Hudson Valley's own Col. Christina Fanitzi is competing in the 2025 Mrs. NY America, Mrs. NY American, and Miss NY for America Strong Pageant this Sunday, June 15! Visit mrsnyamerica.com for more information on how to tune in live and cheer Christina on!
Mrs. Christina Fanitzi is an active Colonel, Regimental Tactical Officer in the US Army. She is also a mother to a child with spina bifida, an advocate for disability research and awareness, and recently recognized by NYS Senator James Skoufis as his district's Woman of Distinction for 2025.
To learn more, read the following from American Mothers, Inc.®, who named Christina the 2025 New York Mother of the Year®, in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to military service, family, advocacy, and leadership.
Christina Fanitzi is a native New Yorker, Army Officer, and proud mother to a Spina Bifida Warrior. Over her distinguished military career, Christina has led soldiers across Asia, Europe, and the United States—including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, she served as a Battalion Commander overseeing intelligence analysis in the Pacific, and she currently leads over 1,100 cadets as a Regimental Tactical Officer at West Point.
In addition to her service, Christina was a White House Fellow at the National Economic Council, Special Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff, and an instructor at West Point, where she was recognized as a finalist for the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence. She holds degrees from The George Washington University and The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and has completed prestigious fellowships through the Council on Foreign Relations and MIT. Her military decorations include the Bronze Star and numerous awards recognizing her leadership and philanthropic excellence.
Christina’s journey as a mother has deepened her commitment to advocacy, especially through her work with the Spina Bifida Association of New York State (SBANYS). After her son’s diagnosis, she transformed adversity into action—bringing together eight families in the Hudson Valley to form a Regional Advisory Council and launching the first local Walk-n-Roll, part of SBANYS’s national fundraising initiative. Christina now serves on the organization’s board and has played a pivotal role in raising over $75,000 to support individuals and families impacted by Spina Bifida.
Christina was honored alongside other State Mothers of the Year® at the 90th National Convention of American Mothers, Inc.®, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 24–26, 2025. During the event, Joslynn Skelton of Ventura, California was named the 2025 National Mother of the Year®. Joyce Stevens, National Board President of American Mothers, Inc.®, said: “For 90 years, American Mothers, Inc.® has been proud to honor exceptional mothers like Christina Fanitzi, whose unwavering love and service create profound impact in their families and communities. Christina exemplifies the spirit of motherhood, and we are thrilled to have her represent New York.”