Elmont native Julissa Duchatellier is representing both Long Island and New York after earning the titles of Long Island US Nation and New York US Nation, accomplishments she hopes will inspire young women to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.
New York US Nation and Long Island US Nation are titles within the Ms. US Nation pageant system, which emphasizes leadership, community service and personal development. Throughout their reign, titleholders represent their communities at public events, support charitable initiatives and promote causes they have chosen to champion.
Duchatellier, whose family moved to Elmont in 1999, said growing up in the community helped shape who she is today. She attended Gotham Avenue School and Elmont Memorial High School before earning a degree in broadcast journalism from York College.
Although she did not pursue a traditional journalism career, Duchatellier remained involved in media through an online television show and online radio program. She later entered the airline industry before transitioning to cargo in 2017. Along the way, she started businesses in graphic design and social media content creation, organizes pop-up shopping events across New York City and Long Island, and recently launched a music career with her friend, Akil Alexander, who performs as Alexander the Gift.
Duchatellier assists Alexander the Gift with public relations and promotion while also creating her own original music. She said her favorite song she has written is “Make Me Better,” a Haitian-inspired track that also features Alexander the Gift.
Her first pageant experience came in 2018 when she competed in the New York USA pageant. While she did not win, she said the experience stayed with her.
Earlier this year, after auditioning for New York Fashion Week, Duchatellier was contacted by organizers of the US Nation pageant system and invited to interview for the Long Island US Nation title.
“I figured it didn’t hurt to try again,” Duchatellier said. “When they reached out, I felt like it was a sign to go for it.”
Winning the US Nation title this past spring automatically qualified her to compete in the New York US Nation pageant on June 14. Following interviews with judges and runway competitions, she earned the state title, too.
The next step is competing for the US Nation title in October against contestants from across the country.
“My message to young women is to always be yourself and never change who you are. Never give up, Duchatellier said.
She said her journey also shows that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. After not being selected for New York Fashion Week, she was later invited to compete for the Long Island US Nation title.
“I feel like I guess that was like a sign to go for it again,” she said.
As she prepares for the national competition, Duchatellier is seeking sponsors to help cover pageant expenses, including wardrobe, accommodations and competition fees.
She said many people misunderstand the financial commitment required to compete.
“What people don’t realize is that with the pageants, well, the pageant fee, it will cover his wardrobe, makeup, room and board, etc.,” Duchatellier said. “Plus, as you know, when somebody does sponsor and donate it, does you know I do active content for them, promote their business on my platform on social media, especially on Instagram.”
Duchatellier has family and friends who have stood as a support system during her journey. Alexander wrote in support of Duchatellier to “keep pushing, keep believing” and to “stay positive” during her experiences.
Her parents, David Duchatellier and Marie J. Charles-Duchatellier, wrote to the Herald that they want their daughter to be happy. “Remember do everything with discipline,” they wrote in a statement.
Looking ahead, Duchatellier hopes to continue representing Long Island and New York while encouraging young women to pursue opportunities with confidence and remain true to themselves.