Serena Bucaj was crowned Miss New York USA 2016 at the end of the pageant held at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College in Harrison on January 17, 2016. The beauty queen succeeds Miss New York USA 2015, Thatiana Diaz.
Bucaj is working as a model at Major Model New York City and has Albanian Roots.
At the same event, Briana Siaca was adjudged the first runner up, Hannah Lopa wasnew yo titled second runner up, Ashley Edwards bagged the title of third runner up and Christina Monello finished as fourth runner up.
Natalia Terrero was crowned New York’s representative for the Miss Teen USA Pageant at the same event.
Bucaj will have the opportunity to compete at the 2016 Miss USA Pageant where she hopes to be crowned by the reigning Miss USA Olivia Jordan from Oklahoma. The winner of Miss USA 2016 will go on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe competition.
New York is one of the most successful states at Miss USA, and is ranked third in terms of number and value of placement across all years of competition.