Miss New York

Miss New York

Erica Collins

Miss New York participates in the
2004 Fashion Bug Spring Fashion Show!

Click here for more photos of Erica!

Q & A With Miss Plus America!

MPA	How do you feel about being crowned?
*Miss Plus America*	Becoming Miss Plus America was a remarkable moment. The moment was a confirmation of the path I have chosen to promote and encourage plus size women to strive for the best. Continuing to encourage plus size women to enter modeling and to become actresses will revolutionize the entertainment industry. We are creating an environment for those who simply want to feel good at their jobs as well as, in society and not judged by unrealistic standards.
MPA	How hard did you work to earn this crown?
*Miss Plus America*	Well, I've been a plus size model for over 10 years before it was the new buzz word. Also, I competed and won pageants in the past breaking down barriers for plus size women. My work in the last few years has concentrated on representing plus size women in the entertainment industry, therefore, I've been working hard for our cause for quite some time now. Miss Plus America represents 70-80 percent of the population which makes us scratch our heads as to what percentage does Miss America represent?
MPA	What's your platform and what do you plan on doing to promote your platform with your title?
*Miss Plus America*	My platforms are the Women's Alliance and WHO. The Women's Alliance provides clothing and career development for low income women to re enter the workforce. I will be speaking to retailers, organizing fashion shows, conducting clothing drives as well as career seminars and more.
MPA	What was your families reaction to your win?
*Miss Plus America*	*They are very excited and happy for me. Everyone is asking what's next?*
MPA	How did you feel on stage before the winner was named?
*Miss Plus America*	I felt like I had met the most beautiful, kindest and talented women and teens in our country. There was a calm peaceful feeling that we are all Queens
MPA	What is your current career choice?
*Miss Plus America*	*Currently I wear many hats, I am President of E.C. and Associates, L.L.C. a multifaceted service company at* *www.ecandassociates.com* that services many groups including plus size women; an author of Plus Size Model’s Little Instruction Book, “Getting Started”, Volume I, an interactive guide to becoming a plus size model. www.llumina.com/store/plusmodels.htm; a plus size model and actress with several agents in NYC and have appeared in TV, Film, Theater, Print and Runway; a freelancer in media and entertainment for such companies as HBO among others.
MPA	If a student, what is your ambition?
*Miss Plus America*	I am a graduate of the George Washington University in Washington , D.C. with a BA in Sociology, minor in Theatre/Dance and concentration in Radio/TV. I received certification for Multimedia Technologies from New York University and plan to pursue a graduate degree.
MPA	What Motivates you?
*Miss Plus America*	The impossible and negatives. I believe that anyone can achieve their goals through dedication, hard work and faith. Taking a negative and turning it into a positive is a challenge with ultimate rewards.
MPA	State an interesting fact about you.
*Miss Plus America*	The most interesting are the many opportunities that I have worked at including the U.S. Capitol to Fox News Channel and more, which has enabled me to speak with national and international leaders, as well as celebrities and sports icons.
MPA	Why did you enter this pageant?
*Miss Plus America*	My purpose is to be a role model for women and young girls by encouraging self-esteem and confidence. Also, I wish to educate industry, media and entertainment that plus size women are beautiful, sexy and sophisticated. My experience representing the state title has already opened many doors for plus size women, and I hope to continue this trend.