Since being crowned Miss Michigan this summer, Oakland University alumna Angela Venditti’s life has been a whirlwind of smiles, promotional engagements and profound change.
The historic Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant is the preliminary to the Miss America Organization, which is the leading provider of scholarships for women across the globe. The non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering young women both personally and professionally, and supports academic achievement.
“It was an out of body experience!” Venditti said of earning the title. “Everything I have been working toward and dreaming of for several years has now come to fruition, and I quickly realized that my life was about to change.”
In the weeks since she began her Miss Michigan reign, the 2011 graduate from Shelby Township has moved to Muskegon to prepare for the Miss America pageant and to embark on numerous public engagements and community events.
Venditti is committed to a year of service through the organization, which will be her full-time job. In addition to her many appearances, Venditti will spend the year promoting and fundraising for the organization’s partners: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Dr. Pepper/Snapple, and Citgo, along with her personal cause, Above the Influence: Keeping Kids Drug Free.
Since she was 14, Venditti has championed several drug free and prevention organizations through volunteer work and community service. The cause is one dear to her heart, as Venditti lost a loved one to an overdose several years ago.
At Oakland, Venditti earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in communication, maintaining a full academic course load and a substantial list of extra curricular and volunteer commitments.
She served on the Executive Board of the OU’s American Marketing Association where she learned many valuable skills such as public speaking, how to market an event, and how to plan a large scale event from start to finish. She also volunteered at the Joey Travolta Short Film Camp for Autistic children through OUCARES, presented at several student conferences, and served as a dance instructor and varsity dance team coach.
“In addition to meeting some of my very best friends, I learned quite a bit while studying at OU,” Venditti said. “The best thing I gained through my education is an open mind. I take that with me everywhere I go in life.”
Along with the Miss Michigan title, Venditti earned a $10,000 scholarship. She performed a tap dance routine for her talent and took first place in the swimsuit category, earning an additional $250 scholarship.
“I've always looked up to the former Miss Michigans and I will continue their legacy of being an example for young people,” Venditti said.
“I hope to bring an element of fun to the title and a sense of inclusion to all young women who are involved in the program. I want everyone to feel they are a part of my year of service, because they truly are an integral part. Without their contributions, I wouldn't have this opportunity.”
Venditti will compete for Miss America in January 2013 in Las Vegas.
