BROOKLYN, N.Y. - s4story -- MonaLesa Diamond Brackett, the reigning Miss Kings County and a 36-year-old Brooklyn native, will make history at the Miss New York USA 2025 pageant (August 15–17 at the Albany Hilton). As a proud Black American Muslim, MonaLesa competes in full modesty, including a hijab and burkini, signaling a powerful new era of self-expression and inclusivity. She is proudly sponsored by the Alan Wheeler State Farm agency, Popeyes (Harlem, NY), Claver Parking Garage, and friends and family.

MonaLesa's bold entry builds on groundbreaking steps by trailblazers like Halima Aden and Maryam Deanna Jaafar, actively redefining traditional beauty standards with her full modest attire.

Her return to pageantry after a decade is profoundly personal. Driven by recent age cap removal and a fierce desire to honor her late mother's wishes (who tragically passed from colon cancer in 2018), MonaLesa embodies immense resilience. This return transforms grief into a platform for positive change.

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"I'm showing up for every woman who thought her time had passed," says MonaLesa. "My journey is a powerful testament that faith, grief, healing, beauty, and resilience are not mutually exclusive; they can all unite into a life of profound purpose and impact. We can have it all."

Beyond the glamour, MonaLesa is a dedicated community leader. An NYC educator and licensed real estate agent, she founded The Real Estate Fairy, LLC, tirelessly focused on housing the homeless by assisting voucher holders. Her efforts also empower youth through financial literacy symposiums and lead Brooklyn park restoration projects. This commitment extends to health advocacy, undergoing genetic testing for Gardner's Syndrome (linked to her mother's colon cancer) to raise awareness.

The Miss New York USA winner advances to Miss USA 2025, amplifying MonaLesa's message.

Topics for Interview:

• Modesty, faith, inclusivity in pageantry.
• Honoring a mother's legacy; achievement and advocacy.
• Empowering women beyond age/setbacks.
• Women's health, genetic testing, cancer awareness.
• Housing the homeless, youth financial literacy, Brooklyn community restoration.

About MonaLesa Diamond Brackett:

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MonaLesa Diamond Brackett (Miss Kings County), 36, is a Black American Muslim, NYC educator, real estate agent, and founder of The Real Estate Fairy, LLC. She is a dedicated advocate for resilience.

About Empress Lanice Media House:

Empress Lanice Media House (ELMH) is a strategic growth and creative brand partner dedicated to helping purpose-driven brands grow with intention and scale with smart strategies. Specializing in marketing, media, and public relations, ELMH transforms innovative ideas into powerful, impactful, and profitable brands. Empress Lanice Media House crafts bold storytelling and design that connects deeply with audiences, driving measurable results and building lasting legacies for its clients.