2025 JUDGES

SAMANTHA VOCATURA

Samantha Vocatura is a 27-year-old public speaker, actress, and business owner. Her company, Sammivoc, is a successful sustainable clothing company 100% made in the USA which extensively leverages her dual bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Economics from McGill University. As Miss Vermont USA, Samantha has expanded her partnership with the Minding Your Mind organization to regularly speak at schools across the country on her own experience of overcoming depression as a teenager. Pageantry gave her the courage and the platform to use her voice to inspire people to conquer any obstacle they may face.

BRENDA GONZALEZ

Brenda Gonzalez is a renowned Stylist, Author, and Public Speaker who empowers Executives and Entrepreneurs to step into their power with style. As the Founder and Lead Stylist of Styled By B, Brenda specializes in helping high-achieving professionals elevate their personal brand and confidence through fashion. Her expertise lies in aligning her clients’ wardrobes with their roles, enabling them to make a powerful impression while embracing their authentic selves. Brenda leverages her education in Marketing—holding both an A.A.S. and a B.S.—to develop and cultivate captivating personal branding strategies for her clients. She further honed her expertise by studying Fashion Merchandising Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, blending creativity and business acumen to deliver transformative results. A first-generation American born to Jamaican and Panamanian parents, Brenda was inspired to pursue a career in fashion by her Jamaican grandmother, who believed in the American Dream—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This influence is at the heart of her bestselling book, Styled By Independence: A Woman’s Journey to Self-Discovery Through Adversity, which chronicles her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment through style. With six years of entrepreneurial experience and a background in corporate America, Brenda has styled high-profile clients, produced fashion shows, and built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Brenda also offers style workshops for professionals, college students, and schools, helping participants make their mark and discover their identity through fashion. A certified MWBE business owner, she collaborates with schools, businesses, and government agencies to extend her mission of empowering others through style.

LYNN ALOIA

Lynn Aloia is an accomplished professional with over 30 years of business experience in a multitude of areas. She is a proud United States Navy Veteran who served in the field of communications. Her time in the military helped to light a spark that turned into a love for travel and the quest for knowledge. This, combined with her attitude that there is no limit to what one can accomplish, has helped propelled her through life. She is a constant learner and holds several degrees and certificates in diverse areas including a BFA in Communications from NYIT and a Sports Entertainment and Event Marketing certificate from NYU. She also holds a degree in Business Administration and is a trained travel agent. Her career includes experience in radio, television, modeling, music, public relations, marketing, meeting and event management and more. In 1995, Lynn launched her own business, Everything’s Planned, dedicated to event planning and management. In 2012 she began a networking group, The Inside Connection, welcoming professionals in creative industries such as media, entertainment, performing arts and fashion. Lynn also lends her talents to helping others by partnering and/or volunteering with many Long Island non-profit organizations. Lynn is always looking for new experiences and adventures and encourages others to keep life interesting by doing the same. Her hobbies include listening to music, reading, and seeing the world. She has visited 32 countries with four more planned in 2025. Lynn is originally from West Virginia and currently divides her time between New York and Florida. She and her husband Joe share their lives with their crazy fur baby cat, Jax.

NYDIA CABRERA

Nydia Cabrera, a world - renowned celebrity makeup artist, has over eighteen years of experience of expertise in the beauty industry. The commencement of her career originated as an artist for one of the largest beauty powerhouses in world MAC Cosmetics. In addition to MAC Cosmetics, she worked alongside 5x Emmy Award winner, Eve Pearl. Nydia served as the global membership director and executive assistant. Growing in her notoriety, Nydia’s makeup expertise has been showcased on The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, The VMAS, NYFW, The Grammys, The Miss Universe Organization, Harper’s Bazaar, W magazine and more. She has also made cameo appearances on Telemundo and Dr.Oz on Fox. Nydia is a Beauty Expert and has been featured in over 100 + publications worldwide. She currently owns a Non profit called “ Beauty for Smile” that helps spread her love of beauty to those in need. Nydia also works alongside her Husband who owns Gerardy.co , a luxury Christian Street wear Fashion Brand that donates profits to aid victims of Child Sex trafficking.

KAY HILL

Kay Hill is a woman of many accomplishments. She is perhaps best known as Ms. New York Senior America 2006, a title that reflects her vibrant spirit and dedication to her community. Currently, she is looking forward to lending her expertise as a judge for the Miss Long Island® and Miss Long Island Teen Pageants. But Kay’s story begins long before her pageant days. A true New Yorker, she was born in The Bronx and spent her early years in Harlem. After a lengthy stint in Philadelphia, where she honed her vocal talents in high school talent shows, she returned to New York City. Kay embarked on a successful career in media, starting with the NBC Page Program. This experience provided her with a strong foundation for her nearly 30-year career at The New York Times. Her roles at the Times were diverse, ranging from working with the Editor of the Op-Ed page to working in travel and corporate advertising, along with recruiting MBAs in Human Resources. Most recently, Kay performed with her fellow Senior America Queens at Radio City Music Hall, opening for The Rockettes! Throughout her life, Kay has balanced her professional achievements with family life. She is a proud mother of three, grandmother of three, and she enjoyed over 55 years of marriage. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College and a lifetime of experience, Kay Hill is an inspiring example of a woman who has embraced every opportunity with passion and grace.

JOSEPH CHIAVETTA (Official Tabulator)

Joseph Chiavetta is a Chief Financial Officer with over 35 years of experience at a major food importing company. He is also a certified financial planner specializing in tax and retirement planning. Joseph manages 70 employees and has traveled frequently to Milan and Paris for business. He holds an MBA in Finance and is a member of the Food Importers Association. With 30 years of involvement in pageantry as a judge and emcee, he has evaluated contestants from ages two to the classic division.