Victoria Cuartas

Dr. Victoria Cuartas, Miss Rhode Island USA 2026, is a passionate educator, researcher, and advocate for personal development and female empowerment. Victoria holds a Ph.D. from Salve Regina University, where her doctoral thesis examined the expressions of femininity through photography. As a Program Coordinator at Brown University, she is dedicated to leading the next generation of scholars by supporting undergraduate students as they pursue academic and professional excellence.

With over a decade of experience in the pageant system, Victoria’s path to the crown is a testament to unwavering tenacity, grit, and self-growth. Her persistent journey exemplifies the power of ignoring artificial timelines, overcoming setbacks, and continually showing up for one’s dreams. Victoria uses her platform to inspire young people to embrace their authentic selves, cultivate resilience, and step confidently into rooms of leadership.

A deeply committed community leader, Victoria is a longtime volunteer and advocate for the MAE Organization for the Homeless, a Rhode Island nonprofit focused on mental health, basic needs, and holistic outreach. Fluent in three languages, Victoria is deeply passionate about multiculturalism and celebrating diverse perspectives. What she loves most about her home state is the rich cultural fabric of Rhode Island that brings its communities together.

As a former airline employee, Victoria has traveled all over the globe, but she continues crossing international destinations off her bucket list as she expands her horizons and love of different cultures. Outside of her academic and pageant endeavors, she stays active through fitness and loves writing in local Rhode Island coffee shops. In addition, she enjoys spending time at home with her two dogs, Harry and Rosey.

As she prepares to take the Miss USA stage, Victoria carries a message of endurance and self-belief: that growth has no expiration date, and true success comes from having the courage to keep pursuing your purpose with full heart and determination.