KINGSTON, R.I. – May 10, 2019 – University of Rhode Island alumna Nikki Noya has added another crown and sash to her collection, along with a chance to promote causes she cares about to a wider audience.
Noya, an executive producer and co-host of the cable television travel show “The Jet Set,” was crowned Mrs. DC America 2019 in April and will compete in the Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas in August.
“I’m having so much fun and meeting so many wonderful people,” said Noya, who lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Ken Fields, and their 1-year-old daughter, Samantha. “Being in D.C. I get to do a lot of work with veterans, which is very important to me and my family. I’ve made so many new friends and had so many exciting opportunities. Winning Mrs. DC America has been fantastic.”
Noya, who graduated from URI in 2000 with a degree in communications, is the reigning Mrs. Dupont Circle 2019. She previously was Mrs. Miami and first runner-up in the Mrs. Florida pageant.
A former competitive swimmer, Noya attended URI on a full scholarship in volleyball and led the Rams to the Atlantic 10 championship and NCAA tournament in 1996. She continued her love for athletics after college, playing professional volleyball and building a career as a health and wellness expert. Her competitive nature – and the birth of her daughter – inspired her to compete in pageants.
“Being an athlete, I love competition and to set goals for myself,” said Noya. “After our daughter was born, I became more fearless and willing to push myself out of my comfort zone to pave the way for the next generation of girls. I want all girls to go after their dreams.”
As she goes on to the Mrs. America pageant, Noya will be promoting two important causes – Dress for Success, a program that empowers women to achieve economic independence, and Vets for Success, a job training program for veterans. She and her husband also support environmental and education causes through the Noya Fields Family Foundation.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the other ladies and competing,” said Noya. “I am still an athlete at heart so I love the competition aspect as well. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m going to give it my best shot.”