A native of Providence, Elaine Collado was crowned Miss Rhode Island USA on 29 May 2022 and represented Rhode Island at the Miss USA 2022 pageant in Reno, Nevada. Elaine is a first-generation American from the Dominican Republic and is fluent in Spanish. She is a working actress with representation in Los Angeles and New York City and, based on her own upbringing, is passionate about inspiring and leading disadvantage youth.
Miss Rhode Island USA 2022 Elaine Collado is a first generation American from the Dominican Republic and is fluent in Spanish. She graduated from Central High School and the Rhode Island College Upward Bound Program. She majored in Communication Studies at the University of RhodeIsland and attended New York Film Academy for their Acting in Film program in Los Angeles.
Elaine always knew she wanted to be an actress. However, growing up in the projects of Providence, she felt like she had trapped potential. “I saw pageantry as a way of tapping into my fullest potential. When I won Miss Rhode Island Teen USA in 2013, it opened my eyes to a whole new world outside of what I knew in Providence” She tells The RI Wave. Being a part of the prestigious Miss USA organization is not just a dream come true for Elaine but it also enhances her ability to make a qualitative impact as a Youth Advocate. “It is an honor to inspire and lead by example for disadvantaged youth, to follow their dreams.”
In RI, only 26% of students in underserved communities scored proficient in Math and Reading. As an Advocate for Inner City Youth, Elaine is working with the board of directors at the Providence After School Alliance to help improve the lives of the students in Providence. This Organization provides quality after school learning opportunities and has helped over 17,000 students in Providence stay on track to graduate. “I am passionate about raising awareness for quality education in the inner city because this was my life. English was my second language. I didn’t start reading until I was 8 years old and today I get to help children build their confidence in reading and learning.”
Today, Elaine is a working actress with representation in Los Angeles and New York City. When Elaine is not on set, she works as a tutor for Elementary School students, helping to build confidence and improve reading skills. In her spare time, Elaine serves as the Executive Director of Abba Hope, a faith based non-profit organization dedicated to families suffering from homelessness. As a Co-Founder of the organization, she hopes to one day expand its enterprises to include free tutoring services for children in underserved communities.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Elaine’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
There’s nothing better than watching a contestant progress from year to year! Here’s a look back at Elaine’s previous pageant photos. More photos of her Teen win can be found here.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Elaine’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Mary Malloy as Miss Rhode Island USA 2023.
