Erica Parks Reflects on Her Reign as Miss New York’s Teen 2024

With just under two months left in her reign, Erica Parks, Miss New York’s Teen 2024, is taking time to reflect on the journey that has shaped her into the empowered, purpose-driven young woman she is today. Crowned during a time of personal transition, Erica stepped into this role as she pivoted away from a career in dance and began to redefine her future. The Miss America Opportunity became her anchor through change, giving her space to grow as a public figure and pursue her passions off the stage.

“This year allowed me to find who Erica is as a public figure, not just a performer,” Erica shared. “Holding this title has given me the chance to reflect and transition, which I will forever be grateful for.”

And reflect she has. Erica became New York’s youngest licensed real estate agent immediately after her time at Miss America’s Teen. She’s also taken her Community Service Initiative, The Women’s Table, to new heights by collaborating with organizations like Girls Inc. of NYC. Through market days, career development sessions, and speaking at their Lifting Girls Up Gala, Erica has worked to inspire girls ages 9 to 18 to be strong, smart, and bold.

Looking ahead to her final weeks as Miss New York’s Teen, Erica plans to officially launch The Women’s Table as an organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs. She’s using this time to build a foundation for something lasting and impactful. In true Erica fashion, she is doing it proudly and inclusively.

“As an openly queer titleholder, I am beyond excited to be celebrating Pride Month alongside many local titleholders,” she said. “I want to ensure that Miss New York has and will always be a place of inclusivity for women of all demographics to grow and find community.”

With the next Miss New York’s Teen being crowned on July 12, Erica has one heartfelt message for her successor. “Find your sense of consistency. This year is nothing short of a whirlwind. I want to encourage her to have a support system for herself as a human first, before a titleholder. My experience at Miss America was nothing like I expected. I want to be the resource I never had to help her no matter what the circumstance.”

After her reign, Erica will continue working in real estate and advancing The Women’s Table, with long-term goals of turning it into a nonprofit. Her journey is a powerful reminder that the Miss America Opportunity is more than a title. It is a launchpad for dreams that extend far beyond the stage.

Support the future of the Miss New York Scholarship Program by donating here: Miss New York Scholarship Fund

Follow Erica on Instagram: @itsericaparks

The next Miss New York and Miss New York’s Teen will be crowned on July 12, 2025 at the Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center in Orange County, New York. Preliminaries will take place on July 10 and 11, followed by the annual Soirée on the evening of the 11th. It will be a weekend of celebration, empowerment, and the beginning of a brand new chapter for two incredible young women.