FIU Hosts Inaugural Juneteenth Nova Star Scholarship Pageant Celebrating Leadership Service and Black Excellence

Company: Florida International University

Two people pose with a large check made out to "Ambassador of Unity" for "$1,000.00" on a stage.

Programming example

There are no words to describe what a magnificent and magical day June 11th was. FIU's Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee have achieved a tremendous feat by organizing our first-ever Juneteenth Nova Star Scholarship Pageant.The idea for the pageant originated from my upbringing in Texas and the Juneteenth Pageants I attended as a young child and teenager. I had no clue we would actually pursue this initiative this academic year, but with the help of a determined team we pulled it off! Our initial student pool consisted of 50 interested students, and after completing all of the rigorous application requirements, we came up with six incredibly talented and intelligent contestants. These contestants were wonderful to work with, exemplified the true spirit of FIU, and are passionate about addressing the social injustices affecting the African/Caribbean and Black communities.My heart is so full and I am grateful to my leaders, VP EK Hudson and Emmanuele Bowles, Ed.D., CAAP for giving their stamp of approval for this initiative. Thank you to the entire Juneteenth Celebration Committee and to my co-chair/stage manager/brand manager/colleague, Laura López Ramos, MA I will probably be thanking you for the next year for all of the work you have put into making this possible! Lastly, thank you to our sponsors for coming to the mixer and staying through the pageant it meant a lot to our team, and contestants. Thank you to our wonderful judges: Alexandra Torres, Michael Hearon, Carolyn Jackson, Kenasha Paul, and Misha Nelson!Thank you to all the contestants, Matty Sey, Hailey Forges, and Taina Patterson! And congrats to our top scholarship winners: Ambassador of Unity (1,000.00) Caiyln Collins Ambassador of Justice (1,500.00)Jazmin Johnson Nova Star Ambassador (2,000.00) Teddisha MackeyWe are just getting started please check out our weeklong list of activities here: go.fiu.edu/juneteenth hashtag#NovaStar2022 hashtag#FIU hashtag#DEI hashtag#juneteenth2022 hashtag#scholarship hashtag#service

Communities

  • Black

Observances

  • Juneteenth

Formats

  • Awards & Recognition Event
  • Offsite Event

Goals

  • Connect