Whitestone native Katherine McQuade has received the title of Miss Vermont USA and will be competing at the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant in Miami this August. She will be competing for the title of Miss USA during the pageant’s 75th Diamond Anniversary competition. The annual event, returning to broadcast television on The CW Network, will feature 51 contestants—representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia—competing for the national title. The competition will determine the United States representative at the Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Puerto Rico in November.
Katherine is a model, author, advocate, four-time national titleholder, and professional working as a Client Relations Specialist at a New York City national law firm. She recently published her storytelling coloring book, “Dexter the Dyslexic,” which encourages children to dream big no matter the challenges they face. Katherine graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Arts, with a concentration in Creative Media and a minor in Photography.
In addition to being a 16-time President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal recipient, Katherine has received the Lifetime Presidential Award for Volunteer Service for over 6,426 hours of community service. She is also a proud Ambassador to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Katherine is the creator/founder of “Promoting Hope – Potholders for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness” in honor of her grandmother, Genevieve Bonura, where she has raised over $10,000. She has also created “Katherine’s Kindness Campaign” to encourage volunteerism, dispel bullying, and instill kindness in young children today.
QG: Other than the amazing diversity, what do/did you love most about living in Queens (or Queens in general)? How has Queens changed over the years?
KM: The one thing that I love about living in Queens, especially Whitestone, is the Community! Living in Queens will always hold such a special place in my heart. We all attended St. Luke’s or St. Mel, attended dance at Landrum or Nadia’s, went to Girl Scouts, afterschool at Precious Moments or Pee Wee Folks, etc. My community is very supportive! Change is inevitable; however, Whitestone is a very family-orientated neighborhood and generation after generation still reside here. I had a wonderful childhood living in Queens.
QG: How does Queens inspire you? What are some of your favorite places to be inspired in Queens?
KM: Queens inspires me as each neighborhood has their own enclave of culture, diversity and community!! Our food scene is top-tier! From Italian to Greek to Asian, Vietnamese, Indian, Jamaican — the list is endless! We have every slice of the world right at our fingertips to learn about their cultures, customs and food!
One of my favorite places to be inspired is Little Neck Bay Park. The park starts at Utopia Parkway and ends at the entrance to Fort Totten. The perfect place to walk to get in my 10,000 steps for the day or just relax and people watch. The sunsets over the bridge can be very colorful and beautiful.
QG: How important is personal connection and communication (networking?) in your industry?
KM: So important! I have been in the pageant world for over 20 years! There is so much that goes into preparing and winning a pageant. I have a village of incredible people in my corner who support me – from wardrobe, hair and makeup artists, photographers, walking and interview coaches, volunteer service opportunities and appearances, I’m so blessed to have such amazing and talented friends, colleagues and connections in the industry. I am also grateful to have so many small businesses within my community who support me and my dreams, Carina Boutique, JD Opticians, R&L Hair Salon, Parkway Service Center, Charlie & Son Meat Market. Each one has sponsored me and my dreams – a big part of my success.
QG: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What is something you wish you knew a decade or two ago?
KM: Give yourself grace!! In this industry, you will face a lot of disappointments because it is a subjective sport, based on five or more judges’ opinions. I used to be somewhat of a perfectionist, and now I flipped my mindset into focusing on personal excellence! I never let failure deter me; each pageant is a learning experience. I have been fortunate to have won many state titles, four national titles. My mindset has always been to never, never ever give up on my dreams, just keep going, you can do it. And now I am going to Miss USA! The Miss USA Pageant returns to TV for its 75th Anniversary on The CW on August 27th. How incredibly fortunate am I to be part of this amazing opportunity. Please don’t pinch me!
QG: Who are some of your favorite artists, writers, performers, entrepreneurs, and other creatives with a Queens connection?
KM: As an Italian American, I have to go with Tony Bennett!! He is an Astoria native, and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” will always be a favorite! You are not Italian if you did not grow up cleaning the house with Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, or Tom Jones blasting in the background.
QG: What are your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, galleries, communities, and venues in Queens?
KM: My all-time favorite restaurant is Parkside in Corona! We celebrate all our special occasions there. Their claims oreganata and Rigatoni Bolognese is my go-to favorite! I also enjoy Grand Pho in Bayside for a Vietnamese Sandwich or New Park Pizza in Howard Beach for a perfect slice.
QG: When you were a young child, if someone told you that you were going to win a beauty contest what would you have thought?
KM: Completely and utterly shocked! As a little girl, I did not have a lot of confidence and I was very, very shy. Ten-year-old me would think that I’m pretty cool and brave and that is a very fulfilling feeling! I love to inspire the shy kids like I once was – one of the reasons I recently wrote, designed and published my storytelling coloring book entitled “Dexter the Dyslexic.” It is about a cat with a learning disability who realizes he can accomplish anything. A can-do book designed to empower and inspire.
QG: What does it feel like to win such an important competition?
KM: Incredible! This is a dream 20 years in the making!! I have the incredible opportunity to represent Vermont on the Miss USA stage. Honestly, a dream come true! Statistically, you’re more likely to have a son play in the NFL than a daughter compete at Miss USA!
The Local-Express interview series was originated on July 3, 2013 by Nicollette Barsamian.