Royal Profile: Queen from Sierra Leone, Miss Hawa Kamara

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy and trying to keep up with life, thanks be to God. Besides living out my platforms of advocating for SHERO and women in STEM, my goal as Miss Sierra Leone USA and onward is to highlight and celebrate my fellow queens and titleholders from Sierra Leone. Using my blog as a tool to thoroughly highlight our queens, this post is to get to know a beautiful titleholder and a phenomenal young lady. Ladies and gentlemen, get to know this beauty with a purpose that is using her crown for a good cause, Miss Hawa Kamara.

Presenting... Queen Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Who is Miss Hawa Kamara?

Age: 23 years old
Place of Birth: Kono District, Sierra Leone
Country of Residence: Republic of Sierra Leone
Hobbies/Interests: loves going to the gym; listening to music; and reading.

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Education:
Annie Walsh Memorial School
Methodist Girls' High School

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Pageant Experience
Miss Methodist Girls' High School
Miss Independence Sierra Leone 2010
Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012
Reigning Miss West Africa International 2013-2014

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 Hawa Kamara representing Salone at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Miss West Africa Salone 2012 Hawa Kamara at the 2013 Miss West Africa International pageant

Hawa Kamara representing Sierra Leone at the 2013 Miss West Africa pageant

Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2012 and Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone

Queen With A Crown and Cause
Queen Hawa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Pikin For Betteh (Krio to English translation: "girl child must be successful"). GPFB is a gender-specific, prevention education program for girls ages 8 to 16. The purpose of this organization is to inspire and promote self love, self esteem, and decision-making skills. This organization works to inspire girls to further their education, prevent unplanned pregnancy, and teenage prostitution. In addition, Queen Hawa is the face of AFRiLOSOPHY, a fashion line that promotes the African culture.

Ebola Awareness: Miss West Africa Sierra Leone 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Sierra Leone's Pride: Miss West Africa Hawa Kamara

Celebrating Sierra Leone's Culture
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Pride: Queen Hawa Kamara

Statement from Queen Hawa
I am a firm believer in education. I love to preach peace. I am a really hardworking young lady. I will advice mankind to redefine their relationships with God, because we all just never know when our journey will end. Redefine our relationships with God every day.

Model: Hawa Kamara

Beautiful Sierra Leone
Queen Hawa Kamara

African Queen: Miss West Africa International 2013-2014 Hawa Kamara

Personal Remarks

A God-fearing woman, one of the things I like about Queen Hawa is her way of redefining beauty. In pageantry, one is used to seeing queens with long braids, wigs or weaves, and larger-than-life hairstyles, but this queen redefines beauty. Since I have gotten to know of her, she has always rocked her bald/low-cut hairstyle and does it so beautifully. This fashionista is an unconventional beauty that loves and lives her life the best way she can, and always has a happy countenance. Additionally, I am a little bias towards Queen Hawa because we have something in common. We share the same Alma Mater: Methodist Girls' High School. Being a product of "Honour Before Honours," it is no surprise Queen Hawa excels in many ways. Keep reaching for excellence and nothing less, Queen Hawa. You're truly a beauty with a purpose.

African Beauty: Hawa Kamara

Model: Hawa Kamara

Green, White, and Blue:
Sierra Leone's Hawa Kamara

Additional Fun Facts about Queen Hawa

• Reads every day
• 5 feet 6 inches tall
• Adviser and consultant at Miss Sierra Leone Limited
• Mentor and teacher to more than 40 youths in Sierra Leone
• Model and has been featured in several advertisements and videos
• Managing Director at Matthew's Artistic Skills For Youth Empowerment (MASYEO-SL)
• 3rd Sierra Leonean woman to win the Miss West Africa International title (there have been 4 MWA winners)

Miss West Africa International 2013 Hawa Kamara

Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

Smile that brightens the world: Miss West Africa International Hawa Kamara

I believe in sharing and making people smile no matter the situation they find themselves. 
- Miss Hawa Kamara, Miss West Africa 2013-2014.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA Walks in FMDS Spring 2014 Urban Jungle Runway Show

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing well, thanks be to God! Last week, I walked on the runway for Virginia Tech's Fashion Merchandise and Design Society's Spring Fashion Show, themed "Urban Jungle." Most of the designers and models for this show were current students at Virginia Tech. Below are some photos of me on the runway during the show, channeling my favorite supermodel Naomi Campbell! I'm sure more photos will pop up as time goes by but I wanted to share these photos with all of you. I hope you like them just as I do.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
T-shirt: Kid Dangerous
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Getting made-up by Kasey
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Getting made-up by Kasey
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Whenever it comes to doing fashion shows, one of my big concerns is usually my hair styling. Although I am open to have a variety of hairstyles, I am very particular about the use of minimal chemicals and heat on my hair. The coordinators wanted the models in ponytails or hair down in slick form, however, I requested and they agreed that I can rock my hair in its natural texture and do something different with it. Special thanks to my mom for doing my hair in cornrows and bantu knots (which were later taken down to have a big fauxhawk). Thank you to my fellow models Midori and Jasmine for helping me take out the bantu knots and "puffing" my hair! Thanks to Kasey for doing a fierce job with my make-up, as well as for some of the other models. Last but not least, thanks to my stager, Kristin, who helped me get in and out of my clothes and putting on and taking out my accessories for my outfits for the fashion show backstage. All of "you rock, don't change!"

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Jazzy Ervins
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Thank you, Jazzy Ervins for your beautiful and creative designs fit for women of all sizes and color; I felt beautiful and sexy wearing your design and I'm glad I made you proud on stage.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Congratulations to Riley Sixta, one of my designers, who won the Best New Designer Award; I'm wearing one of her collections in the photos above and below in the fashion show. I felt like a Greek Goddess in this design.

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photo credit: Priya Singh

Overall, I had a great time at the show and special thanks to the fashion show coordinators (Rachel Carter and Katie Brassington), the designers, runway coach (Midori Oglesby), my fellow models, stagers, and everyone involved in the production of this spectacular event. I met so many amazing ladies during this journey, and made lifelong friendships with these beautiful and sweet ladies. All the models were so helpful to each other backstage, and worked as a team. We are our sisters' keeper. I had a great time!

Urban Jungle Models in Kid Dangerous
Meriam Nure, Ruby B. Johnson, and Judith Johnson

The Chocolate Models in Kid Dangerous
Midori Oglesby, Meriam Nure, Ruby B. Johnson, Judith Johnson, and Jasmine White

Post-Fashion Show
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Post-Fashion Show in mining engineer gear
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Designer: Riley Sixta
Make-up artist: Kasey
Photographer: Chen Jiang

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Source:

J Chen

Collegiate Times

Portfolio: FMDS Urban Jungle Photoshoot

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been very busy but in all things, I thank God for life and opportunities. A couple weeks ago, I did a photoshoot for a fashion show with the theme of Urban Jungle. This spring fashion show is an annual event created by the Fashion Merchandising and Design of Virginia Tech. The photos were taken by the talented and awesome Lauren Walkup, a senior at Virginia Tech. Special thanks to my mommy for doing my hair. For this shoot, the fashion show coordinators, Rachel Carter and Katie Brassington, were going for a natural look with minimal makeup, and I absolutely love the outcome. So I thought I'd share some of the photos with all of you, hope you love them just as I do!

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Design by: Jazzy Ervins
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

Model: Ruby B. Johnson
Makeup artist: Meriam Nure
Hairstylist: Octavia F. Kamara
Design by: Jazzy Ervins
Photographer: Lauren Walkup

The Models

The Models with Fashion Show co-coordinator Rachel Carter

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!

What's becoming very obvious to me is that fashion is art. - Lupita Nyong'o

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

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Follow me on Instagram @MissSierraLeoneUSA

Miss Sierra Leone USA Talks Miss Earth 2013 - The Queens of Africa

Hello world!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing awesome, thanks to the Almighty. In this post, I'll be talking about the 13th edition of the Miss Earth pageant. Miss Earth 2013 will be held on December 7, 2013 at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Miss Earth 2012 Tereza Fajksová from Czech Republic will crown her successor at the end of the event. This edition of the Miss Earth pageant is aligned with "The International Year of Water Cooperation." Miss Earth is part of the Big Four international pageants: Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Universe.

Reigning Miss Earth 2012 Tereza Fajksova from Czech Republic

FACT: Miss Earth Pageant: Beauties for a Cause is an annual international pageant promoting environmental awareness. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote specific projects and often address issues concerning the environment and other global issues through school tours, tree planting activities, street campaigns, coastal clean ups, speaking engagements, shopping mall tours, media guesting, environmental fair, storytelling programs, eco-fashion shows, and other environmental activities.

Left-Right:
2012 Miss Earth winners
Camila Brant from Brazil (Miss Earth Fire), Tereza Faksova from Czech Republic (Miss Earth), Stephany Stephanowitz from Philippines (Miss Earth Air), and Osmariel Villalobos from Venezuela (Miss Earth Water)

FACT: The winner of the pageant is bestowed the title Miss Earth; her runners-up are also given titles named after the other classical elements: Miss Earth - Air (first runner-up), Miss Earth - Water (second runner-up), and Miss Earth - Fire (third runner-up).

Miss Earth 2002 Winfred Adah Omwakwe from Kenya

FACT: Winfred Adah Omwakwe is the first Black representative and first from the African region to hold the Miss Earth title; she formally succeeded Džejla Glavović of Bosnia & Herzegovina (dethroned) as Miss Earth 2002.

Miss Earth 2002 Winfred Adah Omakwe from Kenya

Representing the Republic of Sierra Leone for the second time on the Miss Earth stage is Mariatu M. Dukuray. Theresa Turay was the first woman to represent Sierra Leone at Miss Earth in 2007. Born of Sierra Leonean ancestry on June 16th, 1991 in Damascus, Syria, Mariatu spent half of her childhood and most of her primary school years in Tripoli, Libya. Our Miss Earth Sierra Leone, Queen Mariatu,  is currently doing an online Information Technology program at Amity University of India. Queen Mariatu Dukuray competed as Miss Freetown before winning the Miss Earth Sierra Leone 2013 title.

Crowning Moment: Miss Earth Sierra Leone 2013 Mariatu Dukuray

Miss Earth Sierra Leone 2013 Mariatu Dukuray

Visit Mariatu Dukuray's profile page on the Miss Earth website, and if you have a Facebook account you can VOTE Miss Earth Sierra Leone for the Miss Earth Photogenic contest here.

Miss Earth Sierra Leone 2013 Mariatu Dukuray

Below is a list of the Queens that will be representing the continent at this year's Miss Earth pageant. Good luck to our African Queens. Make Mama Africa proud, ladies!

COTE D'IVOIRE (Ivory Coast)
Miss Earth Gabon 2013

Miss Earth Cote D'Ivoire Bintou Traore

GABON

Miss Earth Gabon 2013

Miss Earth Gabon Filiane Mayombo Koundi

GHANA

Miss Earth Ghana 2013

Miss Earth Ghana Amabel Esina Klutse

MADAGASCAR
Miss Earth Madagascar 2013

Miss Earth Madagascar Erwinah Maton

MAURITIUS

Miss Earth Mauritius 2013 Virginie Dorza

Miss Earth Mauritius Virginie Dorza

NIGERIA

Miss Earth Nigeria 2013

Miss Earth Nigeria Marie Miller

SOUTH AFRICA
Miss Earth South Africa 2013

Miss Earth South Africa Ashanti Mbanga

SOUTH SUDAN

Miss Earth South Sudan 2013

Miss Earth South Sudan Gloria Karsis

TANZANIA

Miss Earth Tanzania 2013

Miss Earth Tanzania Clara Noor

ZAMBIA

Miss Earth Zambia 2013

Miss Earth Zambia Winnie-Fredah Kabwe

ZIMBABWE

Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2013

Miss Earth Zimbabwe Samantha Dika

All the best to the Queens of Africa, and also my home country girl, Miss Earth USA 2013 Nicole Velez.

UPDATE: Miss Earth Fire 2013 is Miss Korea Catharina Choi, Miss Earth Water 2013 is Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut, and Miss Earth Air 2013 is Miss Austria Katia Wagner. Miss Earth 2013-2014 is Alyz Henrich from Venezuela. 

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

Like my Facebook Page

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Sources:

Miss Earth