The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss New Jersey,” is Jamie Gialloreto, the reigning Miss South Jersey. The road to Miss New Jersey is an exciting one, and we are thrilled to share this series with all our readers. Over the next few weeks, you will have the chance to meet all of the beautifully talented ladies who are vying for the crown this June! Continue reading to learn more about Jamie’s platform and more!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
My title is Miss South Jersey, and my platform is “Don’t Get Nutty: Food Allergy Awareness.”

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I began competing the summer before my sophomore year of high school. I competed in the Teen program for two years serving as both Miss Avalon’s Outstanding Teen and Miss Seashore Line’s Outstanding Teen. This organization has taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I have learned discipline, motivation, and confidence.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
My brother Michael has been battling food allergies and anaphylaxis since he was nine months old. Watching him face everyday challenges made me want to fight along with him toward inclusiveness and safety.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
My platform has taught me how to work towards a cause I am passionate about. The food allergy community is a growing force and I am lucky to be a part of it. I have met incredible people on this journey, including the Super Nanny Jo Frost, who are affected by food allergies. It’s an amazing feeling knowing the work that I do does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

What have you learned from your current Miss New Jersey, Brenna Weick, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss NJ?
Brenna has been the model Miss New Jersey for all to follow. She has handles the crown with dignity and grace. She has worked endlessly to bring new elements to the title. The biggest lesson I have learned from Brenna’s reign is to accept and adapt. No matter what obstacle Brenna faces, she handles it accordingly and moves along. Everyone could learn a lesson from Brenna about hard work, motivation, and positivity.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
Attitude is everything. Life is a gift so it is vital to always be the best you possible. The Miss America Organization gives women the perfect platform to better themselves.

If you were to win the title of Miss New Jersey, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
I would strive to promote my platform, “Don’t Get Nutty” throughout the state of New Jersey as well as promote Children’s Miracle Network. I would hope to teach others about the dangers of food allergies and how to create a safe and inclusive environment for not only those with food allergies, but everyone.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited New Jersey; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
New Jersey has so much diversity.  There are beaches, casinos, farmlands, and cities within miles of each other.  You can travel for a half hour and you will easily see a new landscape or bigger buildings.  It is a state that has something for everyone and proves that good things do come in small packages.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
Women are strong. To show that, I would include articles of some of the strongest women in today’s society.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing option; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
The Miss America Organization has given me the opportunity to be independent and given me life skills that I can use in furthering my education and career.  The Miss America Organization has taught me how to handle stressful situations, prioritize my life, and make informed decisions.  I share these frequently with anyone who questions me about being involved in pageants.  The benefits that I have gained from the Miss America Organization have made me understand what being confident is all about.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
By being unapologetic to myself and adapt to any situation makes me bravura.  I set goals and do not stop until I accomplish what I have set for myself.  If I fail, I don’t stop.  I keep moving forward.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
I can be followed on Facebook at Miss South Jersey Scholarship Organization.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
The very first thing I would say is to “Do it!”.  You will gain so much that will help you, whether it is learning to overcome fears, gaining confidence, or earning scholarships.  You will meet some of the most exceptional contestants and volunteers that will always have a place in your life.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss New Jersey Class of 2017?
I have the most selfless support system I could ask for. From my family and friends to the Miss South Jersey Scholarship Organization, they have never stopped believing in me. Thank you for always being so selfless and never failing to put a smile on my face and determination in my heart.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you Bravura Magazine for this opportunity.  Set goals, be an example for someone to look up to, and live life the way that you want.  Stay true to you and your ideals and you will never be wrong.

To learn more about the Miss New Jersey pageant and support the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, please click here. To learn more about the Miss New Jersey golf outing, please click here.