Miss USA
Shantelle Jones
Shantelle, a dynamic and multifaceted talent hailing from East Orange, NJ, was born to Jamaican parents and has dedicated nearly 16 years to modeling, dancing, and acting. Over the years, she has earned multiple titles and achievements, with a recent career highlight being her participation in Miami Swim Week for Art Hearts Fashion and Miami Swim Week The Shows. Shantelle balances her diverse passions with a strong work ethic, currently serving as a server at the prestigious EATALY restaurant, a bartender at the Prudential Center, a fashion, fitness, and commercial model, a producer and creative director for fashion productions, a model and mindset coach, and an Uber driver. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Montclair State University, where she also founded the MSU Complexions Band Dance Team in 2013. As a participant in the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), she was featured on the school's front cover for its 50th anniversary, later becoming Montclair State University's campaign model, with her image displayed on billboards and NJ Transit signs across the state. Shortly after graduation, she was crowned International Model of the Year, earning a spread in Sheen Magazine and a trip to Paris. She has also shared her inspiring journey in Lovely Lady Magazine.
Shantelle's path has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. While she always stood out for her creativity and strong work ethic, she struggled with imposter syndrome and perfectionism, which at times led to missed opportunities. However, she turned adversity into motivation, leaning on faith, supportive friends, and personal development to overcome these challenges. The passing of her father in 2021 became a pivotal moment in her life, shifting her mindset and pushing her to pursue her dreams with greater determination. Competing in Miss Caribbean US has further deepened her connection to her Jamaican heritage, sparking meaningful conversations with her family and introducing her to organizations like Help Jamaica Medical Mission in her hometown. Looking ahead, she aims to sign with top agencies, expand her entrepreneurial endeavors with an online boutique, and launch her “Step Into Your Power” workshop to help women embrace their femininity and build self-confidence. Inspired by her belief in personal development, she strives to empower people of all backgrounds to face their fears and create the lives they desire. Following the wisdom of her role model, Will Smith, she lives by the mantra: "On the other side of your maximum fear are all the best things in life."
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Here are some fun and surprising facts about the USA:
The U.S. has 50 states—but one was almost named Franklin – Before Tennessee became a state, settlers wanted to call it "Franklin" in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
Alaska is the most northern, western, and eastern state – Thanks to the Aleutian Islands crossing the 180th meridian, Alaska is technically the easternmost state too!
The Liberty Bell has a typo – The famous bell in Philadelphia spells “Pennsylvania” as “Pensylvania.” However, this was an accepted spelling at the time.
The U.S. is home to the longest highway in the world – U.S. Route 20 stretches 3,365 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon.
There’s a town in Minnesota that holds the world record for the most snowfall in a day – In 1994, the town of Silver Lake saw 75.8 inches of snow in 24 hours!
The U.S. has an island with wild ponies – Assateague Island, off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, is home to wild ponies that have roamed freely for centuries.
Yellowstone was the first national park in the world – Established in 1872, Yellowstone paved the way for national parks worldwide.
The Empire State Building has its own zip code – The famous skyscraper in New York City has the exclusive zip code 10118.
The U.S. is the only country to have walked on the moon – Since 1969, 12 American astronauts have set foot on the lunar surface.
The original capital of the U.S. was not Washington, D.C. – New York City was the first U.S. capital before it moved to Philadelphia and later to D.C.