From Marist to Miss USA: Gina Mellish ‘20 Makes Top Ten

Marist graduate Gina Mellish ‘20, current Miss New Jersey USA, filled her suitcase with everything she needed to compete at the 2020 Miss USA competition: her gown, heels, swimsuit, sash and, this year, a mask.

Competing on the Miss USA stage has been on Mellish’s bucket list ever since she could remember, and she got her chance on Nov. 9 as her family, friends, the Marist community and the state of New Jersey cheered her on from afar. While the same excitement for the competition rang true, organizers still had to make the event as safe as possible to uphold the COVID-19 safety standards imposed by the state of Tennessee, where the competition was held at the historic Graceland Exhibition Center. 

Gina Mellish ‘20 won Miss New Jersey USA while a senior at Marist. Source: Jessielyn Palumbo

“This year was definitely different. Usually the event is much larger, spanning two to three weeks and would feature a number of events such as philanthropic events, rehearsals, fittings and more,” Mellish said. “However, our top priority this year was safety, and the Miss USA organization made sure to have safety measures in place such as pre- and post-arrival testing, daily temperature checks, periodic COVID testing and mandatory mask wearing. I felt completely safe at all times throughout the process.”

The show was broadcast on the FYI Network, and a small number of audience members were allowed at the event. “One moment that I will never forget is looking out into the crowd and seeing my mom and my boyfriend in the audience, and because of the size of the audience, I was able to see my Top 16 video package as well,” Mellish said. “That moment was just so special to me because I have overcome so many obstacles to get to that stage and so have the other inspiring women that shared the stage with me that night.”

Miss USA contestants were tested before and after arrival in Tennessee. Source: Jessielyn Palumbo

Throughout her reign so far as Miss New Jersey USA, and even in her introduction at Miss USA, Mellish emphasized her mission of bringing awareness to relationship abuse through her work with the One Love Foundation. “I was actually introduced to One Love during my time at Marist through a sorority event,” Mellish said. “And from there I was able to identify unhealthy signs in my own relationship at the time, and it’s now my mission to help other young women know these signs by teaching the very same One Love workshop that I once attended.” 

Mellish was able to connect with a diverse group of women who were also competing for the crown. “It was such an honor to share the stage with these women who have made strides in so many different areas, and to share this once in a lifetime opportunity with them was truly special,” Mellish said. “These women are truly superheroes.”

Mellish was named to the Top 10 of the competition. Ultimately, it was Miss Mississippi USA , the first Black woman to hold that title, who took home the crown.

Now that preparations for Miss USA have finished, Mellish hopes to put her degree to use. After recently graduating from Marist with the Class of 2020 and completing a Public Relations internship with Giorgio Armani, she hopes to start the job search and pursue a career in PR. When asked what advice she has for young girls who aspire to be a future Miss New Jersey USA, Mellish said: “Always be true to yourself. You’re not replaceable, so always have fun and keep true to your values.”

Gina Mellish ‘20 competed in Miss USA on Nov. 9 and placed in the top 10. Source: Jessielyn Palumbo