Miss New York Wins Miss United States And Brings Crown Back To The Capital Region

Lily K. Donaldson, a Ph.D. student at RPI and newly crowned Miss United States, is coming to Menands this Sunday, October 30, to participate in the village's Halloween parade!

Representing New York state in the pageant, Donaldson is originally from Tennessee but has called New York home for a few years.

Donaldson's platform during the pageant was "Empowering Women through STEM Education." As a former middle school math teacher, she's no stranger to advocating for women in male-dominated fields. In an interview with the Times Union, Donaldson said, "I think it's important for young girls to see women in these roles so that they know it's possible for them." When asked about her plans for the future, Donaldson said she plans to continue her work in education and hopes to open her STEM school for girls one day.

In addition to her work in education, Donaldson is also passionate about environmental causes. She plans to use her position as Miss United States to "raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change."

This will be Donaldson's first time participating in a Halloween parade, but she is no stranger to parades. She has been in several during her time as Miss New York, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan.