There is no doubt that recently crowned Miss New York International 2025 Devin Walsh ’27 radiates the beauty that is expected of a pageant queen. But more than her beauty, Walsh possesses so much compassion that it fueled her to create her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Donate with Devin.
The St. Joseph’s University, New York psychology major was introduced to charity work at just 11 years old, when she assisted her mother with serving dinner to people in need at a local church. Years later, when the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding, Walsh was again called to help people in need.
“When places began shutting down, I thought of all the people who wouldn’t be able to receive a hot meal or access basic necessities,” said Walsh. “I wanted to do what I could to help, so I began ‘Donate with Devin’. I was able to organize, collect and deliver more than 1,100 bags of clothing to local organizations that were collecting at the time.”
The clothing drive led to a successful food drive, Halloween costume drive and a holiday toy drive. In the five years since she created Donate with Devin, she has expanded the organization and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status, and partnered with several state and international organizations to reach even more people in need.
“I truly believe in the power of volunteerism and the positive impact it can make in people’s lives,” said Walsh. “There is no better feeling than getting your hands dirty to actively help those in need.”
At St. Joseph’s, Walsh is a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, serving as community service coordinator, and president of Project Sunshine, a chapter of the international organization devoted to bringing joy to children with medical needs and their families through creative arts, live play and activity kits to promote healing in medical settings.
Devin Walsh being crowned Miss New York International.
The former Miss Suffolk County International entered the world of pageantry when she was 17 years old by entering the Miss Long Island Teen Pageant. Although she did not place, she won the People’s Choice and Community Queen awards. In addition to her most recent achievement as Miss New York International 2025, she also won Best Overall Fitness, Best Overall Fun Fashion and Best Overall Evening Gown.
Along with the deep sense of accomplishment she felt when she was crowned, Walsh feels her title will bring extra attention to her platform, Devin’s Devotion, which encompasses all of the charitable and philanthropic work she does through Donate with Devin.
In addition, the pageants, she says, “are an important way for women to be supportive of each other through a sisterhood.”
Her greatest inspirations are two women in her life: her grandmother and her mother.
“They have been influential figures in my life ever since I can remember and have raised me to be the person I am today,” said Walsh. “They love and support me unconditionally.”
Walsh will continue her studies at St. Joseph’s while serving as Miss New York International 2025. She hopes to become a psychologist after she earns her degree, and also plans to continue Donate with Devin and pageantry.
For future students, she offers this advice: “Dreams really can come true so keep pursuing your dreams, and never ever give up on your goals. Sometimes it takes a village and a lot of hard work, but it can only be a benefit in life and will eventually get you to where you want to be.”
For anyone interested in contributing, Project Sunshine, the Women’s Empowerment Club and Delta Phi Epsilon are partnering with Donate with Devin to host a business attire clothing drive to benefit Dress for Success Brookhaven. Donations can be placed in boxes around the SJNY Long Island campus today through March 28.
Devin surrounded by her supportive family.
Miss Walsh manages several drives that bring clothing, food, and toys to the less fortunate.
Devin Walsh '27 is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority.
Devin is the president of Project Sunshine, an organization dedicated to helping children through the creative arts.
In addition to her studies, managing a nonprofit and competing in pageants, Devin continues to work within the community.
