City of Albany announces Tulip Queen nominations now open

The City of Albany is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2013 Albany Tulip Queen are now being accepted!  Nominees must have a strong sense of community, be knowledgeable of Albany, and possess leadership skills. Eligible nominees are women between the ages of 18 and 23 who have never been married. They must reside in Albany County for the entire year of reign (May 2013 - May 2014).  

To nominate a candidate, please visit the website, www.albanytulipqueen.com. Nominations may also be mailed to the Office of Special Events. 

Meet the 2012 Tulip Queen and her Court: 

Tulip Queen Emily Finnegan, 20, is a junior at the University of Albany studying Political Science and Globalization Studies. Her volunteer work includes educating children in India and participating in a Habitat for Humanity project in Guatemala. Locally, she is a board member for the Albany Student Association's Committee of Community Engagement, serving organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and Autism SPEAKS.

Nicole Branchini, 22, is a 2011 graduate of the University of Albany, holding a degree in History with a minor in Education. She currently works as a graduate assistant for the University of Albany's Athletic Department. Nicole's volunteer experience includes work with Relay for Life, Guilderland Youth Lacrosse, the American Cancer Society, the AIDS Council and Adopt-a-Family. 

Millie Condon, 19, is a student at Siena College, double majoring in Education and French. She is currently employed at the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center. Millie has volunteered her time as a North Albany Girl Scouts leader, a Siena Bonner Service leader, the co-host of WVCR's ChangeMakers radio show and with the Albany Boys & Girls Club.  

Nicole Dama, 21, is a senior at the College of Saint Rose, studying Public Communications with a minor in Social Justice. Nicole's volunteer experience includes work with Habitat for Humanity, the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum and the College of Saint Rose's Friday Knights program and Reach Out Saint Rose Day. 

Jillian LeFevre, 22, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2011 with a degree in Business Management, a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Electronic Arts. She has volunteered as a children's dance instructor and with summer literacy programs, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Kids Giving to Kids and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.