Brielle LaCosta
Encyclopedia
Brielle LaCosta is a beauty queen from Warren Township, New Jersey
who is Miss New Jersey International 2010 and Miss New Jersey Galaxy 2011.
As a reigning titleholder for two years in a row, print model and popular public speaker, Brielle is considered to be one of the most famous and influential young women in New Jersey.
She grew up in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
and moved to Warren Township in 2001.
In 2003, LaCosta graduated from Governor Livingston High School
. After graduation, she went to Quinnipiac University
in Hamden, Connecticut
. While in Connecticut, LaCosta became a victim of identity theft
after submitting personal information on the internet. She appeared on Peter Jennings and Good Morning America to speak about Internet Safety.
In 2006, she was in a near-fatal automobile accident, which delayed her college graduation by one year. It was this accident that collapsed her lungs and she developed asthma from it. She is a community advocate for wearing seat belts and saving lives.
LaCosta transferred to Rutgers University
in New Brunswick and spent her junior year studying abroad in Sydney, Australia at Macquarie University
. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and a certificate in Criminology. She immediately began working as a Life Coach for adults with autism, and is proficient in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI), an internationally known center for children with developmental disabilities. LaCosta has been named one of the 2010 Rutgers University Outstanding Alumnae. She spoke at the prestigious Zagoren Lecture on October 27, 2010 at Rutgers University about her involvement and research with Autism. In early 2011, she was named the Director of Marketing for the innovative Comprehensive Autism Medical Center in Warren Township, New Jersey. October 2011 LaCosta opened her own corporation called "House of Motivation," designed to help teen and college girls through difficult years.
On December 5, 2009, she was crowned Miss New Jersey International. In her titled role, LaCosta visits the Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey
monthly and joins the children for recreation hour.
On October 9, 2010 she was one of five judges for the Teen, Miss and Mrs. New York International Pageant. To be a reigning titleholder and be asked to judge for a State pageant is one of the highest honors.
On March 26, 2011 LaCosta was crowned Miss New Jersey Galaxy 2011. She will represent both the state of New Jersey and the United States at the Miss Galaxy Pageant in August 2011.
On August 6, 2011 LaCosta competed in the worldwide beauty pageant, representing the USA and NJ at Miss Galaxy, and placed high yet did not win.
and the United Way of America. She has been active with the American Lung Association, since she was diagnosed with asthma
, following her automobile accident. She is also chair of the Central New Jersey Autism Speaks
Grand Club and advocates throughout the state for people diagnosed with autism. In 2010, Bloomingdale's named LaCosta 1 of the 4 Most Influential People in New Jersey and she appeared with the Sam Edelman shoe collection. She is the 2011 Autism Speaks Resource Fair Chair.
On April 17, 2010, LaCosta hosted the Dancing With The Stars Breath of Spring Gala for the American Lung Association held at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
On June 6, 2010, LaCosta appeared in the pregame ceremony on the field at the Trenton Thunder
Minor League Baseball
team's annual Autism Awareness Game, on behalf of Autism Speaks. She also threw out the first pitch in the game between the Thunder and the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants).
On June 16, 2010, LaCosta represented Autism Speaks at the Somerset Patriots baseball game.
In addition, she has also made appearances and volunteered with the Best Friends Network, MCASPCA, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Susan G. Komen, American Heart Association, Autism Family Tours, Autism of NJ, Special Olympics, Garden Academy school for autism, and Handfuls of Hope.
In March 2010, LaCosta was interviewed on the National Basketball Association (NBA) website about her favorite team, the New Jersey Nets, and what daily life is like after she was crowned.
On March 13, 2010, LaCosta appeared at the Garden Academy School for Children's Texas Hold'Em
Benefit Tournament to support children with autism.
LaCosta has been interviewed by separate radio stations for the charitable work she does.
On May 15, 2010, LaCosta spoke to 17,000 people in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. This has been her largest crowd to date.
On June 12, 2010, LaCosta hosted the Tri-State Pet Adoption Beauty Contest on behalf of Best Friends Animal Society
. The event featured over 30 animal shelters and 600 animals available for adoption. She also judged an animal beauty contest with Caroline Manzo from the show The Real Housewives of New Jersey
July 17–27, 2010 LaCosta competed in the Miss International Pageant in Chicago, Illinois.
On October 3, 2010 LaCosta judged a dog beauty competition with Scott from the popular TV show, Rescue Ink.
On October 24, 2010 Brielle emceed the American Girl fashion show to benefit The Special Olympics.
On October 27, 2010 Brielle spoke at the prestigious Zagoren Lecture at Rutgers University about her involvement with Autism.
On December 25, 2010 LaCosta was featured in over 20 different newspapers worldwide including the NJ Star Ledger, NY Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle, Charlotte Observer, Baltimore Sun, Washington Times, The Times of India, The Sydney Herald of Australia and several more, when her photo was taken with Santa Claus at a local mall. This photo was also chosen as one of the Top 25 photos of the world to represent Christmas Traditions (http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/world/christmas-celebrations-around-the-world-20101225-197b6.html?selectedImage=15)
On June 12, 2011, LaCosta appeared with the Orange County Choppers, a popular television show.
On August 22, 2011 LaCosta appeared on the cover of NJ's popular newspaper, The Courier News discussing life in the pageantry world (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110821/NJNEWS/308220001/Crowned-heads)
On October 20, 2011 LaCosta appeared on the cover of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine.
September 2011 events include:
9/11/11 Memorial Service, 9/15/11 Aviation event, 9/16/11 & 9/17/11 Life Coaching in NYC, 9/20/11 Talk Show (Dames at the Diner), 9/25/11 American Lung Association Free to Breathe
bridal gowns and appeared in the now defunct Modern Bride magazine. She also modeled COACH, Banana Republic and Chanel in the 2009 Palmer Square Fashion Show. LaCosta has also done extra-work and has appeared on multiple episodes of MTV's "High School Stories," and in feature films; Rocky Balboa, Chain Reaction III and Man of the Year (featuring Robin Williams). In early 2011 she modeled Jovani fashions for Bilsen Galleries. In April 2011, she modeled various pageant designer dresses and worked with world renown Carter Studios. On May 6, 2011 LaCosta appeared in a Fashion Show for EmPower Somerset and was part of the Opening Day ceremony for the Somerset Patriots. In May 2011, LaCosta modeled the famous Merlin collection for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine in Boston, MA. In November 2011 LaCosta will take place in another designer fashion show in Atlantic City featuring dresses from reality show, Jersey Couture.
Warren Township, New Jersey
Warren Township is a Township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 15,311....
who is Miss New Jersey International 2010 and Miss New Jersey Galaxy 2011.
Personal background
LaCosta was the first "Brielle" born in Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Dennis LaCosta, a 9/11/01 World Trade Center Survivor, and guitarist for a popular late 1980s band, Five 4 Ran$om; and Dawn LaCosta, who achieved a Doctorate in Counseling and founded the New Dawn Counseling & Wellness Center in Warren, NJ.As a reigning titleholder for two years in a row, print model and popular public speaker, Brielle is considered to be one of the most famous and influential young women in New Jersey.
She grew up in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Berkeley Heights is a township in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 13,183....
and moved to Warren Township in 2001.
In 2003, LaCosta graduated from Governor Livingston High School
Governor Livingston High School
Governor Livingston High School, known informally as GL, is a comprehensive four-year co-educational public high school located in Berkeley Heights, in Union County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Berkeley Heights Public Schools...
. After graduation, she went to Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States at the foot of Sleeping Giant State Park...
in Hamden, Connecticut
Hamden, Connecticut
Hamden is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The town's nickname is "The Land of the Sleeping Giant." Hamden is home to Quinnipiac University. The population was 58,180 according to the Census Bureau's 2005 estimates...
. While in Connecticut, LaCosta became a victim of identity theft
Identity theft
Identity theft is a form of stealing another person's identity in which someone pretends to be someone else by assuming that person's identity, typically in order to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person's name...
after submitting personal information on the internet. She appeared on Peter Jennings and Good Morning America to speak about Internet Safety.
In 2006, she was in a near-fatal automobile accident, which delayed her college graduation by one year. It was this accident that collapsed her lungs and she developed asthma from it. She is a community advocate for wearing seat belts and saving lives.
LaCosta transferred to Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
in New Brunswick and spent her junior year studying abroad in Sydney, Australia at Macquarie University
Macquarie University
Macquarie University is an Australian public teaching and research university located in Sydney, with its main campus situated in Macquarie Park. Founded in 1964 by the New South Wales Government, it was the third university to be established in the metropolitan area of Sydney...
. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and a certificate in Criminology. She immediately began working as a Life Coach for adults with autism, and is proficient in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI), an internationally known center for children with developmental disabilities. LaCosta has been named one of the 2010 Rutgers University Outstanding Alumnae. She spoke at the prestigious Zagoren Lecture on October 27, 2010 at Rutgers University about her involvement and research with Autism. In early 2011, she was named the Director of Marketing for the innovative Comprehensive Autism Medical Center in Warren Township, New Jersey. October 2011 LaCosta opened her own corporation called "House of Motivation," designed to help teen and college girls through difficult years.
Beauty pageants
In 2009 and 2010, LaCosta competed in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant. Although she did not win the title, she remained undaunted.On December 5, 2009, she was crowned Miss New Jersey International. In her titled role, LaCosta visits the Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, USA. It is the county seat and the home of Rutgers University. The city is located on the Northeast Corridor rail line, southwest of Manhattan, on the southern bank of the Raritan River. At the 2010 United States Census, the population of...
monthly and joins the children for recreation hour.
On October 9, 2010 she was one of five judges for the Teen, Miss and Mrs. New York International Pageant. To be a reigning titleholder and be asked to judge for a State pageant is one of the highest honors.
On March 26, 2011 LaCosta was crowned Miss New Jersey Galaxy 2011. She will represent both the state of New Jersey and the United States at the Miss Galaxy Pageant in August 2011.
On August 6, 2011 LaCosta competed in the worldwide beauty pageant, representing the USA and NJ at Miss Galaxy, and placed high yet did not win.
Civic recognition
Since being crowned, LaCosta has received a Certificate of Recognition by Warren Township, and was invited to the State Assembly and the State Senate for a Recognition Ceremony.Corporate representation
LaCosta is the 2010 National Spokesperson for the Luca John Foundation and the New Jersey spokesperson for the American Lung AssociationAmerican Lung Association
The American Lung Association is a voluntary health organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.-History:...
and the United Way of America. She has been active with the American Lung Association, since she was diagnosed with asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
, following her automobile accident. She is also chair of the Central New Jersey Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's largest autism advocacy organization that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. It was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric, and by his wife Suzanne, a...
Grand Club and advocates throughout the state for people diagnosed with autism. In 2010, Bloomingdale's named LaCosta 1 of the 4 Most Influential People in New Jersey and she appeared with the Sam Edelman shoe collection. She is the 2011 Autism Speaks Resource Fair Chair.
On April 17, 2010, LaCosta hosted the Dancing With The Stars Breath of Spring Gala for the American Lung Association held at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
On June 6, 2010, LaCosta appeared in the pregame ceremony on the field at the Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
Minor League Baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team's annual Autism Awareness Game, on behalf of Autism Speaks. She also threw out the first pitch in the game between the Thunder and the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants).
On June 16, 2010, LaCosta represented Autism Speaks at the Somerset Patriots baseball game.
I am thrilled to be a part of Disability Awareness Day at the Somerset Patriots Game June 16th, 2010, sponsored by EmPoWER Somerset and Somerset County Department of Human Services and Board of Chosen Freeholders. The event will highlight the achievements of those with special needs and promote the resources available to individuals with disabilities in Somerset County. I am passionate about working with groups for special needs and have partnered with Autism Speaks to raise awareness about Autism.
—Brielle LaCosta
In addition, she has also made appearances and volunteered with the Best Friends Network, MCASPCA, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Susan G. Komen, American Heart Association, Autism Family Tours, Autism of NJ, Special Olympics, Garden Academy school for autism, and Handfuls of Hope.
Public appearances
Brielle has made over 100 appearances as Miss New Jersey International 2010. Some notable ones include:In March 2010, LaCosta was interviewed on the National Basketball Association (NBA) website about her favorite team, the New Jersey Nets, and what daily life is like after she was crowned.
On March 13, 2010, LaCosta appeared at the Garden Academy School for Children's Texas Hold'Em
Texas hold 'em
Texas Hold 'em is a variation of the standard card game of poker. The game consists of two cards being dealt face down to each player and then five community cards being placed face-up by the dealer—a series of three then two additional single cards , with...
Benefit Tournament to support children with autism.
LaCosta has been interviewed by separate radio stations for the charitable work she does.
On May 15, 2010, LaCosta spoke to 17,000 people in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. This has been her largest crowd to date.
On June 12, 2010, LaCosta hosted the Tri-State Pet Adoption Beauty Contest on behalf of Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society, founded in its present form in 1984, is an American nonprofit 501 organization that is one of America’s best known animal welfare rescue groups. Best Friends works in outreach programs with shelters, other rescue groups and members nationwide to promote pet adoption,...
. The event featured over 30 animal shelters and 600 animals available for adoption. She also judged an animal beauty contest with Caroline Manzo from the show The Real Housewives of New Jersey
July 17–27, 2010 LaCosta competed in the Miss International Pageant in Chicago, Illinois.
On October 3, 2010 LaCosta judged a dog beauty competition with Scott from the popular TV show, Rescue Ink.
On October 24, 2010 Brielle emceed the American Girl fashion show to benefit The Special Olympics.
On October 27, 2010 Brielle spoke at the prestigious Zagoren Lecture at Rutgers University about her involvement with Autism.
On December 25, 2010 LaCosta was featured in over 20 different newspapers worldwide including the NJ Star Ledger, NY Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle, Charlotte Observer, Baltimore Sun, Washington Times, The Times of India, The Sydney Herald of Australia and several more, when her photo was taken with Santa Claus at a local mall. This photo was also chosen as one of the Top 25 photos of the world to represent Christmas Traditions (http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/world/christmas-celebrations-around-the-world-20101225-197b6.html?selectedImage=15)
On June 12, 2011, LaCosta appeared with the Orange County Choppers, a popular television show.
On August 22, 2011 LaCosta appeared on the cover of NJ's popular newspaper, The Courier News discussing life in the pageantry world (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110821/NJNEWS/308220001/Crowned-heads)
On October 20, 2011 LaCosta appeared on the cover of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine.
September 2011 events include:
9/11/11 Memorial Service, 9/15/11 Aviation event, 9/16/11 & 9/17/11 Life Coaching in NYC, 9/20/11 Talk Show (Dames at the Diner), 9/25/11 American Lung Association Free to Breathe
Modeling
In addition to her pageant work, LaCosta is also a model, appearing in magazines. In 2009, she modeled Vera WangVera Wang
Vera Ellen Wang is a Chinese American fashion designer based in New York City and former figure skater. She is known for her wide clientele of couture bridesmaid gowns and wedding gown collections.-Personal life:...
bridal gowns and appeared in the now defunct Modern Bride magazine. She also modeled COACH, Banana Republic and Chanel in the 2009 Palmer Square Fashion Show. LaCosta has also done extra-work and has appeared on multiple episodes of MTV's "High School Stories," and in feature films; Rocky Balboa, Chain Reaction III and Man of the Year (featuring Robin Williams). In early 2011 she modeled Jovani fashions for Bilsen Galleries. In April 2011, she modeled various pageant designer dresses and worked with world renown Carter Studios. On May 6, 2011 LaCosta appeared in a Fashion Show for EmPower Somerset and was part of the Opening Day ceremony for the Somerset Patriots. In May 2011, LaCosta modeled the famous Merlin collection for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine in Boston, MA. In November 2011 LaCosta will take place in another designer fashion show in Atlantic City featuring dresses from reality show, Jersey Couture.