As the Executive State Director of the Miss Delaware USA & Miss Delaware Teen USA Organization under the Miss Universe Organization, Vincenza advocates for empowering women and breaking barriers. The Miss Universe, Miss USA & Miss Teen USA Organizations are among the most prestigious pageant organizations in the world. Vincenza provides young women with the opportunity to have a voice and make a difference in their community. However, she is no stranger to pageantry.
Prior to capturing the coveted Miss Delaware United States crown in 2014 and securing the 2nd runner-up spot at the national Miss United States Pageant, Vincenza competed in pageants for many years, winning dozens of titles along the way. One highlight was when Vincenza was selected as Miss Delaware USA and competed on primetime national television in the 2008 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. She was also the first representative from Delaware to compete in the 2010 Miss Italy USA Pageant, placing Top 6 in the nation. One of her proud moments was being selected from over millions of women across the country as the first national Elite Miss Earth USA 2015.
Vincenza is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse skill set. She has made a mark as a model, actress, and event hostess, with an impressive list of achievements to her name. From gracing the runways of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City to starring in feature films, emceeing numerous events, and appearing on the covers of various magazines, Vincenza’s talent and versatility are undeniable. Her television career is thriving, with over 40 commercials for renowned brands under her belt. Currently, she is the TV Host of the #1 morning show in Delaware called “Good Morning Delaware” for DETV and Channel 28 and also serves as a Podcast Host for “PRONTO- Conversations of Life,” a Lifestyle Podcast.
Vincenza’s life, however, is not all about glitz, celebrity and crowns, although she is the “queen of service” at her restaurant, the Vincenza & Margherita Italian-American Bistro! The restaurant, which opened in 2014, is the brainchild of Vincenza and younger sister Margherita, 3rd generation restaurateurs. In just a little over two years, the V&M Bistro has garnered hundreds of glowing reviews and was selected for impressive recognition including Best of Delaware Awards 2015-Present, for Best Italian Cuisine, Best Specialty Cocktails, Best Boozy Ice Cream, Best Homemade Pasta & Best Sicilian Pizza.
Experience the chic atmosphere of V&M, rivaling any hotspot in New York or Los Angeles. Our expert mixologists craft award-winning combinations like the Smoked Maple Fashion and the famous Limoncello Ice Martini, served with in-house made Italian lemon ice and fresh limoncello. Indulge in our ever-changing menu featuring handcrafted pasta, freshly baked bread, and creative takes on classic favorites like Eggplant Parmigiano with Gnocchi, Timballo, and Linguini Frutti Di Mare, along with exclusive V&M Pizzette. To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Ice Cream Delight, owned and operated by Vincenza and her family for almost two decades. Vincenza’s recent accomplishment includes being invited to sit on the Board of Directors for the Delaware Restaurant Association to champion restaurants throughout the state.
In her spare time, Vincenza dedicates herself to Success Won’t Wait, the literacy organization she co-founded as an 18-year-old high school senior in 2002. For over 20 years, she has passionately promoted literacy and facilitated the collection and distribution of more than 1 million books to communities, schools, and organizations in need across the US and internationally.
Vincenza’s exceptional dedication to literacy has garnered her numerous prestigious awards, including the State of Delaware Jefferson Award, the Daily Points of Light Award as the Nation’s Volunteer of the Day, the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, and more. She has also been honored with the National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for outstanding community service. Notably, July 15th is celebrated as “Vincenza Carrieri-Russo Day” in Newark, Delaware, showcasing the impact of her remarkable contributions.
She is also a spokesperson for Lupus, a disease she has suffered from since 2011. Since her diagnosis, Vincenza has worked tirelessly to educate the public about this often misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease. She even appeared as the cover story for Health Monitor’s Arthritis Magazine’s expose’ on Lupus.
• 2015 Top Women in Business by Delaware Today Magazine
• 2013 Alexis I. DuPont High School Hall Of Fame
• 2012 Woman of The Year Candidate, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• 2009 to 2010 Calendar Cover Model
• 2008 Delaware Today Magazine Top 40 Under 40, Cover Issue
• 2008 Tribute by Delaware’s Governor Ruth Ann Minner
• 2007 to 2008 Winner of 2008 Miss Delaware USA
• 2007 State Miracle Maker Award from the Children’s Miracle Network
• 2006 Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian Jaycees Nominee
• 2006 National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Service Benefiting a Local Community
• 2006 Delaware’s Representative, National Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Community Service
• 2006 Nikki Wolf Award, Volunteer of the Year, University of Delaware
• 2004 & 2006 Miss Delaware Pageant, Outstanding Community Service Award
• 2004 & 2006 Miss America Pageant, Outstanding Community Service Award
• July 15th, 2004 Daily Points of Light Award, Nation’s Volunteer of the Day
• July 15th, 2004 “Vincenza Carrieri-Russo Day,” declared by Newark’s Mayor Vance Funk
• 2004, 2005 & 2006 Town and Gown Award for Community Service – University of Delaware
• 2003 President’s Student Service Award, White House Initiative