On June 19, 2011 fiery redhead Alyssa Campanella won the crown at the 2011 MISS USA® Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This 21-year-old woman, representing California, impressed the panel of judges in swimsuit, evening gown and with the answer to her final question, about the legalization of marijuana, a topic especially controversial in her home state.

Alyssa was raised in Manalapan, New Jersey and at the age of six caught the "acting bug" when she landed a role in a theater show titled "The Night We Were Trapped at FAO Schwarz." This role, along with living so close to Manhattan, sparked her interest in the modeling and entertainment industry. Active in school plays and dedicated to her studies, she graduated with honors from Freehold Township High School a year early after receiving a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, where she further trained in acting for film and television. A natural born blonde, Alyssa dyed her hair in 2005 to fit the role of Cherry Valance in the play, "The Outsiders." She decided the red hair fit her red hot personality and has kept it ever since.

In 2006, Alyssa decided to give pageants a try and was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2007. She went on to represent New Jersey at the 2007 MISS TEEN USA® Pageant in Pasadena, California, placing 1st runner up. The title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA was rewarding for Alyssa, as the
exposure helped launch her modeling career. She has modeled for numerous fashion designers, major retail stores and book covers for romance and thriller novels, and was recently featured on the movie poster for "Get Him to the Greek."

In May 2010, Alyssa left the East Coast and moved to Los Angeles to continue her pursuit of a career in acting and modeling. She decided to compete in the 2011 MISS CALIFORNIA USA® Pageant and won the crown on November 21, 2010. During her tenure as Miss California USA, she continued her career in the entertainment industry, but also took time out to volunteer with organizations including UNICEF, Ronald McDonald House and Go Red for Women.

As Miss USA, Alyssa will serve as a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation - a platform that is close to her heart as it has personally affected a member of her family. She will travel nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the
Cure and Gilda’s Club, and will support the troops through involvement with the USO.

Alyssa is a self-proclaimed "geek" with an extensive knowledge of the "Star Wars" series and a passion for European History. When she manages to find free time in her busy schedule, she enjoys traveling, reading, Pilates and cooking.