Mrs. Highlands United States 2013 /
Mrs. New Jersey U.S. Contender
Melissa Maria grew up in a small town along the Jersey Shore called “Highlands“. When Melissa was 15 years old, she attended Barbizon Modeling School in Red Bank, NJ. As a young woman, Melissa has always had a passion for modeling, acting, singing, dancing, sports, writing poetry, drag & circuit racing, anything active. For those who know her personally know that she’s always had a lot of energy. She’s an extremely hard-working, self-motivated woman and will always give 110%. She’s a Monmouth University graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications, focusing on Television/Radio Broadcasting.
2011 WRAT Rock Girl – Melissa was crowned the 2011 WRAT Rock Girl for 95.9FM The WRAT in November of 2010. She has met and interviewed many rock legends like Corey Taylor, Ivan Moody, Josh Todd, Mike Wengren, Wes Scantlin, Paul Phillips, Brad Walst, Neil Sanderson, Paavo Lotjonen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Eicca Toppinen, Sal Costa, Corey Beaulieu & Jonny Hetherington. She provided fans with her latest rock news, on-air appearances with The Morning Rat Race Carl & Marty. On July 6, 2011 she was featured on the Cover of Steppin’ Out Magazine and has been featured on two billboards that you may have seen along the Jersey Shore area for The Rat, “Rock At Work” and “Nothing On But…95.9 The Rat.”
Red Carpet Host – During her reign as the 2011 WRAT Rock Girl, Melissa became the host of the Jersey Shore Premiere’s Red Carpet events. Melissa has a very bubbly personality, loves meeting new people and felt this was a great fit for her. During her Red Carpet interviews she’s has the honor of interviewing many reality TV stars. Many of these red carpet events hosted by Melissa have been featured in NJ and NY publications. To name a few…Bella Magazine, The Nassau Journal, InJersey Magazine, Asbury Park Press.
Melissa Hosting the Red Carpet, interviewing Claire Pavlinec & Ceylone Boothe-Grooms
Host & Columnist – Interviewing many Reality TV Stars as both a Red Carpet Host for Jersey Shore Premiere and as a Magazine Columnist for NY’s Millennium Magazine. Up to this point, she has interviewed Jackie Bianchi of Style Network’s Jerseylicious, Kimberly Scali Gambale, Diane Scali, Christina Scali & Anthony Scali of Oxygen’s Jersey Couture, Jamie Otis from The Bachelor Pad, Ryan Serhant – star of Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing NYC, Stephen The Salon Guy and many others.
Organizations – She has been dedicated to and for: Liver Life Walk Foundation, Monmouth County SPCA, Ladacin Network, American Heart Association, Food Banks of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Marathon Runner & Supporter. Restore the Shore, Hope for Highlands, NJ Hometown Heroes, NY/NJ Baykeeper & The American Diabetes Association.
Mrs. New Jersey United States Contender 2013 – Melissa has garnered the title as Mrs. Highlands United States 2013 and competed in the Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant on May 11, 2013 where she joined married women from across New Jersey to promote her personal platform, “Restoring the Shore: Hope for Highlands.“ Hope For Highlands is a storm relief campaign to help raise funds for her hometown Highlands, to help the residents that were greatly affected by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. Melissa went above and beyond to bring light and hope to her hometown and to all the surrounding areas that were greatly affected by this super-storm.
Mrs. Highlands U.S. -Melissa M. Festa and husband during the 2013 Mrs. New Jersey U.S. pageant.
Photo by Richard Krauss
Melissa was honored the 2013 Sisterhood Spirit Award. This award is presented to the individual that represents the best example of a true sisterhood.
This was Melissa’s very first pageant as she only entered to help shine light upon the devastated areas that still remain after Hurricane Sandy.
“This pageant was both very educational and awarding. I have met so many amazing people from entering this pageant and would like to thank my family, friends, sponsors and my pageant directors for their support. I would also like to congratulate my roommate, karaoke partner and pageant sister Joy Jones Carmack – Mrs. New Jersey U.S. 2013. She is an amazing person and I wish her nothing but the best at nationals.
~Children’s Miracle Network Event~
(Photo with the beautiful miracle children and my friend Kimmee of Confections of a Rock$tar)
***Accredited Photographers***
As a professional model, Melissa has worked with many photographers in the NJ/NY/PA/DC area such as: Tim Coburn, MTC Photography, Maria Demartino, Carl Maiorino, Chaunce Hayden, Steve Ascione, Grapevine Studios, Talan Photography, Gus Zavos-Sensei Dad, Rex Lott Photography, Mark Weiss & RedMohawk Photography.
Melissa is available for various types of business opportunities that can include, but are not limited to; personal appearances, hosting events, endorsements of products, organizations, businesses, and autograph signing events.
***Appearances: For all appearance/business inquiries please provide your name, company & contact information.
***Publications: You must receive permission from Melissa and The Mrs. NJ United States organization to use or reference the name Mrs. Highlands United States 2013 in any publications or social media networks.
***Photography: All inquiries please provide the following:
1. Your name/contact information
2. Location of shoot
3. Compensation
4. Potential dates/length of shoot(s)
5. Make-up/wardrobe/hair provided
6. Project description including intended usage and type of release involved
7. Links to your professional work
The Real Melissa Maria 
