Molly Slager

Executive Director

Molly is a graduate of Emerson College with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications and a dual minor in Business and Sports Communication. Since then, she has worked in public relations for notable sports teams including the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, the New England Revolution, and the PGA. She received her Master of Business Administration from Bentley University, where she graduated with High Distinction. Currently, she is the Director of Communications and Marketing for Key Construction Solutions.

Molly has served as a local titleholder in the Miss America system for many years, including in 2019 when she placed first runner-up to Miss Massachusetts as Miss Boston. Molly has won numerous interview and talent awards throughout her years competing. Currently residing in Cambridge, Molly also enjoys freelancing as a graphic designer as well as long walks on the beach with her dog, Mackenzie, and her husband, Ron.

Erin Gaudreau

President

Erin Gaudreau's involvement with the Miss America Organization began when she competed as a local contestant in college. Since then, she has volunteered with the organization in several different ways, including as a board member, judge, and business manager. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a Dual Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science and Psychology and a Minor in Education in 2011. She graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2014 from New England Law|Boston as a Dean's Merit Scholar and is a member of the Massachusetts State Bar. Professionally, she is an attorney working in the asset management space and a part-time fitness instructor. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, traveling, and seeing as many musicals as possible. She currently lives in South Boston, MA.

Matt Zagaja

Treasurer

Matthew Zagaja is a lawyer by training, but a software developer by profession. He graduated with distinction with a Bachelors of Science in Society, Technology, & Policy from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and was an honors graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and Massachusetts. A self-taught coder, he now works as a senior software engineer at TED Conferences. An avid runner, he has raced everything from 5Ks to full marathons. When he's not getting his miles in, he loves reading, catching up on "tech Mastodon," and working on home improvement projects.

Francesca Simone

Board Member, Business Manager

Francesca is a graduate of Boston University, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Providence College. She's received two Masters degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, as well as a Bachelors of Arts. Francesca is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, National Honor Society for Music Educators. As the soprano soloist with the I Cantori Touring Choir, she has sung extensively in the United States and abroad, to include the Moscow and St. Petersburg Conservatories and Notre Dame Cathedral. She has been a guest performer for the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, Boston Red Sox, Rhode Island State Ballet and the annual Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Awareness Memorial at the Rhode Island State House.

Francesca was crowned Miss Rhode Island 2008 and was named a Quality of Life finalist at Miss America for her work advocating for Alzheimer’s Disease. She was also presented with the U.S. Congressional Award for Volunteer Service and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her dedication to this cause and the community. She was also enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard where she served her country through the “Governor’s Own” 88th Army Band. Francesca is currently a music educator in Marblehead, MA at the Malcolm L. Bell Elementary School.

Emily Slyva

Co-Producer, Business Manager

Emily was crowned Miss Cambridge in 2017, winning the talent, interview, and swimsuit phases of competition. Representing Cambridge at Miss Massachusetts 2017, Emily placed 2nd runner up and also won the overall academic award. Emily was originally drawn to the Miss America Organization because of the strong emphasis on talent. Dancing and performing has always been a passion of hers. She loves tap dancing and finds joy in the upbeat and energetic nature.

Emily values education and prides herself on her academic achievements. She graduated from Merrimack College Summa Cum Laude in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Education. From there, she went on to obtain her Masters in Education through a fellowship program at Merrimack College where she obtained her second teaching license. Currently, Emily works as a high school chemistry teacher at Haverhill High School. She is able to engage in her passion for education, particularly STEM education, each day and loves building strong relationships with her students.

In July 2018, Emily married her husband Connor. She is very close to her family, especially her two sisters. Her older sister Amanda was crowned Miss Inspirational in 2016, a title that fits her personality and impact on Emily’s life.

Emily also held the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts in 2012 and had the opportunity to travel to Mobile, Alabama to compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America.