Elisa Akin

Elisa Akin is an award-winning visual artist, flutist, and professional model who was born into a multicultural family in Manhattan, New York.  At 18 years old, her dream of becoming Miss New York Teen USA became a reality. 

This fall, Elisa will begin her studies as a Communications major at New York University.

Her credits include walking in New York Fashion Week, appearing in major international publications like Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar, and most recently being named a Jovani It Girl finalist. She has also modeled for Ashley Lauren alongside numerous independent campaigns across New York City.

Her artistic achievements include earning Gold Key and Silver Key honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and receiving an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall as a flutist.

After spending much of her childhood battling chronic Lyme disease, Elisa was inspired to create, “Art & Soul,” a nonprofit dedicated to bringing creative expression to children facing chronic illness and those in underserved communities.

Through partnerships with Mount Sinai, Lenox Hill Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Boys & Girls Club, she has expanded access to art for children in need. 

Elisa will soon be featured on Mount Sinai’s in-house television channel, teaching art lessons to pediatric patients who are unable to leave their hospital rooms.

Through her work, she has reached more than 300 children across the state of New York and has been recognized by former mayor Eric Adams.

Elisa will proudly represent the Empire State at Miss Teen USA 2026. She is excited to share New York’s creativity, diversity, and resilience on the national stage while inspiring young people to discover the transformative power of the arts.

FUN FACTS
 
  • Carnegie Hall Debut: Elisa is an award-winning flutist and was recently invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
  • Custom Crafter: Elisa loves to knit and frequently craft personalized, handmade gifts for her family and friends.
  • Retro Screen Time: Elisa’s happy place is binge-watching classic films and retro TV shows with her mom.
  • Central Park Recess: In middle school, she visited Central Park daily for recess—every single day felt like an adventure.
  • Special Audience: Elisa once performed a monologue at summer camp with Lin-Manuel Miranda watching from the audience.
  • Sweet Tooth: She has a major sweet tooth, and authentic gelato is her absolute ultimate weakness.
  • Animal Rescue: Fostering litters of kittens from the ASPCA taught Elisa deep respect and compassion for animals at an early age.
  • Jovani It Girl: As a Jovani It Girl finalist, Elisa spent an incredible week modeling at their New York City showroom.
  • Rush-Hour Rescue: Elisa recently rescued an injured baby pigeon off a crowded city sidewalk during peak rush hour.
  • Nancy Meyers Audition: Elisa auditioned directly for director Nancy Meyers to play Anne Hathaway’s daughter in The Intern.
  • First Gig: Elisa’s very first acting job was starring in a commercial for Chiquita Banana.
  • Classical Training: Elisa grew up studying dramatic arts at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
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