Warren Township Resident Named Miss East Coast International

Warren resident Brielle LaCosta will compete in next year’s Miss International pageant, one of the largest pageants with contestants from all over the world, after being named Miss East Coast International just this past Saturday.

The 28-year-old LaCosta has been crowned Miss East Coast International and will spend the next year making public appearances and participating in community service activities.

Her platform is “Autism Awareness,” a cause she has worked with for six years. She has been recognized worldwide for her work as an advocate for those with Autism.

LaCosta is no stranger to pageants — she was crowned Miss New Jersey International 2010. During her reign, she participated in over 100 charity events and is excited to do more this year. 

Her goal this year is to be an advocate for Autism and raise money for the cause. She has no personal connection to Autism, but said she has enjoyed working hands-on with children and adults affected by Autism since 2007.

“I am excited about my year as Miss East Coast International and I plan on working with several organizations to bring awareness to an array of causes,” said LaCosta. “I have several causes that are close to my heart, including animal shelters, raising awareness for cancer, heart disease, and helping young women with peer pressure and self esteem.”

LaCosta resides in Warren with her mother and father, Dennis and Dawn LaCosta, and a younger brother, Sean LaCosta. She has rescued three pets — two cats, Pumpkin and Panda, and a puppy named Bruno.

LaCosta, a former Berkeley Heights resident, is a 2003 Governor Livingston High School graduate. She holds a degree in psychology from Rutgers University.

_ Information from Kristin Contezza and from Nicholas Loffredo, editor of the New Providence-Berkeley Heights Patch.