2027 JUDGES

LAYNA CASTLE, M.A., PMP

Layna Castle is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, professional speaker, and Founder of Professional Speakers Concierge Service™ and The Speaker Brand Code™. With extensive experience in corporate leadership, professional development, and high-profile events, she has worked alongside recognized names in business and entertainment, including Oprah Winfrey and Daymond John. Layna holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business and a master’s degree in Industrial Psychology. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a passion for mentorship, leadership development, and empowering others to recognize their value. Proud of her Southampton roots and Shinnecock Nation heritage, Layna brings a personal connection to Long Island and a deep appreciation for community and service. She believes true beauty extends beyond appearance and is reflected in authenticity, character, confidence, and the impact we make on others.

KRISTA BENNETT DEMAIO

Krista Bennett DeMaio has over 20 years of experience as a beauty editor/writer in print, digital, and on-air. Her work has appeared in national women’s magazines, including Women’s Health, Oprah, Cosmopolitan, Allure, SELF, Shape, and various websites such as oprahdaily.com, healthcentral.com, bhg.com, makeup.com, realself.com, prevention.com, etc. Krista has been a sought-after expert for beauty segments for CBS, PIX11, and be Well, the morning show from News12, solidifying her position as a trusted beauty authority in the industry. She is currently an on-staff writer at The Strategist, part of New York Magazine. Realizing the need for high-quality Long Island-focused beauty, wellness, and style content, Krista launched Pretty Local and the LI Beauty Scene newsletter with HERALD. Krista’s vision for Pretty Local is to use her unique position as a longtime beauty editor to bridge the national beauty scenes with local ones across the U.S

JASMINE FERREIRA

Jasmine Ferreira is a beauty industry executive, educator, content creator, and passionate advocate for women stepping confidently into every chapter of their lives. With more than 30 years at L’Oréal, Jasmine has built her career in beauty education and currently serves as an Education Director for Lancôme, where she helps shape artistry, education, and experiences that inspire beauty professionals across the country. Beyond her corporate career, Jasmine is the founder of Fifty, Unfiltered™, a platform dedicated to empowering women to embrace aging with confidence, energy, purpose, and joy. She is also the creator of the G.L.O.W. Philosophy™ - Ground Yourself, Love Your Body, Own Your Presence, and Write Your Second Half — a framework designed to inspire women to live fully, confidently, and intentionally at every age. A certified life coach, wife, mother of two sons, and proud Latina, Jasmine believes confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about knowing who you are, owning your voice, and having the courage to keep becoming.

MELISSA FRANCOIS

Melissa Francois is a Long Island native and UMass Amherst alumna, where she was a Division I cheerleader and captain of the UMass Cheerleading Team. Her experience as a collegiate athlete has shaped her career at the intersection of sports, marketing, and strategy. Today, Melissa works on the Marketing Strategy team for the New York Knicks. She also coaches gymnastics part-time at All American Gymnastics, where she enjoys giving back and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

VANESSA GORDON

Vanessa Gordon is the founder and CEO of East End Taste, a Hamptons-based media and experiential events company, as well as the creator and producer of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch. Her expertise in event production, hospitality, and travel has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, SUCCESS, Travel + Leisure, the BBC, and other leading international publications. Vanessa earned a Master of Arts from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and has also studied at the University of Oxford. She lives year-round in the Hamptons with her family.

JOSEPH CHIAVETTA (Official Tabulator)

Joseph Chiavetta is a Chief Financial Officer with over 35 years of experience at a major food importing company. He is also a certified financial planner specializing in tax and retirement planning. Joseph manages 70 employees and has traveled frequently to Milan and Paris for business. He holds an MBA in Finance and is a member of the Food Importers Association. With 30 years of involvement in pageantry as a judge and emcee, he has evaluated contestants from ages two to the classic division.