This achievement marks a significant milestone not only in her personal journey but also in the representation of the Filipino American community in the pageant world.
“I am the first Filipino American Miss New York USA, and representation means everything to me,” Delgado told the Asian Journal, reflecting on the importance of her win. “Iyak na iyak ako, I was crying so much in my crowning. I was just so shocked; I am just so grateful for this journey.”
Delgado’s path to the crown was anything but easy. She placed as 3rd Runner Up in both 2022 and 2023, making her triumphant return this year even more meaningful. “Coming back every year is always very difficult, but I always remind myself of my north star, being the first Filipino American and a woman in STEM to be on the Miss USA stage,” she said.
Crowned just two weeks ago, Delgado is now preparing to represent New York at the Miss USA 2024 pageant in Los Angeles on August 4. Her preparations include reaching out to Filipino designers to work on her gown and interview, as well as intensive interview preparation. Delgado says she draws inspiration from Pia Wurtzbach, a former Miss Universe from the Philippines.
Over the weekend, she wore a modern Filipiniana from Mestizo LA at the Philippines Fest second anniversary event in Times Square, where she expressed her excitement about her new role.
“I am so excited to be here today, it feels so surreal to be here as Miss New York,” she said. “It’s like Little Manila here today. Filipinos are making their mark.”
Delgado, who was born in San Jose, California, to immigrant parents from Pampanga and Cavite, moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling and data science. She currently works as a fashion model, engineer, and advocate for women in STEM. Her pageant experience is extensive, including titles such as Miss Pacific Teen USA, Miss Earth New York, and a Top 20 placement at Miss Earth 2021.
In addition to her professional achievements, Delgado is actively involved in initiatives like @GirlsWhoCode, aiming to make a positive impact in her community and the tech industry.
Reflecting on the potential impact of winning the Miss USA crown, Delgado said, “It would mean the world to me if I win Miss USA, and if that happens, I’d be the fourth Miss New York to win the title. It would be such an honor. I’m ready for the crown.”
Delgado’s journey shows how hard work, being yourself, and chasing your dreams can lead to success. Her message to young Filipinas resonates with encouragement and empowerment: “Kaya mo ‘to. (You can do it!) You are capable to do it.”
As Marizza Delgado prepares to compete for the Miss USA crown, her story continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of underrepresented voices in the pageant world and beyond.
The Miss USA 2024 pageant will take place on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with the winner going on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico. The event will be broadcast live on The CW network.
