The stunning finalist will take to the stage on August 15, 2025, to battle it out for the state title, with hopes of advancing to Miss USA later this year.
Miss New York USA has a history of producing standout contenders. Last year's crown went to Marizza Delgado, who represented the Empire State at Miss USA and proudly placed in the Top 20.
Melissa is a multicultural New York University graduate who grew up between England and Binghamton. She takes pride in hosting both virtual and in-person workshops designed to help young girls connect with and discover themselves.
Mbera says her main motivation for competing for the crown is to show the world what her version of confidence looks like.
'I want to help redefine what confidence means,' says Melissa. 'Especially for young women who have been told they have to fit a mold. This isn't about checking a box â€" it's about building a platform that proves you can be multifaceted, creative, and deeply impactful without ever losing who you are.'
If Melissa clinches the title, she will follow in the footsteps of Kimberly Ann Pressler, New York's last Miss USA winner in 1999. Pressler's victory came two decades after Mary Therese 'Tyger' Friel brought the crown home in 1979.
While New York winners have been rare over the years, the state holds a special place in Miss USA history it produced the very first titleholder, Jackie Loughery, in 1952. Loughery, a trailblazer in pageantry, passed away in February 2024 at the age of 92.
Melissa's journey is now poised to add a new chapter to this legacy, as she aims to bring the crown back to New York and perhaps, make history for Rwanda along the way.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/entertainment/article/rwandan-beauty-makes-it-to-miss-new-york-usa-2025-finals
