MISS AFRICA USA ATTENDS: ARIK AIRLINES, DISH NETWORK AND AFROTAINEMENT TV CORPORATE DINNER IN MARYLAND

Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga attends Dish Network Sponsored dinner

Miss Africa USA 2011 -2012  Ghyslaine Tchouaga has been keeping a busy schedule as the reigning Queen representing the motherland at various Corporate Events with networking opportunities for the African Community.   Last month she received a special invitation to join top Executives of Dish Network Africa, Arik Airlines and Afrotainement TV for their end of year Corporate dinner with African Business Executives in the DC metro area.  This event took place at the Gaithesburg Marriott Hotel.

The Corporate Dinner, sponsored by Dish Network Africa Division was aimed at bringing together African owned businesses to network and share information about existing programs for Africans on mainstream television in the United States of America.  Dish Africa has established various channels committed to providing entertainment for the African Community, from the Afrotainement Channel, to Africa 24 and more. All these channels screen good quality programming, sharing the cultural experiences of Africans around the world.  It was certainly a great experience for the Queen as she got to meet some of the sponsors of the Miss Africa USA Pageant, such as the Executives of Afrotainement TV and also Arik Airlines.

Mr. Frenard Ganda leading the Miss Africa USA Delegation attending the Dish Network Corporate Dinner.

Pictured above, Mr. Frenard Ganda, Audio Visual Director of the Pageant, Lady Kate Njeuma, CEO of Miss Africa USA Pageant, Miss Africa USA Ghyslaine Tchouaga and Miss Diane Kadji. Mr. Otto Enow was also in attedance at this event all representing the Miss Africa USA Organization.

Meet Valerie Kabela, a very  dynamic Lady driving the Dish Africa programming forward, providing opportunities for African cultural experiences to be shared on mainstream television. She is doing an awesome job with more channels being made available.    She is responsible for the growth of the African Channels on Dish.  She believes that the African community in the United States is very unique and forms a very big untapped market.  She encouraged guests to take the word out into their communities about the special programing available for the African community and wants people to have access to the chanels by subscribing via Dish Network for a small fee.

She appealed to members of the community to continue to subscribe because the success of Dish Africa heavily depends on the support of subscribers and this is also proof that there is a market and an need for such special channels to cater for the African Community.  The Hispanics have it going on, so why not Africa?  If you are reading this article today and you have Dish Network, all you need to do is subscribe to the Dish Africa Channels, One Price and you get all these African Television coming your way, from Movies on Afrotainement TV,  News From the Continent on Africa 24 Channel.

It was also wonderful to meet Mr Yve Bolanga, the Executive Director of Afrotainement TV.  This indomitable Lion (meaning a Cameroonian) has a big heart and big dreams for the African community in the United States and diaspora.  The brain behind Afrotainement TV was one of the Keynote Speakers at the Dinner and also a Co-Sponsor.  Mr. Bolanga unfolded his dream and vision for Afrotainement TV, how it all started and where it is heading.  Afrotainement currently boasts of several entertaining programs for the entire family on a round the clock and round the year basis, meaning non-stop.  You can enjoy the latest Nollywood movies as they are released as well as movies from around the continent of Africa, if you are a sports fan or shall i say soccer fan, you got it on Afrotainement, how about Talk Show lovers? You will love the talk shows on Afrotainement TV.

Miss Africa USA is a proud supporter of Afrotainement TV and we encourage all fans and supporters of the pageant to subscribe and start enjoying the best of Africa on TV.  Please see the end of this article for contact information on Afrotainement TV.

Posing with yet another proud sponsor, Arik Airlines International Vice President Mr. Robert Brunner was also in attendance at the Dinner.  Arik Airlines was giving away discounts and free tickets to attendees who signed up for Dish Network.  Mr. Brunner, a great visionary and longevity of service in the aviation business from Europe to the United States gave an overview on Arik Airlines.  So far the best Airline to handle your luggage with freedom to fly hassle free to Africa, great deals on luggage and lots of room to stretch out on board and of course great customer service.  Some of the guests attending the dinner actually gave some reviews for Arik Airlines based on their own recent experiences flying with the airline.  So Kudos to Arik Air!!!!!!

The Miss Africa USA family supports Arik Airlines and we are strongly appealing to all fans and supporters of the pageant and its affiliates to FLY ARIK AIRLINES TO AFRICA.  If you are thinking of flying to West Africa, Let Arik Airlines be your number one!!!!!!

The Pageant organization certainly appreciates the sponsorship of Arik Airlines for the 2011 Miss Africa USA Pageant and the support of Mr. Kobi Brew-Hammond who made it all happen.

 

Miss Africa USA speaking at the Dinner with Arik Airlines, Afrotainement TV and Dish Africa

Miss Africa USA GHYSLAINE TCHOUAGA SPEAKING

Thanks once more to Ms Valerie Kabela for inviting the Miss Africa USA Team to the Joint Dinner of  Dish Africa, Arik Airlines and Afrotainement.  Mr. Chido made a great MC for the event and it was certainly eye opening to listen to the forces behind each of these organizations.  Africa is moving forward because we have people like the above making some big moves.

For More on Afrotainement TV please click the link  below

http://www.afrotainment.tv/

ESTABLISHING THE ARETHA MAKIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR MISS AFRICA USA

The Iconic Beauty, brain and seasoned professional Dr. Aretha Makia graces the Miss Africa USA Pageant and its ideals by throwing her weight in support of Education for the African Girl.  Miss Africa USA Pageant is proud to announce the launching of the

ARETHA MAKIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR MISS AFRICA USA.

90%  of the delegates representing their countries in the pageant each year are either college students or graduates planning to return to further education and self development.  This announcement is a great initiative to prove to our young women that Education is the Key.  An educated woman is an empowered Woman.  This is a historical gesture in the Miss Africa USA Pageant, for the first time in its seven years of existence, a special Scholarship trust fund is set up for the winner, sponsored by a former beauty Queen.

Aretha won the hearts of Cameroonians back in the 1990s when she gracefully paved her way to the Crown of Miss Cameroon.  Her beauty is skin deep and her heart exonerates kindness, humility and love.  In 2010 the Miss Africa USA Pageant recognized her humanitarian service, helping to save lives and make a difference in Haiti after the earthquake that took so many lives. She was on the ground in Haiti saving lives.  Dr. Makia who is a top OB/GYN surgeon in Maryland is a success story,  a former beauty Queen who epitomizes the strength and real beauty of an African woman.  She has a successful career as a Physician and her love for fashion puts her on a different level, balancing a successful career, motherhood, an awesome wife and she is a fashion statement and will immediately light up any Red Carpet with her great fashion and style.  She has become a strong patron and advocate for the Miss Africa USA Pageant and shares in the pageant’s vision of empowering young African girls.

 

THE MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT SALUTES DR. ARETHA MAKIA, A ROLE MODEL FOR BEAUTY QUEENS AND AN INSPIRATION.

 

 

Dr. Aretha Makia receives the 2010 WOMAN OF VALOR AWARD at the Miss Africa USA VIP Banquet at the UMUC Marriott Hotel.

In 2010 Dr. Makia was responsible for Asking those Final Interview Questions at the Pageant, to the top 5 Finalists after which

the Winner was Selected.  She has been in that position before and she did an excellent job to make the girls feel relaxed on stage as they prepared to deliver their final answers.   Dr. Makia will again be throwing those questions to the finalists this year at the pageant slated for Sunday Novemer 13 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Downtown Silver Spring Md.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING DR. MAKIA FOR HER VERY KIND GESTURE TO THE PAGEANT DELEGATES.

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Masters President and CEO of The Leon H Sullivan Foundation Chairs Miss Africa USA Pageant

 

Hope Masters is President and CEO of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation. Hope has dedicated her life to supporting the work of her father, Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, and to carrying on his spirit and legacy after his passing.

At the request of her father, after completing her studies in law at Temple University in 1989, Hope applied her legal training to developing and supporting programs within OIC America and IFESH, two of the organizations that her father established. She played a central role in the planning for the Leon H. Sullivan Summit I and supported the development of the Global Sullivan Principle of Social Responsibility in the early 1990s. After her father’s passing in 2001, with the support of Ambassador Andrew Young, Hope established the Sullivan Foundation, to which she refers as “the embodiment of a daughter’s love.”

The Miss Africa USA Organization and African Women’s Foundation Participated in The 2010  AFRICA POLICY FORUM which was organized by the Leon H Sullivan Foundation in Atlanta Georgia. A grounds breaking event which created a rare opportunity for the diaspora to network with African and African American leaders for the development of Africa and people of African descent.  That was our first encounter with the brain behind the Leon H Sullivan Foundation, Hope Masters who is creating her own Legacy by keeping her late Father’s Legacy alive.  As an inspiration to this generation of young leaders, Hope is working very hard through the Foundation to uplift millions of lives and develop communities in Africa.

It is an honor indeed for the Miss Africa USA Pageant and the African Women’s Development Foundation to annouce to you our supporters, sponsors, fans and friends that Hope Masters will Chair the Miss Africa USA Pageant 2011.  Her excellence in Leadership and achievements overall make her a role model for young women.  The Pageant empowers young women as Goodwill Ambassadors and future leaders of Africa and Hope Masters involvement in the Pageant will further enhance the values we represent.

Rev. Leon H Sullivan has long been recognized as a man of unparalleled vision and action. In 1963, Life Magazine cited Reverend Sullivan as one of the 100 outstanding young adults in the United States and, indeed, he went on to become one of the most outstanding people not only in the United States, but also throughout the world.

one of his favorite quotes:

” I make no excuses about it, I am like Robin Hood. I take from the rich and give to the poor. It is high time at last for the world to wake up and do more for Africa.”

(Rev. Leon H Sullivan)

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LEON H SULLIVAN FOUNDATION

MISS AFRICA USA VIP AWARDS BANQUET JULY 2010

The Miss Africa USA 2010 VIP Banquet and Awards  ceremony was hosted at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center. The color theme for the night for all 32 delegates was gold. The girls were elegantly dressed in different shades of gold as pictured above. 32 finalists representing different African countries.  The purpose of the night was to create an opportunity for the finalists to share their various humanitarian platforms and micro projects benefiting under served communities.  The night also featured an Awards ceremony.

Vice President of Montgomery County Council Valerie Ervin served as the Chair of Miss Africa USA Pageant. Pictured above delivering her keynote speech, she hailed the pageant for choosing Montgomery County as the host county and was very supportive of the Mission of the Miss Africa USA Pageant, empowering young women as goodwill ambassadors for Africa and America. As a woman with several accolades behind her name, she serves as an inspiration to young women and the pageant was very honored by her presence and for gracing the event as the Chair person.  She is the first black woman to serve as Vice President of Montgomery County Council and a very good role model for our youth.

State Representative Mike Glanton, a long time Patron and sponsor of the Miss Africa USA Pageant pictured above delivering his message as a Guess Speaker at the Banquet. He remains full of admiration for the pageant organization as a whole, recognizing how far the pageant has come and what journey there lies ahead.  He encouraged the young women to keep their aspirations high and hailed them for their spirit to serve humanity, he also pledged his continuing support for the pageant.  State Representative Mike Glanton flew in with his dear wife Pearla Glanton from Clayton County Georgia to be at the pageant.

The Banquet night provided a great opportunity to recognize some of the personalities who have been of great support to the pageant, those who have also worked hard to elevate the pageant as well. Pictured above is Mr. Joseph Eyong, Personal Aide to the Vice President of Montgomery County Council, receiving the Leadership Award on behalf of his Boss Valerie Ervin, who also served as the Chair Person for the Pageant.

Miss Linda Arrey and Lady Kate Njeuma Presented the Patron’s Award to Honorable Mike Glanton and His dear wife Pearla Glanton recognizing their patronage and sponsorship. Mrs Glanton spent several days to create some beautiful gift baskets for each finalist in the pageant this year.  The pageant organization remains very grateful for the support of the Glanton family.

A very special Award for a very special Lady, Dr. Aretha Makia received the Miss Africa USA Pageant: Woman of Valor Award. She not only served as the honorary host of the pageant this year, she is also a past beauty Queen who has proven that beauty is deeper than the skin, bigger than the eyes can see.

She was crowned Miss Cameroon some years back, she went on to achieve excellence in education and became a Medical Doctor and now practices as a Women’s Health Specialist in Maryland. She owns her own Clinic, spends time on charity work and she still looks very beautiful. Dr. Makia is an inspiration not only to beauty Queens but to all women as as well. We are very proud of her.

Also present to grace the occasion that evening was Miss Africa USA 2006 – 2007 Miss Teizue Gayflor from Liberia. Miss Teizue completed her reign in 2007 and did so much for her community in Liberia. She gained sponsorship to visit Liberia where she was able to support school children with school supplies, talked to students about the importance of education and had an opportunity to preach the message of peace and reconciliation in Liberia.  Miss Teizue was honored as a goodwill Ambassador for her service to humanity during her reign as Miss Africa USA.

The Program booklet cover designed by Miss Icy Promotions.

On THE RED CARPET FOR MISS AFRICA USA BANQUET JULY 2010

The 2010 Miss Africa USA Banquet, a Red Carpet Event, featured the 2010 delegates of the pageant, special guests, members of the diplomatic core, elected officials and friends and family who came out to show their support for the Pageant delegates representing different African Countries. Pictured above on the Red Carpet are: Vice President of Montgomery County Council Valerie Ervin and some of the 2010 Pageant delegates. Ms Valerie Ervin chaired the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant which took place in Montgomery County July 22-25-2010.

Miss Fifi Soumah and Miss Tatiana Fetgo enjoy a moment on the Red Carpet with Special guest, His Excellency The Ambassador of Sierra Leone.

VIP guests attending the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant Banquet event at the UMUC Marriott conference Center in Maryland. The first VIP banquet in the history of the pageant drew Politicians, members of the Diplomatic core, African Royalties, friends and family who dined together and shared the stories of the delegates and their humanitarian platforms for Africa and the United States.

Pictured above are Miss Africa USA Patrons Mrs Glanton, Honorable Mike Glanton, State Representative from Clayton County Ga, Pageant Founder and CEO Lady Kate Njeuma and the Pageant Manager Miss Linda Arrey, on the Red Carpet.

Miss Gabon Coretha Antchouey supported by officials from the Embassy of Gabon in Washington DC, standing by their Queen at the Miss Africa USA Banquet 2010.  Miss Gabon’s Platform for the pageant involves raising awareness on Cervical Cancer in Gabon, promoting early detection and prevention strategies for women.

Cameroonian VIPs on the Red Carpet at the Miss Africa USA Banquet, July 24th, hosted at the beautiful University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center in Maryland. Pictured above: Pageant Host Dr. Aretha Makia and husband Dr. Makia, friends Dr. Elangwe, VIP guests:  Mr. Solomon Egbe and friends of Dr. Makia, the Pageant MC Dr. Emma Osong among other VIP guests.

African Designers played a very important role at the pageant this year, highlighting African couture on the runway. On the Red Carpet are Miss Linda Arrey pageant manager, Fashion Designers: Vera Ochia from Kenya, Frank Osodi from Lagos Nigeria, Lady Kate Njeuma the Founder and CEO of Miss Africa USA, Fashion Designer Stella Atal from Uganda, Akouavi Slater from Togo and Miss Africa USA Pageant Production Manager Kyle Haggerty .

On the Red Carpet: Mrs Astrid and Mr. Ivo Tasong, proud sponsors of the 2010 Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant, here attending VIP banquet at the beautiful UMUC Marriott conference center in Maryland.

Miss Linda Arrey the Pageant Manager and Miss Nigeria finalist Miss Roseline Amusu enjoy a moment on the Red Carpet just before the banquet kicked off.

Few Snapshots on the Miss Africa USA Red Carpet event, More photos available on the website and facebook.  Thank you.

MISS AFRICA USA 2010 PLATFORM PRESENTATION AT VIP BANQUET

For the first time in the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant 5 year history, the Platform presentation night became a separate event from the main pageant night competition. Reason being that the platform segment is one of the most important segments of the competition which deals with the humanitarian and public speaking aspects.  In this segment, contestants are judged on public speaking skills, poise, confidence and micro project presentation.

At the VIP Banquet, the delegates are given the opportunity to talk about their projects to benefit a community in need and what they can do or are doing  to make it a reality. 32 amazing, ambitious and intelligent young women of African heritage took to the stage to tell their stories to a very attentive audience of Ambassadors, Politicians, Royalties and Very Important Personalities who packed the elegant banquet room at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center in Hyattsville Md.

Miss Fifi Soumah who won the pageant speaks passionately about her dreams for Africa, raising awareness and campaigning against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation. She is the first beauty Queen to tackle a women’s rights issue such as FGM.  She also speaks about her passion to see many more young African girls gain an education especially young girls in her country of origin Guinea where the literacy rate of young girls is extremely low. Fifi a full time student at Montgomery College in Maryland promises to empower women through education.

Miss Angela Wambui is a full time student in Seatle Washington, a strong Pan-Africanist and a true believer in development through empowerment. Angela is a Kenyan American who came to the pageant with lots of positive attitude, energy and attributes. She presented herself in her Kenyan regalia at various competition segments and really wanted to bring out that intrinsic and unique beauty of Africa. Angela speaks to the listening Audience at the Banquet about her global campaign that will transform the image of hopelessness in the 21st century Africa to one of  empowerment through the provision of educational opportunities. Angela believes Africa is beautiful and that is her message to the world.  She finished off the pageant winning the Miss Culture Award. Through Angela, we all witnessed Kenyan beauty through fashion, talent and other presentations. It was quite interesting to watch her bring out the beauty of Kenya at the 2010 Miss Africa USA Pageant.

Miss Natasha Beckley pictured above hails from Sierra Leone, a great public speaker, a writer and poet who boasts of several pageant titles in her keeping spoke passionately about her humanitarian platform called Sisters Helping Sisters. Her presentation involved promotional items like T-Shirts she designed to promote her program, helping women in Sierra Leone, she also presented a nice little backpack of female hygiene items which she has started distributing to adolescent girls in schools in Sierra Leone. The idea is to teach girls about female hygiene and also provide basic necessities such as deodorants and other hygiene products for women. She is also working on Scholarships for young girls from deprived communities so they can also have the opportunity to go to school and gain an education.  Miss Natasha finished the pageant in 2nd position as the Deputy Miss Africa USA also known as the First Princess. Should the Queen become incapable of completing her reign for one reason or the other, Miss Natasha Beckley will automatically assume her position.

Meet Miss Priscilla Boateng who hails from Ghana in West Africa. Miss Priscilla displayed her eloquence and elegance at the pageant finishing off in 3rd Place as 2nd Princess. She is full of charm, charisma and confidence and that is exactly what she brought to the table at the competition. In great spirits, she thrilled the audience with her presentation on her project which involves technology transfer to schools she has adopted in her native Ghana. Her program involves partnering a school in the United States with one in Ghana providing Information Technology training to students emphasizing the importance of IT in the world today. Miss Boateng hopes moves like this one will help to alleviate poverty in the long run.  She promised to complete her project whether or not she is crowned Queen and that is just what she is doing.

Meet Miss Gnima Diop from Senegal, Gnima is a great spokes Model and the Judges deemed it fit to award her the Miss Africa USA Spokes Model Title. Miss Gnima who is a full time student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia spoke passionately about her platform ‘Stand Up For Africa.  Her project involves several ways she would like to inspire young generations of Africans at home and diaspora to become more actively involved in the development of Africa and their communities abroad. Miss Gnima won the Spokes Model Award for 2010 and is proudly using her title as a motivational speaker and she is one to recorn with.

Miss Roseline Amusu hails from the country known as the giant of Africa, Nigeria, a full time student in a New York College, Miss Amusu’s passion and heart lies with the children who are victims of child slavery. Roseline who has great pageant experience behind her from her days in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and representing Nigeria in the Miss Universe pageant, spoke eloquently at the banquet, highlighting one of the cruelest crimes against humanity, that of child slavery. Herself a victim of child slavery who now finds herself in a very privileged position in the United States, has so much concern and is doing something to raise awareness about this problem. She is actively seeking ways to help children and provide them with a secure environment where they can be free to grow up as children away from abuse.  Roseline launched the ‘Break Free Foundation’ to do just that.  Roseline finished the pageant competition in 5th place also known as 4th Princess and promises to continue her campaign against Child Slavery.

Miss Tronella Nagadya hails from the beautiful country of Uganda also known as the Pearl of Africa. Tronella is also a full time student with a strong passion for youth Empowerment. Though her speech got interrupted by some technical difficulties she remained cool, calm and collected until it was conducive to continue speaking. With grace and poise, she delivered her message of youth empowerment for development.

Meet Miss Miracle Edison who made it to the top 15 at the pageant this year, representing the beautiful country of Cameroon. Miracle is a full time student in Texas and a strong advocate for women’s rights. Miracle tells the listening audience about her campaign to stop the pounding of the breast of young women as the reach puberty as a way of preventing childhood pregnancy or rape. A practices perpetrated by women against young girls in the hope of protecting them from advancing males, this practice is harmful and causes long term physical and psychological damage to the girls. Miracle has launched her campaign in Cameroon and is already effecting change. She promises to fight on and ensure this practice is outlawed in Cameroon.

Here is Miss Khadija Uwimana who is relatively very new to the United States. Coming from a country ripped apart by genocide in a bitter civil war that left almost every child orphaned, herself a surviver of the war in Rwanda with some disturbing experiences and stories to tell, Miss Khadijah who is an orphan, came to the pageant to tell her story to the world. Though she is still learning the English language, she was able to express herself to the understanding of her audience who were so amazed by her courage and difficult past. Her passion is to help those orphans left behind in Rwanda who still need a lot of help. She was lucky to have been adopted by an American family and is now pursuing higher education in Texas, her plan is to go back to Rwanda with help from her community in Texas to deliver and support orphans. Miss Khadija has a very supportive community around her in Texas and she is working on publishing her book, detailing her story as a Rwandan Refugee.

Meet Mameisia Mimi Kabia who hails from the beautiful country of Sierra Leone.  She is a full time college student whose passion is to save lives, save the thousands and thousands of women, babies and children who die due to lack of proper maternity and childbirth facilities in Sierra Leone. Mamiesia has launched a strong campaign to raise awareness on the high infant mortality rate and very poor mother and child health care in the country. Mamiesia finished the pageant experience and placed in the top 15 of the competition. She promises to keep her campaign going strong.

The list goes on with all 32 finalists who made it to the pageant this year. Each delegate represents the true face of Africa in America, women rising up from their difficult and challenging past, some apart from their families and loved ones, all in search for a better life not only for themselves but for their communities. Women who are truely beautiful inside out, great leaders of the future. One thing is certain, that these young women growing up in the United States today have learned the American spirit of giving back, using their privileged positions in America to advocate for those less fortunate.  In a post pageant survey conducted by the pageant management this year, 71% of the finalists say they will continue working on their various humanitarian projects with or without the crown and will continue to volunteer for America thereby helping their communities in Africa and North America.

Fatoumata (Fifi) Soumah Crowned Miss Africa USA 2010

The Miss Africa USA Management team proudly presents the African Queen in America Miss Fatoumata (Fifi) Souma who will reign as Miss Africa USA 2010 – 2011. Miss Fifi was crowned at the beautiful Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Saturday July 24 2010.

Fifi Souma is  from the Republic of Guinea Conakry, 21 yrs old, speaks fluent French and English, 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, Fifi 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 total of 32 finalists from different African countries participated in the competition and Fifi Soumah emerged as the winner. Fifi will continue to work on her Platform : raising awareness on Female Genital Mutilation and promoting education for the girl child. She will also be volunteering for America, joining major charities to help communities in need.

MISS EMMANUELLA TAMFU TO PERFORM AT THE MISS AFRICA USA PAGEANT 2010

Miss Africa USA pageant management proudly welcomes Miss Emmanuella Tamfu as one of the performing artists for the 2010 Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant. Miss Tamfu will thrill the audience with her angelic performance of the American Anthem.

Emmanuella Tamfu

Born to His Royal Highness Chief Emmanuel Muam and Queen Mother Patience Tamfu on April the 4^th 1987, in Cameroon, Africa, I began singing at an early age of 5 and would perform several African traditional, school and church songs in front of cheering family and friends whenever the occasion arose.

As I grew older, my love for music became stronger and attending Saker Baptist College, a school well known for its strong musical abilities made me more musically inclined. I would listen to music of any kind and play out the song as if I was the artist.  The bathroom became my musical stage, causing uproars among my siblings because I will take forever in the shower, singing and making music with whatever would make a noise!

I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 2008 from Morgan State University and I am currently pursuing a career in Pharmacy.

As a member of The Agape Christian Church Choir in Baltimore Maryland, I have the great opportunity to sing and perform on a regular basis.

I had the singular pleasure to be introduced to Singer/Songwriter/Producer; Walta Blackson at the beginning of 2010 and we are working on my debut album which should be completed, hopefully by the end of this year.

My dream and hope is to one day is to become an artist who touches many lives with my music, a performer who and a Pharmacist who helping to make people feel better.

Dr. Emma Osong to MC the Miss Africa USA VIP Banquet July 23 2010

The Miss Africa pageant management proudly welcomes on board Dr. Emma Osong as the Official MC for the 2010 VIP and Ambassadors Banquet marking the launch of the 2010 Scholarship pageant.  Dr. Emma Osong has hosted several high profile events in the Washington DC area and she will bring her special touch of class to the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

DR. Emma Ngang Osong, D.M, is a corporate trainer, professor, and consultant with a background in aviation engineering, organizational management, and Leadership Development.  She has worked as a Senior Systems Engineer consultant to the Federal Aviation Administration. She serves as adjunct faculty at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. and as Graduate faculty at Argosy University in Arlington, Virginia. She has been hired to speak at several events including the World Bank.

Dr. Osong was Miss Cameroon-USA in 1987. She has a passion for advocacy and volunteers her time as a grade school teacher and to various charities. Osong holds a doctorate in management and leadership from the University of Phoenix and masters in electrical engineering from the Catholic University of America. She lives with her husband Gerry and three children, Nadine, Praxedes, and Steph in Maryland. When not working, Emma enjoys traveling, reading, classical music, and entertaining. She can be reached at osongm@yahoo.com

An exclusive banquet, the first in the pageant’s history in honor of the 32 finalists who will be competing this year for the coveted crown. The banquet will bring together special VIPs such as Elected Officials in the Maryland/DC area, African Ambassadors, sponsors, family and friends of the Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant in an evening of fun. The banquet also features a breathtaking fashion show featuring top designers from the motherland, an Award ceremony and a great opportunity to network with attendees.

All 32 Finalists for the pageant will be formally introduced, kicking off the pageant competition with their platform Presentations and micro-project achievements so far.  It is a night of great substance and we are all looking forward to this Red Carpet event, launching the 2010 pageant.

VICE PRESIDENT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIRS THE MISS AFRICA USA 2010 PAGEANT IN MARYLAND

She is the First African American woman to hold the position of Vice President of Montgomery County Council, she has made history, she is a great role model for women in the United States today. The Pageant Management is very happy to announce the 2010 Chair Lady of Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant. It is our hope that her achievements and life experience will inspire all young women to have high aspirations and shoot for the best in life. We are very honored to have as our Chair Lady for the pageant this year Council Woman Valerie Ervin, Vice President of Montgomery County Council.

Montgomery County Council member Valerie Ervin represents District 5, which includes Kensington, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton. Ervin is chairperson of the Council’s Education Committee, which reviews more than half of Montgomery County’s operating budget. In addition, she serves on the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, which conducts budget reviews and program oversight for various county departments and offices.

As an advocate for the interests of working families and improving the lives of children, Ervin has pushed Montgomery County to the forefront of the universal preschool movement. As a result of her work, the Council created the Universal Preschool Implementation Work Group to determine how the county will implement the state’s recommendation that universal preschool should be provided to all 4-year-old children by 2014. In addition, Ervin has advanced additional funding for preschool programs to increase the number of children served in community-based programs.

An Advocate for Children & Families

Councilmember Ervin is committed to making sure that children have proper nutrition by promoting the summer food program and expanding access to universal breakfast. Her leadership on this issue resulted in a 30 percent increase in the number of needy children eating lunch during the summer months. Councilmember Ervin has spearheaded cross-cutting efforts to close the achievement gap by working with the county executive, president of the school board and the superintendent of schools to create the Kennedy Cluster Project. The goal of this project is to identify and address the underlying causes of the achievement gap and to get government departments and schools to work collaboratively to provide a safety net for children.

Elected in 2006, Councilmember Ervin is the first African American woman to serve on the Council. Ervin did not take a traditional path to public service. She grew up in a military family and lived on several military bases throughout the world, but eventually made Montgomery County her home. Ervin got her start in grass roots activism as a union organizer. In this capacity, she fought to ensure that working parents knew about their rights in the workplace and that they received appropriate benefits.

A Background in Education

Councilmember Ervin’s roots in education policy first took hold as a parent volunteer and member of the Piney Branch Elementary and Montgomery Blair High School Parent Teacher Student Associations. The catalyst for her initial involvement in public service was to make sure that her two sons succeed in school. Ervin decided to join the parent teacher student associations, not only to advocate on behalf of her own children, but to be a voice for other children whose parents may not have the time, access or experience to ensure that their children were taking advantage of robust educational opportunities.

Elected to the Montgomery County Board of Education in 2004, Ervin served as chairperson of the Research and Evaluation Committee. While on the Board of Education, Ervin developed solutions to a variety of issues that impacted the lives of students and their families. Ervin also served as NAACP Parents’ Council representative and was a founding member of Blacks United for Excellence in Education.

As a Councilmember, Ervin’s legislative agenda includes making changes that promote the interests of working families. She was the lead sponsor of the County’s Prevailing Wage Law. This law requires contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages to workers on county construction projects. Ervin believes that government has a responsibility to ensure that working families are paid a fair wage to ensure self-sufficiency; otherwise, county government pays in the long run with higher costs for social services and housing assistance.

Councilmember Ervin has worked to dismantle barriers to high-quality child care by promoting better access to child care subsidies for families. She has pushed county officials to eliminate obstacles and streamline the process for accessing child care subsidies. Without these subsidies, families must often choose substandard and unlicensed childcare for their children. Ervin believes that policymakers must create a system that encourages participation, so that families can easily access services.

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