FATOUMATA DIABATE 2013
Hello All!!!
My Name is Fatoumata Diabate, I’m 20 years old and I’m honored to be the Miss Guinee North America 2013-2014. I was born in New York, raised and went to school in Conakry. I presently go to Clark College in Vancouver Washington State where I’m pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems. I am part of the Student Government, the National honor society, the international students’ organization and I’m the activities director of the French club in my college.
I have always had the passion to make a difference in the lives of people around me, that’s why I applied for Miss Guinee North America scholarship pageant. Because it isn’t just a beauty contest, in contrast, it’s an opportunity for young Guinean women to utilize their empowering and leadership skills in making a difference in their country and their communities.
As a young Guinean girl, I used to see many youths on the streets of Conakry, sometimes around gas stations trying to study because they did not have electricity at home. This situation affected me in so many ways. So much so that it grew into becoming a passion for me to help the youths. So, I initiated a project called Light for Future Generation; which aims to provide solar panels in schools in Conakry. The greater reason behind this project is to empower the youths in making a change in Guinee, and create a more secure life for the next generation. That’s my vision, that’s what I strive for, that’s what keeps me awake at night. Because like aunti Hawa always says i’s not about us, it’s about a bigger picture, it’s about Guinee.
In the journey of becoming Miss Guinee, I met six smart, talented and beautiful young women. Mariamelga Diallo, Sohna Oulare, Fatima Diallo, Mariana Sankhon, Rama Barry and Kadiatou Diallo. They all had the same vision as me, to make an impact in the lives of others. Even after Miss Guinea we still support and help each other in bringing that vision to life. Words are not enough for me to describe how thankful I am towards the founder, Hawa Barry Diallo for given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Thanks to santou Dabo the executive assistant, for helping and keeping up with seven loud ladies. Kyle Hargerty, Tibu Cheh, the judges, sponsors and everyone who helped make this event successful andpossible ; I’m grateful. Most importantly thanks to my mother Hawa kouyate and my dad for supporting me, my brother Mohamed for his help, as well as my entire family. Thanks to all those who supported and encouraged me, I’ll never forget you.
Thanks to God almighty for all His blessings upon me and upon my country Guinea and my host country, The United States of America.
Fatoumata Diabate,
Reigning Miss Guinee North America 2013-2014