Miss Africa USA Pageant Finals 2016

I am Deborah Queen Amarachi Tamunotonye Billy Gillis-Harry. It is such an honor and privilege to represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Miss Africa USA 2016 pageant. Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and raised in Houston, TX. I am a dancer, fitness/health fanatic, writer and motivational speaker. I enjoy modern dance, TRX fitness classes, drawing, painting, cooking and food tasting. I aspire to become the next Miss Africa USA because I am a proud African woman who believes in diplomacy and I would like to promote my platform "Redefining BEAUTY". My mission in life is to Redefine BEAUTY (Becoming Educated Artistic and Understanding Towards Yourself). This platform was developed from my desire to enable and equip young women to impact the world. At the age of 17, I developed this platform to enable and equip myself as well as other young women to impact the world by becoming the most authentic version of themselves. I have held several workshops at Texas State, Houston and Dallas where I further explain the concept of Redefining BEAUTY.

My name is Yabwa Dorcas Mbevo, I was born in Democratic Republic of Congo to Dorothee Vonga and Dede Mbevo. I am the youngest of 3 and the only female child to my mother. 3 years after my birth my parents part ways. A couple of years after that my family moved to NAMIBIA, a country I am honored, delighted and proud to call home and represent at this year's Miss Africa USA 2016. The transition from Congo to Namibia was very challenging. A move to a new country calls for an adjustment to a new culture, but I eventually found comfort through a local boys/girls club I attended. Encouraged by an amazing & strong woman I have as a mother, I quickly realized education is key and went ahead and completed my high school in 2012...Although I am a quiet and reserved person I was able to find my wings of confidence when I embarked into different activities, which led me to be involved in various pageants such as Miss Youth Namibia 2013,Miss International University of Management 2014 & Miss Commonwealth International Namibia 2014 (just to name a few) and being able to carry those titles the best way I could ; gave me a social responsibility of being a pillar to those who are yet to find their philanthropy, a voice of the voiceless and a helping hand to those in need. It awakened my interactions with my community and people of all sort of age and background...

My name is Nereida Lobo, I was born and raised in the African Islands of the Republic of Cape Verde, experiencing the rich culture of the tropical climate of West Africa. I believe this initial exposure to the beauty of nature and life endeared me towards appreciating and loving people and has stayed with me till this day. I am honored and delighted to represent the paradise islands of Cape Verde. I moved to the United States when I was 11, and it opened up my world to a new journey of life and experiences. As the oldest of five siblings, I have always learned to take responsibility not just for myself but for others and set examples. With this passion I intend to impact the lives of all those I come across especially children.

Alma was born and raised in Cameroon West Africa. At the age of ten, she moved to Idaho with her mother and three sisters to unite with their father in Pocatello. Alma is currently employed at Idaho State University under the Career Path Internship (CPI) program as a research and graduate teaching assistant to varied professors within the Sociology department. Alma graduated with her Masters in Sociology during the spring of 2016. Her long term goals are to finish her education in Sociology at a doctoral level and also obtain a law degree in order to help the women and children of her country. She would also like to become an author and professor on subjects concerning human trafficking, female objectification and the oppression on Black beauty. Her hobbies are traveling, reading, and eating. For the Miss Africa USA pageant, she will be representing her home country Cameroon.

My name is Esther Mutesi, and I am a proud Rwandan. I was raised in Uganda up until 2010 when my family decided to move to the United States. I attend harford community college in hopes of getting a degree in criminal justice. My career goal is to one day work for the federal government (preferably the FBI) fingers crossed. I enjoy watching movies, playing sports, and online shopping e.t.c. My ultimate goal in life is to work hard so my family can live comfortably.

In the last 20 years, Rwanda has prospered beyond expectation but still faces the problem of water crises. 70% of people living in rural Rwanda face hardships in getting clean water for daily use. Most of people use open water sources which are open to livestock too. My plan is to raise money here in the USA to ensure that most rural Rwandan districts get water coverage as well as other African countries at large. I will also partner up with organizations in Rwanda dedicated to helping communities live healthier so that our country will prosper some more

Please join me in my effort to make a more easier way to life in Rwanda and hopefully the whole of Africa. Thank you!!

Hi, I’m Sandi-belle Shaibani, Miss Liberia! As a Monrovia, Liberia native, I am of Iraqi and Liberian heritage, my Father is Iraqi and my Mother, Liberian. Born on the beautiful west coast of Africa, I now live in, Los Angeles, California. In my free time I enjoy singing, song writing, poetry writing, yoga and swimming. I am pursuing a career in International Business Law. I will use my knowledge from Law School to bring new business ventures to countries throughout Africa, beginning with my home country of Liberia. As passion projects, I hope to own a boutique which I’ve named SB House— a women and mens fashion one stop shop, I will have select brands, who have philanthropy as their mission, and will give back some proceeds to charities in Liberia. SB House will also sell select handmade home decor items from Liberian seamstresses. My life long goal, however, is to do all I can to help my home country of Liberia. Through my platform, For The World, For Us. I will use my undergraduate knowledge and work experience so far to target three key issues facing Liberia, clean water, generating more GDP from rubber, and cleaning up the beach in the West Point District. All of this will take time I know (but i’m ambitious, what can I say), what I have found is that no one can do it all alone. It will take making connections with organizations already targeting one of the three issues and working with them to begin setting up a system in Liberia. My organization will be one of fund raising and generating awareness to bring already existing organizations to have Liberia on their radar.

My name is Merhawit Tesfay. I ws born in the Southern region of Eritrea, and raised in Asmara the capital city of Eritrea.

I am honored to represent my beloved country Eritrea, at the Miss Africa USA pageant this year.
I'm the fifth child in my family of six children.
I moved to United States in the Summer of 2013. Currently I reside in Seattle WA, and I'm a student at Seattle Central College, studying to become a Dental Hygienist.
I love to cook and i also love dancing. I also enjoy running and hiking to keep me fit.

My platform is to encourage Eritrean refugee students in Camps to continue their education no matter what they face because education is key.

Chinecherem Eze has learned to put no limits on her capabilities and believes we can all be whom we desire to be. This is the philosophy that 24 year old Chinecherem lives by. Born in the eastern part of Nigeria, she grew up under the care of her parents whom she says she learnt her entrepreneur skills from.

Chinecherem is passionate about natural beauty, hence she advocates for African women to love and appreciate their skin while also striving to put an end to the skin bleaching epidemic. Driven by the rate at which African women bleach, she decided to create her own natural and organic skin care products which she called Skin Afrique. Skin Afrique was created to encourage women to lean towards natural organic products that would nourish and keep the skin healthier rather than chemicals that would cause irrevocable damages to the skin. Growing up in a male dominated environment, She also grew tired of the stereotypes of women's education ending in the kitchen and so decided to devote her time in teaching and supporting women owned businesses to put an end to women marginalization. She is currently working with a creative agency enti-tled Sheek Gal in educating and encouraging Black women that are striving to be Entrepreneurs by featuring black owned women businesses.

My name is Sonia Mahoi Miss Gambia. I'm 22 years old. I love children and have always wanted to have an opportunity to bring to life my idea about helping the unfortunate children in Africa to have a brighter feature. More attention will be on the children in orphanages, and the very less privileged to make sure they have a chance to experience a normal life as a kid. I would love to work hands in gloves with the concern authorities and non-profit organizations, to make sure these children don't worry about where their next meal comes from or about clean drinking water. My goal is to make sure children have the right free education. And create funding accounts and charity groups to help build schools, free children's clinics, provide school supplies, food, clothing and much more. I appeal to everyone to help work with me to provide a brighter beginning for our future leaders.

M'Mah Camara "Maite" (born February 4th, 1992) is a Guinean beauty pageant titleholder from Maryland , who was crowned Miss Guinee North America 2015. Daughter of Dr Aissatou B, Maite attended St Joseph de cluni in Middle School and transferred to Sylla Lamine to high school. She then attended IPIATE Rabat in Morocco for her freshman year where she did her Gestion D'entreprise then to University of INTED Rabat Morocco where she had her Bachelor Degree in Business Management.
Miss Camara been involved in various community events, Humanitarian works and activities, then served as the official Ambassador for Children Care. Additionally to further promote her platform of Healthy Children.
As Miss Africa USA she plans on continuing her job and giving back to the whole African community, by helping others, most especially the young ones just because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

My name is Crystal Arim and I proudly announce I am running for Miss Africa USA 2016 as Miss Uganda. I am a product of two Ugandan parents and Ugandan grandparents. The lineage continues in Uganda. I was born in London England and migrated to my home country Uganda before relocating to the USA.

I now Reside in Philadelphia as a full-time college student studying international business and public relations.
I have been an advocate and activist since the age of 15 years old.
I advocate for public education law reform,Juvenile Justice reform and immigration reform.
I also serve as a consultant to African business owners and pastors. I have been featured on ABC news, Fox News, Aljezeerah Live, NBC news, and BET for my accomplishments.
I have been blessed with the grace of a visionary.
A visionary I am. A great vision God has for Africa.
As an East African women I am honored to represent such a dynamic and historically intriguing African country.
While I'm running representing one I stand for all.
I stand for Mama Africa. Africa's status and identity speaks volume to many.

Profile Coming Soon!

My name is Ruhama Zewde Hayle and I am from Ethiopia: the ancient African nation which is the cradle of humanity, civilization, coffee and a place where diverse ethnic and religious groups live in harmony for over 3000 years.

I was born in south Ethiopia in a town known as Jimma, "the City of Love", which was in the Kaffa province (the root name & place of coffee). As most Ethiopians, my essential aspect of social and cultural life is based around coffee. The rich culture of communal traditional coffee ceremonies for visitors displays respect and hospitality towards others.

While growing up, during my vacations, I remember plucking coffee beans from the ground in my grandparent's backyard and drinking fresh, hot milk from a cow. This has forever connected me to my traditional roots that everyday Ethiopians live, even today!

Hello My name is Stacy Gyamfi-Darkwah representing Miss Ghana in this years Miss Africa pageant. I am a Registered Nurse from the small state of Rhode Island and I do not only want to make a difference in individuals lives' in the hospital, but out side in communities as well. I enjoy all things aesthetic(fashion,beauty ect), traveling, trying new things, and eating. My primary platform is primary prevention, preventing the problem before it occurs. Asides from primary prevention, I have a heart for young women to believe in themselves and young women of African decent to truly embrace there culture. I am honored and blessed to have acquired the title of Miss Ghana 2016 and I am ready to embrace the journey!

My name is Faiza Hada Taounza, i am honored and delighted to be representing my home, a small yet beautiful country in west Africa, rich in love and culture Burkina Faso. My platform focuses on girls education and child marriage in Burkina as its been a real issue in Burkina and still is, classed as number 3 on the world lowest litteracy rate, nearly 80% of women are illiterate in Burkina, there excluded from the “written world” . As I am a strong believer that education is the key to everything. Countries lacking in the education of its young people become stagnate. Young illiterate mothers; although wanting to, are unable to encourage their young children to seek a higher more productive and satisfying goal in life. we all know when mothers are educated so are their children, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.as i say every child has the right to an education. The youngs are the future and we need to plant that seed now. I believe if we want change we must do more than talk about it, we need to take action this is why i joined this to get a voice and change something back home and represent my beautiful country.

Breianna Mateso Fields is the youngest out of seven children and comes from a very close knit family. She believes in using the gifts that God has given her to help others. As a little girl, she was very involved in the arts as well as the church.
She started out modeling with a company by the name of Nalo Productions and from that point on she has been dedicated to the arts. Breianna took interest in singing as well as dancing. At the age of 10 she joined her church's liturgical dance group which is Reid Temple AME. She believes that God has given us all a purpose. So we must fulfill that purpose by using our gifts/talents and not letting them go to waste.

Miss Adebisi Adeniji-Adele is a 24 year old Nigerian Born and Houston native that will be representing the sensational country of Senegal this year at Miss Africa USA Pageant because she believes in One Africa and loves the culture and her affiliation to Senegal.
She received her Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University. Adebisi is a strong activist for education. During the course of her life she has earned over 2,350 community service hours, and has received numerous membership invitations to join honor societies around the world. She is currently a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, the founder of Prairie View’s Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) network pipeline banquet, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, The Golden Key International Honor Society, WHO’s WHO Amongst American Colleges and Universities, just to name a few affiliations. With the platform of Human Trafficking Awareness, Adebisi not only wants to educate the people of Nigeria and Senegal, but all of the African countries about the evils of such practices, alternatives measure to avoiding such traps, but also touch on the importance of education.

Meet Jesca Benson representing Kenya. The Most Beautiful African Country. She comes from Kenya. She Was born last in a family of six, She grew up in the village in Kisii and later moved to Nairobi after completing her high school education. Miss Benson has grown to be a compassionate volunteer who has a soft spot towards vulnerable children. In Nairobi she met a lot of children from poor backgrounds in slums who are ostomates and other disabilities. The ostomates kids cannot afford even stoma bags that is used to collect their waste. Those are life saving things to them. They are often used as a last resort for someone who will die without one.

Age: 26
Occupation: Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Marketing Manager and Former Teacher at Kids of Favor Remedial Center in South Africa, and a Co-Founder of Bokamoso Ba Afrika Foundation.Miss South Africa USA , Miss Cultural Ambassador
Country : South Africa
State: Virginia

The reason for entering Miss Africa USA: I have always had this hunger to help not just my family but to help children in and out of my community deal with self-esteem issues. If I become the next Miss Africa USA, I would be able to empower the youth not just in South Africa but across the world. Given the opportunity to become Miss Africa USA my voice will be heard; I would speak and help my fellow brothers and sister who never got the opportunity to speak out and voice their issues.

Humanitarian Platform: My platform focuses on helping, mentoring and empowering learners affected with learning disabilities. We always preach that education is power but we never bother to empower and help those learners who encounter learning problems hence the result of many drop outs, and students who fail their classes or struggle throughout their school years. Learners with learning disabilities are just as intelligent, they may have difficulties reading, writing, spelling and reasoning, however, with the right support and intervention they too can succeed in school and this can be achieved when we understand what learning disabilities are and how we can help a learner overcome a learning disability.

My name is Same Kooneeng and I am representing the beautiful nation of Botswana; celebrating our 50th anniversary of Independence this year. I currently reside in Brooklyn, NY.

I graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA(Hons) Business Economics & Management. Since childhood, I have always had a passion for artistic expression and I have been fortunate enough to be able to pursue that passion through modelling and music. I aspire to leave my mark in the arts.

My hobbies include running, yoga, camping, basketball and reading, most especially historical novels.

My Platform is about connecting people from a grass-root level, which is why I started the international community group "Fly Thy Flag" in New York City. Fly Thy Flag is all about getting people together so we all raise our country flags up high and be proud of who we are and where we come from. It creates one big family of people from different countries. I'm very glad to be a part of this unique family, because we are never alone when we fly our flags together. Together We Are One!!!

Thank you.

My name is Mickaella Angelica Moyogo
Nzebo, and I am representing the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am an international student living in USA, and majoring in communication at Georgia State University. I really enjoy reading, and I am actually writing a book entitled "As in a mirror." This book talk about self discovery. I also like spending time with the people that I love, and I love fashion like every woman does. I am passionate about communication, and i would like to specialize in international relationships. My platform's focus is fighting against illiteracy within the youth, particularly in Africa. I believe that acquiring education at school is not only a tool that help us to get a job, and have a financial security in life, but it is the most important tool to reach self-fulfillment. The psychologist Abraham Harold Maslow, who has designed the hierarchy of human needs into a pyramid's shape, has placed on the top of this pyramid "Self-actualization." Self actualization is when a person fully use his potential , so that he can make himself useful to his society. This potential is discovered in an environment where a person can choose which science fit better to his talent. This environment is school. I believe that God has placed in each of us a talent, and even more. This talent is like a pure diamond, and needs to be sharpened by education to have a greater impact in a person's life and its society.