Souma is a full time student at Montgomery College with a major in Communication. Fifi's platform is to raise awareness and fight against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), promote Education of the Girl Child in Guinea and to continue as
a Goodwill Ambassador volunteering for America by teaming up with charitable organizations across the United States to serve needy communities. According to the Judges, Souma had a lot of poise and gleamed with confidence on stage, looked comfortable, is very talented and stood out overall.
The Pageant weekend kicked off with an elaborate VIP banquet at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center while the pageant show took place at Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. Both events were successful and sold out beyond capacity and we do apologize to those who were turned away because the PAC had no more room for anymore attendees.
A glimpse at the audience as the National Anthem of the United States of America was being played via audio CD at the Grand finals. Miss Chinwe Enu from Nigeria followed with the African Anthem " Nkosi Sikelele Africa"and she wowed the audience with her amazing operatic voice.
In attendance at the Miss Africa events, were African Ambassadors to the United States,
local Elected officials, University Professors, sponsors, special guests, friends and family and the 32 finalists who made it to the grand finals this year, representing different African countries in the United States of America.
The event was chaired by Valerie Ervin, Vice President of Montgomery County Council who presented a proclamation to the Miss Africa USA Pageant and the African Women's Development Foundation, declaring July 22 -25-2010 as Miss Africa USA Pageant days in Montgomery County, she was present with her Aide Mr. Joseph Eyong who also played a very supportive role in this pageant and directed protocol very well to ensure all dignitaries were taken care of. Mr. Eyong was also instrumental in showcasing Montgomery County to the delegates and their family and friends which is what the pageant also aims to attain by highlighting the host county to the rest of the world. Montgomery County was certainly very welcoming to over 1000 guests who visited from other states, from Africa and Canada as well.
It was also great to have in the house representatives from the Federal Reserves, thanks to Mr. Wayne Pacine, Senior Inter-agency Project Analyst from the office of Staff Director, Governor of Federal Reserve System in Washington DC.
Vice President of Montgomery County Council Valerie Ervin and her Aide Mr. Eyong present the Proclamation to the leadership of the pageant: Lady Kate Njeuma, Founder and Executive Producer, Miss Linda Arrey, Pageant Coordinator.
Also in attendance were the Pageant Patrons all the way from Clayton County Georgia, Honorable Mike Glanton and his beautiful wife Pearla Glanton who have relentlessly supported the pageant over the years. Mrs Glanton presented special gift baskets for all finalists and volunteers.
The pageant was hosted by Dr. Aretha Makia, a former beauty Queen from Cameroon who also received the Woman of Valor Award for being an inspiration to young women. She was supported by the following MCs Dr. Emma Osong from Cameroon and Miss Nunu Wako from Ethiopia.
THE TOP 4 WINNERS FOLLOWING THE QUEEN ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Miss Natasha Beckley from Sierra Leone, Natasha's goal is to continue working with women in her Sisters for Sisters Campaign.She aims to continue volunteering with organizations in the US and spreading her humanitarian efforts in Africa and internationally as well. It has also been reported that Miss Beckley will represent Sierra Leone at the upcoming Miss World Contest in China.
Natasha will also serve as the Queen's Deputy as needed.
Miss Priscilla Boateng comes in 3rd place as the 2nd Princess. Priscilla hails from Ghana, she is a graduate, returning to school for a Masters degree in Marketing. Priscilla has adopted a school in her home town in Ghana where she hopes to encourage students to gain knowledge and skills in information technology. She will equip the computer lab and promote interest in IT among students in Ghana. Congratulations Miss Boateng!!!!!!!
The Judges:
Mr. Jerrod Mustaf: President and CEO of Street Basketball Assoc. Former NBA star.
Her Excellency Neneh M Gaye: Former Ambassador of Gambia to the United States of America, a journalist and diplomat by profession and an activist for women's rights and empowerment.
Mrs Sarian Bouma: Commissioner with the Governor of Maryland African Affairs Commission, Author of the book 'From Welfare to Millionaire' and entrepreneur with branded
products in the market.
Mrs Astrid Tasong: Director of Vikings Unlimited, including the Vikings Center, Vikings Floral and Vikings Event Planning based in MD.
Mr. Bertini: Actor and Model based in New York.
Mr. Peter Wairegi: Editor in Chief of African-American Lifestyle Mag
and Motivational Speaker.
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