Melissa Nicole Ocampo was born and raised in Long Island , NY . She studied Media and Communications at SUNY Old Westbury, and has worked in Sports Broadcasting since 2012. Melissa is the Founder of Social Beehive NY , a Social Media Marketing and Beauty Pageant Consulting Agency. Melissa advocates for the awareness of Domestic and Dating Violence and the rights and welfare of the victims and survivors. How did you decide to join the beauty pageant? I grew up watching pageants and, in 2007, decided to compete in one. From there , I was hooked. How did you prepare for your most recent competition - swimsuit, talent, formal wear competition? I competed in the Miss New York USA pageant. From past experience, I knew that the USA/ Universe system is based solely on appearance, so I focused my preparation on working out. Out of all the pageants I've competed, t he Miss USA system is by far my favorite production to be a part of. However, ...