Pat Paolino Cruz, Director
Miss US Italia Director Pat Paolino Cruz is a proud Italian-American with an exceptional career in event production spanning more than 35 years. Known for her vision, creativity, and leadership, Pat has built a respected reputation within the pageant industry and beyond.
Her journey began in 1991 with Shooting Stars, where she became a nationally sought-after pageant photographer and makeup artist, working with contestants and organizations across the country.
Pat went on to produce one of the industry’s earliest and largest Pageant Expos and published The Pageant Consultant Quarterly Magazine, a respected resource later acquired by Pageantry Magazine — further solidifying her influence within the pageant community.
In 2014, Pat founded the Miss US Italia Pageant, originally launching as Miss RI Italia. As enthusiasm and participation grew, the program expanded to the national stage in 2017, welcoming contestants from across the United States and continuing to celebrate Italian-American beauty, culture, and leadership.
Today, Pat remains dedicated to creating an empowering experience that inspires confidence, fosters community involvement, and provides young women and girls with opportunities for personal growth and success.
“Hosting the Miss US Italia National Pageant in Rhode Island is incredibly meaningful to me. This state offers the perfect backdrop to showcase not only its beauty and hospitality, but also the deep-rooted traditions that make our Italian-American community so special. Rhode Island consistently ranks among the top states in the nation with the highest percentage of Italian Americans per capita — a testament to the vibrant culture that thrives here. I am honored to bring this national event to a place where we can proudly celebrate our heritage while welcoming contestants and families from across the country to experience everything Rhode Island has to offer.”
Pat Paolino Cruz, National Director Miss US Italia Pageant
miss ri and miss us italia MEDIA AND PRESS
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
JOHNSTON SUNRISE
Miss RI Italia Winners to Hold “Help Warm the Homeless” Fundraiser
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
GOLOCAL.COM
THE RHODE SHOW Miss RI Italia pays a visit
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
Groups team up to provide winter clothing for homeless
THE RHODE SHOW
Groups team up to provide winter clothing for homeless
Event to honor former Miss RI Italia’s memory, benefit Make-A-Wish
Groups team up to provide winter clothing for homeless
JOHNSTON SUNRISE
Miss RI Italia Announces 2016 Winners
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
GOLOCALPROV.COM
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
JOHNSTON SUNRISE
Lola Paolissi paying it forward
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
Salera adds Miss R.I. Italia to her pageant portfolio
JOHNSTON SUNRISE
Salera adds Miss R.I. Italia to her pageant portfolio
Gathering supports Make-A-Wish in late Miss RI Italia’s memory
Salera adds Miss R.I. Italia to her pageant portfolio
THE VALLEY BREEZE