Sgt. Giovanna Donofrio and Schurkje.
ANSONIA — For Ansonia native U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Giovanna Donofrio, winning a national title in the Ms. Veteran America competition would mean so much more than taking home a sparkly crown.
Donofrio, 29, is vying for a chance to be crowned Ms. Veteran America when the national competition takes place Oct. 10 in Florida.
The married mom of three kids — with another on the way in December — recently sailed through the earlier stage of competition, and has been chosen as a semi-finalist heading into the main event.
Out of a competition that began with 129 contestants, Donofrio is now one of 19 active, female military members, who hail from across the country, selected for the final round.
She refers to her fellow competitors as “sisters in arms,” representing each branch of the military.
According to the website, Ms Veteran America, the competition showcases “The Woman Beyond the Uniform,” and raises awareness and funds for homeless female veterans.
Proceeds from the event, and funds raised by contestants benefit the non profit Final Salute, Inc., Final Salute, Inc. – Providing homeless women veterans with safe and suitable housing (finalsaluteinc.org) which provides homeless female veterans and their children with safe housing.
The federal government estimates there are currently 55,000 homeless women veterans in the United States on any given day.
Donofrio enlisted in the Army in 2012, and since transferred to the CT National Guard where she’s an Active Guard Reserve.
She’s currently stationed in Newtown, working as the Guard’s only female dog handler at their Military Working Dog kennels, with her furry partner, Schurkje, a nine-year old Belgian Malinois.
The 2010 graduate of the New Haven Magnet School, the High School in the Community, and product of the Ansonia schools, Donofrio initially tried her luck at the Ms. Veteran America competition in 2017, but admitted she wasn’t very prepared.
This time around, Donofrio has been studying hard, getting quizzed daily by her husband, Jorge, about women’s historic role in the military. She’s also brushing up on her lip sync skills, the talent portion of the event.
The competition does not feature swimsuits, but contestants do get to wear evening gowns, with combat boots if they so choose, Donofrio said, for the final interview.
“I am so honored and proud to have made it this far competing against my fellow sisters in arms from all over the country,” Donofrio said. “I would love it if I could have my community’s support towards this journey. This is a competition that lets the world see we are not just service members but so much more.”
During the initial round of competition, which took place virtually, contestants were asked questions by a panel of judges comprised of female military personnel. Questions ranged from their knowledge of Veteran homelessness to their stance on the CDC’s eviction moratorium during COVID. For the talent portion, Donofrio chose to lip sync to the song “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara, and created a video montage featuring her friends and family.
Donofrio is confident as the Oct. 10 date approaches, and is poised to nail the four areas of competition: interview, talent, military history and advocacy.
“Winning Ms. Veteran America would mean so much to me,” she said. “Knowing that there are so many struggling women veterans breaks my heart, especially after all they’ve sacrificed for their country. I want to make a difference for them and get them the help and resources they deserve.”
The winner of Ms. Veteran America will serve one year as the official spokeswoman and continue advocacy for Final Salute, Inc.
In addition, she will walk away with a crown and sash; and $15,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle, a scholarship towards education, student loan repayment, starting a business, down payment toward a home, or home repairs.
Donofrio’s great grandmother, Jeanette Esposito, 99, and her mom, Kim Donofrio, both Ansonia residents, always knew Donofrio was destined for the spotlight.
“Ever since she was a little girl and wanted to be a dancer, Giovanna always wanted to be on the stage,” Esposito said. “She is kind and thoughtful and always thinking of everyone else. I’m very proud of her.”
Mom Kim added, “I think what she’s doing is wonderful and I’m glad she’s raising awareness for homeless veterans, because I didn’t realize there was such a need for it. We’re so excited for Giovanna and know she’s going to do great.”
Those interested in helping Donofrio raise funds for homeless veterans can do so by visiting her Facebook page.
