Victoria Leto is the current Miss Tampa 2022, Musician, Student, and Founder of Sewing with Smiles. At only 20 years old competing in her first Miss America pageant Victoria claimed the title of Miss Tampa 2022. She is currently a Junior at the University of South Florida studying Psychology, is a reoccurring Deans List member, and is maintaining a 3.9 GPA. Her plan is to graduate with her Bachelors in Psychology with aspirations of attending medical school to obtain her MD and her PhD in Clinical Psychiatry. She is currently an undergraduate research assistant volunteering in the DARC research lab on the USF Tampa campus.

 In addition to her current collegiate studies, Victoria is a member of the USF Herd of Thunder marching band. Victoria has been playing the trumpet at a competitive level for many years and has been a member of USF BAY Winds and USF Concert Bands. Victoria has also taught trumpet and mentored other students during her musical career. A few of the most memorable performances of Victoria’s musical career includes: performing at Carnegie Hall, in Hawaii at the 75^th remembrance ceremony of Pearl Harbor, and at the Amalie Arena for a Military Appreciation event during a Lightning game.

Victoria started “Sewing for Smiles” as a result with her struggles with anxiety during her teen years. Victoria strongly believes that teens need a better support system in the community, in school, and at home when they are dealing with mental health issues. Victoria took up sewing as a hobby to set aside time to disconnect from social media and the pressures of an always connected society. She sewed for ECHO (Emergency Help Care Organization) of Brandon Non-Profit for their thrift store as well as modeling for their media efforts. Victoria is going to use her platform to promote activities for teens that give them a break from their devices and help relieve stress.

Victoria is looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunities Miss Tampa will bring for her to engage with local and state organizations to spread her message to the community. She believes that it is imperative that teens are not only educated, but supported, with the proper accommodations and resources that are accessible and of appropriate quality.

She is going to give the Miss Florida Competition everything she has and hopes to return the title back to the Tampa Bay area!