An aspiring motivational speaker is settling into her new role as Miss New York.

Elisabeth Baldanza, 23, won the crown Saturday night at the Dix Hills Center for the Performing Arts. The Oneonta native beat out 21 other contestants in the swimsuit, evening wear and talent categories. Baldanza shined in her contemporary ballet performance.

She won a $6,500 scholarship, mink coat and diamond necklace. Baldanza also gets to represent the state at the 2008 Miss America Pageant.

"I'm completely in shock right now," Baldanza said of her win. "I was going to be a resident director at a college, but I think I might postpone that and really focus on this."

Baldanza's proud older sister was among the more than 500 supporters who packed the center. Miss New Jersey Amy Palumbo also showed support and offered words of advice, saying Baldanza should just be herself.

Palumbo spoke about her recent ordeal when she made public an alleged blackmail plot over pictures posted of her on the Internet. "Well, I've become much stronger and a lot more disciplined," she said. "I know how to handle myself."

AP wire reports contributed to this story.