Gloria Almonte Interview
Miss New York Teen USA 2001 (1st runner up @ Miss Teen USA 2001)
Miss New York USA 2007
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss New York Teen USA pageant?
I have always watched the Miss Teen USA pageant and the first ever was actually the year I was born (1983) and of course, New York won the first ever Miss Teen USA title. It was in 1998 when Vanessa Minnillo won, and I couldn't believe how someone so natural, down to earth, and humble had finally won. She inspired me to compete. I thought, "FINALLY! A real girl wins! I can do this!"
What was going through your head prior to the announcement of your placement of 1st runner up at Miss Teen USA?
I honestly thought I was going to win. During the dress rehearsals, I was the "Fake" 1st runner up, so I just thought, this is it, my dream is about to come true. If you watch the video, you can see me breathing so hard, and Marissa, Miss Missouri, so calm, she even whispered congratulations to me thinking I was going to win. When I heard the 1st runner up is New York, I did not have time to react. Marissa hugged me so quickly and tight that my mind went blank. It wasn't until I got back home 2 days later that everything sunk in.
Why did you decide to crossover and compete in the "Miss" division?
After my experience at Miss Teen USA I knew I had to go for it. It was such a beautiful, amazing experience and I wanted so badly to be able to do it again. I was told things happen for a reason, so I always thought I didn't win the Teen title so I would be able to go onto college, get my education, live a normal teenage life and then later become a future Miss USA.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment would be meeting my best friend, Michelle Banzer Miss Kentucky USA 2007. We hit it off instantly. We did everything together, ate all our meals, sat beside one another, our rooms were even next to each other. She is such a smart, beautiful, amazing person. She now lives in NYC and we always hang out. Her boyfriend is actually my dentist. :) I'm forever grateful that my year was such a good year of girls. I keep in touch with pretty much everyone. Miss Oklahoma, Caitlin Simmons is another great friend and we text constantly. I adore her and her 2 gorgeous daughters.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown the new Miss New York USA?
I just couldn't believe how fast the year went by, I kept thinking to myself do not cry during my final walk. Recording my farewell speech was so difficult. All these emotions were running through me. I knew everyone was expecting me to do well and to even win Miss USA because of the fact I was 1st runner up at Teen. It took me a few years to not feel guilty, or feel that I disappointed anyone.
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss New York USA ended?
Since my reign ended 6 years ago, I moved to Puerto Rico for a year and competed in the Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009 pageant to get a shot at the Miss Universe title. I represented the town of Carolina which is where my family is from and where I actually lived. I placed in the top 20 which was decent for someone who was not born on the island. People born in Puerto Rico feel if you were not born on the island you are not truly a Puerto Rican. I went through a lot while living out there as well. Once back in New York, I went back to work on my acting and modelling, and began working part time for Justin Timberlake's restaurant, "Southern Hospitality". This was the best and most fun job i've ever had. Yes, i've met and hung out with Justin and quite a few other celebs. Currently, I own a pet store that my mom, brother and myself created and named after our 2 Shih-tzus, Dandy and Mia.
I have always watched the Miss Teen USA pageant and the first ever was actually the year I was born (1983) and of course, New York won the first ever Miss Teen USA title. It was in 1998 when Vanessa Minnillo won, and I couldn't believe how someone so natural, down to earth, and humble had finally won. She inspired me to compete. I thought, "FINALLY! A real girl wins! I can do this!"
What was going through your head prior to the announcement of your placement of 1st runner up at Miss Teen USA?
I honestly thought I was going to win. During the dress rehearsals, I was the "Fake" 1st runner up, so I just thought, this is it, my dream is about to come true. If you watch the video, you can see me breathing so hard, and Marissa, Miss Missouri, so calm, she even whispered congratulations to me thinking I was going to win. When I heard the 1st runner up is New York, I did not have time to react. Marissa hugged me so quickly and tight that my mind went blank. It wasn't until I got back home 2 days later that everything sunk in.
Why did you decide to crossover and compete in the "Miss" division?
After my experience at Miss Teen USA I knew I had to go for it. It was such a beautiful, amazing experience and I wanted so badly to be able to do it again. I was told things happen for a reason, so I always thought I didn't win the Teen title so I would be able to go onto college, get my education, live a normal teenage life and then later become a future Miss USA.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment would be meeting my best friend, Michelle Banzer Miss Kentucky USA 2007. We hit it off instantly. We did everything together, ate all our meals, sat beside one another, our rooms were even next to each other. She is such a smart, beautiful, amazing person. She now lives in NYC and we always hang out. Her boyfriend is actually my dentist. :) I'm forever grateful that my year was such a good year of girls. I keep in touch with pretty much everyone. Miss Oklahoma, Caitlin Simmons is another great friend and we text constantly. I adore her and her 2 gorgeous daughters.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown the new Miss New York USA?
I just couldn't believe how fast the year went by, I kept thinking to myself do not cry during my final walk. Recording my farewell speech was so difficult. All these emotions were running through me. I knew everyone was expecting me to do well and to even win Miss USA because of the fact I was 1st runner up at Teen. It took me a few years to not feel guilty, or feel that I disappointed anyone.
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss New York USA ended?
Since my reign ended 6 years ago, I moved to Puerto Rico for a year and competed in the Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009 pageant to get a shot at the Miss Universe title. I represented the town of Carolina which is where my family is from and where I actually lived. I placed in the top 20 which was decent for someone who was not born on the island. People born in Puerto Rico feel if you were not born on the island you are not truly a Puerto Rican. I went through a lot while living out there as well. Once back in New York, I went back to work on my acting and modelling, and began working part time for Justin Timberlake's restaurant, "Southern Hospitality". This was the best and most fun job i've ever had. Yes, i've met and hung out with Justin and quite a few other celebs. Currently, I own a pet store that my mom, brother and myself created and named after our 2 Shih-tzus, Dandy and Mia.