One highlight was when Vincenza was selected as Miss Delaware USA
and competed on primetime national television in the 2008 Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. She was also the
first representative from Delaware to compete in the 2010 Miss Italy USA Pageant, placing Top 6 in the nation.
One of her proud moments was being selected from over millions of women across the country as the first
national Elite Miss Earth USA 2015.
Vincenza is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse skill set. She has made a mark as a model,
actress, and event hostess, with an impressive list of achievements to her name. From gracing the runways of
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City to starring in feature films, emceeing numerous events, and
appearing on the covers of various magazines, Vincenza’s talent and versatility are undeniable. Her television
career is thriving, with over 40 commercials for renowned brands under her belt. Currently, she is the TV Host
of the #1 morning show in Delaware called “Good Morning Wilmington” for DETV and Channel 28 and also
serves as a Podcast Host for “PRONTO- Conversations of Life,” a Lifestyle Podcast.
Vincenza’s life, however, is not all about glitz, celebrity and crowns, although she is the “queen of
service” at her restaurant, the Vincenza & Margherita Italian-American Bistro! The restaurant, which opened
in 2014, is the brainchild of Vincenza and younger sister Margherita, 3rd generation restaurateurs. In just a
little over two years, the V&M Bistro has garnered hundreds of glowing reviews and was selected for
impressive recognition including Best of Delaware Awards 2015-2024 for Best Italian Cuisine, Best Specialty
Cocktails, Best Boozy Ice Cream, Best Homemade Pasta & Best Sicilian Pizza.
Experience the chic atmosphere of V&M, rivaling any hotspot in New York or Los Angeles. Our expert
mixologists craft award-winning combinations like the Smoked Maple Fashion and the famous Limoncello Ice
Martini, served with in-house made Italian lemon ice and fresh limoncello. Indulge in our ever-changing menu
featuring handcrafted pasta, freshly baked bread, and creative takes on classic favorites like Eggplant
Parmigiano with Gnocchi, Timballo, and Linguini Frutti Di Mare, along with exclusive V&M Pizzette. To satisfy
your sweet tooth, visit Ice Cream Delight, owned and operated by Vincenza and her family for almost two
decades. Vincenza’s recent accomplishment includes being invited to sit on the Board of Directors for the
Delaware Restaurant Association to champion restaurants throughout the state.
In her spare time, Vincenza dedicates herself to Success Won’t Wait, the literacy organization she co-
founded as an 18-year-old high school senior in 2002. For over 20 years, she has passionately promoted
literacy and facilitated the collection and distribution of more than 1 million books to communities, schools,
and organizations in need across the US and internationally.
Vincenza’s exceptional dedication to literacy has garnered her numerous prestigious awards, including
the State of Delaware Jefferson Award, the Daily Points of Light Award as the Nation’s Volunteer of the Day,
the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, and more. She has also been honored with the National
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for outstanding community service. Notably, July 15th is celebrated as
“Vincenza Carrieri-Russo Day” in Newark, Delaware, showcasing the impact of her remarkable contributions.
She is also a spokesperson for Lupus, a disease she has suffered from since 2011. Since her diagnosis,
Vincenza has worked tirelessly to educate the public about this often misunderstood and misdiagnosed
disease. Her fundraising and awareness efforts include an annual 5K Walk “Team Vincenza/Beyond The
Crown” and numerous speaking engagements. She even appeared as the cover story for Health Monitor’s
Arthritis Magazine’s expose’ on Lupus.