Louise Joseph of Lakewood has been crowned Miss New Jersey Plus America. Joseph will compete with other state winners in the first Miss Plus America Pageant in August in Monroe, La. "I am so proud to be representing the state of New Jersey in the Miss Plus America pageant and am looking forward to supporting all full-figured women, trying to make a positive difference in the world," said Joseph.
The Miss Plus America Pageant celebrates the inner beauty of each contestant, as well as recognizing their commitment to their communities, according to a press release. As Miss New Jersey Plus America, Joseph will have the opportunity to further promote her platform: "The Effect of Diabetes on Women of Color." She said she chose this topic of focus because her mother was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 1983. "Cases of Type II diabetes are on the rise for all Americans, but out of the 15.7 million men and women diagnosed with all forms of diabetes, more than half are women, and more than half of those are African-American," she said. "Education is the key to preventing the growing number of victims of diabetes." A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Joseph, 23, is a full-time college student majoring in theatrical performing arts with a minor in education.