Press
Miss Guinee USA Scholarship Pageant
27 February, 2009: 5:00 PM EST

Adelphi, MD, 5TH September, 2009:

Former Guinean High Fashion Model Gives Through Scholarship Pageant

Guinean born Hawa Barry made a name for herself in America, by building a career in the fashion industry as a print and commercial model doing campaigns for companies like Dudley Cosmetics, Targets and McNeil Healthcare (makers of Motrin).

Barry, utilized her notoriety as a model to bring attention to her place of birth and women’s issues. In order to affectively provide services for Guinean girls and women, Ms. Barry founded NIMBA Entertainment Inc., a not-for-profit organization to help girls and young women pursue their educational dreams and lay a strong foundation for future leadership in Guinea. Through NIMBA Hawa produces the Miss Guinea USA Pageant in order to achieve several goal; raise awareness for improving healthcare, provide public education on abuse issues such as female genital mutilation, to raise funds in support of educational scholarships and cultural events in the US and Guinea. Ms. Barry is also working on promoting and branding a fashion and textile industry in Guinea.

NIMBA will host its first Annual Miss Guinea USA Scholarship Pageant and Cultural Showcase on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center by Marriott in Adelphi, MD.

Contestants must be 17 years of age, single and born in Guinea or of Guinean parentage. “This is an opportunity of strong, intelligent, talented and dynamic Guinean young women to shine before the world and represent the best of our culture and heritage,” beams Barry. “I grew up privileged, but still faces adversity because of I was born female. This is the 21st century, but Africa girls and women are still struggling against centuries old traditions to advance their personal and professional dreams.”

In light of America’s current economic trouble, NIMBA takes a proactive stance in raising scholarship funds through the community to alleviate budget cuts to educational programs. “We must make a way for young women who aspire towards higher education,” says Barry.

The winner of the 2009 Miss Guinea USA Pageant winner will receive a $2,000 college scholarship, a weekend getaway from Marriott Hotel, a professional photo shoot by Celebrity Photographer Jeffrey Gamble, 1 year personal fitness training by Johan at Vital Gym and other prizes worth $10,000. All contestants will be eligible to participate in the African International Modeling Competition.

For more information and to enter the Miss Guinee USA Scholarship Pageant log onto http://missguineeusa.com.

Miss Guinee USA is sponsored in part by, Uzuri Magazine, eBraiding.com, Bothdol Fashions, eBraiding.net and Nafy Collections and Hair Products.

Press Inquiries Contact:
Janesa Media Relations
Telephone: 718-715-0572 NY
Telephone: 301-326-8623 press@janesamediarelations.com