The Miss Mission USA Team
National Directors
Heather Marie Thompson
Executive Director
Miss Mission International 2021
Kathyria Burgos
Executive Director
Elite Mission International 2022
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Alyssa Manthos
Stage Choreography Director
With over 15 years in the pageant world, Alyssa Manthos is a seasoned competitor and previous titleholder, having earned prestigious crowns such as National American Miss Teen, International United Miss Teen, and Miss Mission Greece where she proudly placed 3rd Runner-Up at Internationals.
A competitive gymnast for 13+ years, she now leads as a USAG Compulsory Program Director, Varsity Gymnastics Coach and choreographer, coaching multiple top 100 gymnasts in the nation, empowering the next generation of athletes. Her performance background also includes trained dance, modeling, and acting, with principal background roles in television and film, including Gossip Girl and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
A proud Deans List graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Education, she is also a passionate mental health advocate. Through her organization, Meaningful Messages for Mental Health, she delivers handwritten cards and donations to inpatient facilities, spreading love one message at a time.
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Mayelin De La Cruz
On-Stage Coordinator
Mayelin De La Cruz is a Dominican American model, entrepreneur, and pageant queen who inspires others to dream boldly and break barriers. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, she is a proud first-generation American and the first in her family to graduate from college. Fueled by a passion for uplifting others and a commitment to creating opportunities, Mayelin leads with purpose and pride—setting a powerful example for the next generation.
Mayelin’s pageantry journey is a story of hard work, determination, and self-love. She’s graced the stage with poise and power, earning impressive titles like: 2nd Runner-Up, Miss New Jersey USA 2019 & 2021, Top 5 Finalist, Miss Supranational USA 2019, Top 10 Finalist, Miss Grand United States 2019, Semi-Finalist, Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2017.
In 2021, she founded Mayes Pageant Prep with a mission to help aspiring pageant contestants thrive both on and off the stage. As CEO and founder, she’s created a space where young women can get the personalized coaching they need to shine, from perfecting their runway walk to refining their personal platforms.