Pageant Coordinator: Suzette Vieira Sousa

Suzette Vieira Sousa was born and raised in Rhode Island. She is a first generation Luso-American born to parents from the Azores Islands. Her father, Gilberto Vieira, is from the fishing village of São Mateus, Terceira while her mother, Liberta Vieira, is from the capital city of Vila do Porto, Santa Maria. 

Not being able to speak English well as a child, she was enrolled in Catholic schools where she practiced the English language along with French. She also loved PBS children’s shows because she learned many English basics. 

In 2013 she competed as Mrs. East Providence and placed as a finalist in the Mrs. Rhode Island America pageant. She later went on to compete at Ms. New England States, a charitable pageant, using Alzheimer’s education as her platform. She now is the current Ms. Pawtucket, competing in June for the title of Ms. For Rhode Island where the winner will compete alongside Mrs. Rhode Island at the prestigious Mrs. America pageant later in the year. 

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Suzette holds a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing with High Honors and a minor in French from the University of Rhode Island. She is certified in critical care nursing and played a part in the Critical Care Consortium of Rhode Island along with her own scholarly article she wrote on pain management. She currently is a Nursing Supervisor at Roger Williams Medical Center and resides in Pawtucket with her significant other João and two beautiful daughters Victoria (14) and Sophia (11).

Choreography Director- Diana Marie Afonso

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Diana Marie Afonso started her dance career at the age of 2. She was a Company member at the Carolyn Dutra Dance studio and the Southern RI Youth ballet company. During that time she performed at Disney World, London, Wales, Carnegie Hall and the Nutcracker on Broadway.

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        During her four years at Providence College she was captain and choreographer of the PC Dance team and led the team to win 1st place at the UDA competition her senior year. Diana has judged multiples dance competitions across the country, coached high school dance teams and choreographed routines for dance companies across New England. She was also a dance member of the Rancho Folclorico Alto Minho de Norwood.

        Presently Diana is Physician Assistant practicing Emergency Medicine for Brown EM at Rhode Island Hospital and the Miriam hospital. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Bryant University, Johnson and Wales and Tufts University. Diana is a proud board member of the Rhode Island Day of Portugal organization and she is very excited to work with all pageant contestants.