Alessandra Evangelista after being chosen the 2024 Cherry Blossom Queen.
The USVI’s Alessandra Evangelista is the 2024 Cherry Blossom Queen, following an impressive showing at the National Conference of State Societies 2024 United States Cherry Blossom program on April 12.
The Cherry Blossom Program is a week-long education and cultural exchange initiative for young women from across the U.S and the world to meet and network. The program participants are introduced to government officials, female role models working in the nation’s capital and other leaders.
Though the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen is selected by a spinning wheel that lands on one geographic location, Ms. Evangelista was selected by the Virgin Islands Association, Inc. for her high academic achievements, poise and appearance, leadership, and interest in social, civic, community, and world affairs. Evangelista is currently pursuing a BA in International Studies with a Certificate in European Studies at the American University in Washington D.C.
According to the National Cherry Blossom Festival website, the crowned queen will “serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States, with the opportunity to travel to Japan to engage with top government, business, and cultural leaders.”
After her selection as queen, Alessandra Evangelista shared that she is “really looking forward to traveling to Japan to expand American diplomacy overseas.” The trip to Japan is scheduled for June. The program, she said, was a “wonderful opportunity”, calling it an honor to represent the USVI.
Evangelista is the daughter of Richard and Wanda Evangelista, Government House’s Chief Legal Counsel. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is among those who have extended congratulations to the new Cherry Blossom Queen.
