University Of Rhode Island Grad Wins Miss Rhode Island USA Crown

KINGSTON, RI — A 2019 graduate of the University of Rhode Island won the Miss Rhode Island USA pageant.

Brianna Vega will go on to represent the Ocean State at the Miss USA Pageant in Reno, Nevada, later this year.

See also: Where To Celebrate Taylor Swift’s ‘Life Of A Showgirl’ Release In Rhode Island

"A University of Rhode Island alumna, Talent Development scholar, and registered nurse with Brown University Health, Vega ’19 is the reigning Miss Rhode Island USA, following in the footsteps of her pageant idol and former title holder Olivia Culpo, who went on to win Miss USA and Miss Universe in 2012," the university said in a media release.

See also: Elusive Great White Shark Captured On Video Off Rhode Island For First Time: Atlantic Shark Institute

During her time at URI, Vega, a Providence native, was a resident assistant and orientation leader for four years and helped create a student-led diversity conference, Diversifying Individuals Via Education, which promoted intercultural competence and inclusion with workshops, events, and discussions, according to the release.

See also: Tiverton Restaurant Hailed As A 'Gem' By Food Network

"I owe so much of who I am to URI,” Vega said in the release. “When I walked onto the campus at 18, I didn’t know how to get to where I wanted to be.”

See also: Providence Alum Doris Burke Inducted Into RI Radio & Television Hall Of Fame