When you think of pageants, you envision women who are the epitome of beauty and looks. In 2011, Senya Donkor, the reigning Miss Ghana USA, was a contestant in the annual Miss Africa USA scholarship pageant. However, our queen did not win the crown, but she was fortunate to have come in fourth place. With that being said, we are proud to say that she has since been making a difference with her title holding as Miss Ghana USA 2011.

They say when you educate a girl you change the world. Senya Donkor is currently pursuing her college education at NOVA whilst she continues to perform her civic duties to her community, most importantly as a mentor to young girls. She is also the founder of the Bright Foundation, a non-profit organization scheduled to launch this summer 2012.

Our Miss Ghana consistently strives to make us proud. Her most recent project is an empowerment movement titled AHOFE:

AHOFE is derived from the Ghanaian Akan dialect, which translates into “beautiful.” AHOFE embodies beauty that goes far beyond the physical. It captures beauty, which is so grand that it radiates from the inside out. Not only does AHOFE aim to empower adolescent girls by conveying a realistic image of the everyday female, but more importantly, to promote a humble confidence and drive for a sustainable future. As human beings, we face a world of rejection on a daily basis. We are in constant battle with the media, the people around us and even our own society when it comes to beauty and looks. Everyone has their opinion of who we are and who they want us to be. Often always, as young women, we tend to get lost in those ideals. It is only with confidence and esteem do we learn to not follow the status quo but rather become leaders in our own right.

On June 10, 2012, AHOFE: Part Two will be held at an invite only location. The second part of this movement will be more than a photo shoot. Not only will there be a team of professional and experienced make-up artists, photographers and designers, it will be a time for the girls to venture on a self-discovery of their true beauty. To empower the girls, there will be a group of educated, successful and inspiring women who not only are making a great difference in our communities but in the lives of those in their native countries. Stay tuned for more updates about AHOFE. This is only the beginning!

Meet the team and sponsors who are working on making this shoot a successful event (more to be announced):Senya Donkor