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My Friends Call Me SamI'm a Mindset Coach, Keynote Speaker, Community Leader, Actress and Model.
I successfully lobbied the Hawaii State Legislature to pass a law establishing June 19th as a recognized holiday in Hawaii, all while pursuing my advanced life coaching certification and representing my state in the Top 10 at Miss USA. Now, I am dedicated to helping young women break the rules and change the world. When we're done, you will shine so bright, the world is going to need sunglasses. |
How did we get here?
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I decided to compete for Miss Hawaii USA in July of 2019. I had recently competed in the Miss California USA pageant, placing 2nd Runner Up out of over 70 contestants. It should have felt like an accomplishment, but instead, the experience left a sour taste in my mouth. The entire time, I had been aiming for the crown and forgot why I was competing in the first place. It was never supposed to be about the crown. My goal was to change the world - or at least some small part of it - and use the pageant to help me become someone bold and confident enough to change it.
Setting the Miss Hawaii USA Pageant as a deadline, I dedicated the next 5 months to my personal growth journey. I clarified my purpose, explored my why and discovered my strength. I implemented stress management practices, created self-care routines, and broke down self-limiting beliefs. Each step of the way I became more resilient and found power in my authenticity. |
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With this newly heightened confidence, I not only won the title of Miss Hawaii USA 2020, but I won EVERY CATEGORY of competition: Swimsuit. Interview. Evening Gown. My responses to the onstage interview questions were poised and self-assured like never before. From the inside-out, I radiated my true self as I owned who I was and stepped into the woman I was meant to be - not because I had been given a crown, but because I had transformed into the best version of myself.
I not only won the title of Miss Hawaii USA 2020 but i won every category of competition
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As the titleholder, I continued on my personal growth journey and worked towards becoming even more confident and comfortable in myself. After feeling devastated by the murders of George Floyd, Auhmad Aubrey, Breyonna Taylor and countless others, I felt empowered to combat systemic racism and frameworks of oppression through educating my community.
In June of 2020, I founded Hawaii for Juneteenth with the goal of lobbying the Hawaii State Legislature and urging them to propose and pass legislation recognizing Juneteenth in Hawaii as an official and permanent State Holiday. I had no experience in politics and no pre-existing knowledge of the legislative process. I knew it would be an uphill battle but I was determined to finish it. |
i founded hawaii for juneteenth with the goal of lobbying the hawaii state legislature
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In the beginning, it was challenging to get Lawmakers and other key players to take me or my effort seriously. Once again I had to reach a new personal level. I needed to command attention and embody authority. I needed to exude the captivating presence of a Changemaker.
After a year-long journey leading the Hawaii for Juneteenth coalition, our Juneteenth Bill, SB 939 passed through the Hawaii State Legislature. On Wednesday, June 16th, I will stand next to Hawaii Governor Ige and speak on the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth as he signs SB 939 into law. |
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The best part about my journey is knowing it is only the beginning and there’s still so much room for growth. I am immensely proud of the woman I have become through my time as Miss Hawaii USA and my efforts founding and leading Hawaii for Juneteenth. My next big venture is empowering my clients to step into their most confident, powerful, resilient selves so that they too can become unstoppable Changemakers in their communities.
my next big venture is empowering my clients to become unstoppable changemakers in their communities
The world has been waiting for someone like you. What are you waiting for?
The Pageant Tea
> Miss Hawaii USA 2020 - Top 10 Miss USA, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Interview *First African American to win title
> Miss Hawaii Teen USA 2013 - Top 10 Miss Teen USA, Best in Swimsuit *First African American to win title
> Miss Beverly Hills USA 2019
> 2nd RU - Miss California USA 2019, Best in Swimsuit, Top Model Award
> 2nd RU - Miss Santa Monica USA 2019, Miss Photogenic
When I was crowned Miss Hawaii USA 2020, I again became the first African American woman to win the title. As Miss Hawaii USA 2020, my goal was to promote effective communication. I expanded Time to Talk Hawaii - a program I founded in dedication to helping teens learn to communicate effectively and grow into confident young adults. When the pandemic hit, I transitioned to a virtual format and shared educational videos online with the intention of reaching a wider audience. I was also fortunate to connect with local officials who invited me to partner with Youth for O'ahu. Together, we successfully promoted Ballot Measure 2 in the 2020 election. It passed and established the first ever Honolulu City Youth Commission.
In July of 2020, in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement and George Floyd protests, I launched the Hawaii for Juneteenth coalition. Continuing my original goal of promoting effective communication, Hawaii for Juneteenth was and still is about providing the residents of Hawaii with an accurate telling of US history in effort to further a conversation about race, diversity, and inclusivity.
I am proud to have ended my pageant journey by placing in the Top 10 at Miss USA.
In July of 2020, in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement and George Floyd protests, I launched the Hawaii for Juneteenth coalition. Continuing my original goal of promoting effective communication, Hawaii for Juneteenth was and still is about providing the residents of Hawaii with an accurate telling of US history in effort to further a conversation about race, diversity, and inclusivity.
I am proud to have ended my pageant journey by placing in the Top 10 at Miss USA.
