Las Vegas woman wins first Miss Africa Nevada contest
UNLV and Liberty High School graduate Adwoa Fosu was the overall winner in the first Miss Africa Nevada competition, held Jan. 25 in the theater at Clark County Library.
Six participants competed for scholarship money and were judged in part based on a talent performance; traditional and evening dresses; their answer to a question asked onstage; and their answer to a question asked the day before the event, said Gloria Mensah, the executive director of the Utah-based presenting organization GK Folks Foundation.
Fosu, of Las Vegas, also was named Miss Congeniality and won in the best ambassador to her country category. She represented Ghana. Miss Nigeria Kamryn James finished second overall and won the director’s award; Miss D.R. Congo Sandra Ngwasi finished third and won the best evening gown and most inspirational platform categories; Miss Ethiopia Tsion Gizaw was named best in traditional outfits; Miss Kenya Edna Wanane won the community advocate and best interview awards; and Miss Cameroon Queen Animia Moweta won for best talent.
Mensah said her group coordinated with the African Diaspora of Las Vegas on the contest and contacted African-owned stores and restaurants about spreading the word. The nonprofit GK Folks Foundation lists the mission of Miss Africa Nevada as promoting diverse African culture, teaching the public about Africa’s heritage and providing scholarship opportunities for young African women living in the United States.
Mensah estimated that 280 people attended Saturday’s competition, adding that it’s set to be annual. For more information, call Mensah at 808-237-0543.
Contact Brian Sandford at bsandford@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4531. Follow @BrianAtRJ1 on Twitter.