Meet the Founder and CEO of Miss Guinee USA
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog that highlights stories of black women’s struggles and success.
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By Hadiatou Wann | 03/29/19
On Dec. 24, 2017, Miss Guinee USA celebrated its 10th year anniversary. As Fatima Diallo, the Founder and CEO of the pageant, stood back and glanced at the crowd cheering on contestants, one tought rushed over her: “We did it!”
Throughout this journey, she has learned that the pivotal point to being an efficient leader is turning “I” into “we,” being less self-centered and more of a team player.
Some doubted her ability to manage an organization for a long period. But with the right team by her side, it became a success. The venue was utterly packed, the contestants were proud of themselves, and Fatima felt a relief depart from her shoulders.
“For the first time, I felt it was not only my miss. It was our miss,” said Fatima regarding the reaction she saw from the crowd when a new miss was crowned at the 10th year anniversary.
Running a pageant for a decade has not always been as glamorous as the garments worn by each contestant. It took a lot of sacrifice, risking her family being scrutinized, and being blamed whenever something went wrong.
Once the girls join the pageant, they become Fatima's responsibility. When the girls make a minor mistake publicly, Fatima is held accountable. But she always told the truth to the parents, whether they chose to believe her or not.
When Fatima left The Gambia in 2004 and settled in America, it became apparent to her that a bulk of people in the African community were either demotivated to strive for a higher education or too focused on making money. They were not giving back to the community as much as they should have. They were also becoming more westernized and doing little to preserve the West African culture. As a result, “the culture was dying out.”
In 2005, this prompted her to partake in a fashion show organized by Dj Alpha and Guinean artist DTM. The fashion show showcased the beauty of African attire and promoted the youth.
She wanted to do more. She did research and found that Miss Gambia existed and was not going to replicate an innitiative that someone had already brought into existence.
But that didn't mean she couldn't ask for help. She reached out to the organizer of Miss Gambia—whom was from her generation—and offered to help.
On September 2008, Miss Guinee USA was founded, and that marked the beginning of Fatima's quest for women's empowerment. Although Fatima was raised in The Gambia, she expressed that she had every right to establish Miss Guinee USA, because her parents and ancestors are from Guinea. This is also why her pageant keeps an open door to applicants who are of Guinean descent.
“Miss Guinee USA is not about beauty, it's about empowerment,” the Founder and CEO clarified. Fatima intentionally excluded the swimwear segment from the pageant. This empowers the girls to focus more on showing off their intellect rather than their bodies.
The first contestant she recruited back in 2008, Fatima Balde-Bah, describes Fatima's qualities: “She's a very hard working woman who doesn't like to give up on her vision and or ideas.”
Fatima Balde-Bah is one of the few contestants who stuck around and joined the founder's trusted inner circle. She is currently the Administrative Director at Miss Guinee USA and describes her relationship with the founder “like a sisterhood.”
After working with Fatima Diallo for over 10 years, here are the lessons the former contestant turned staff picked up: “When you are passionate about something, don't let anyone distract you from working toward that goal or vision.” She added that she also learned from Fatima Diallo to “Always seek advice but make the decision that works best for you.”
Fatima was very shy growing up. She recalls taking her cousin with her whenever she went out “so no one could talk to her.” To overcome shyness, in college she took several communications classes and practiced public speaking. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from the Metropolitan College of New York. After running a decade-old organization, Fatima says she has become a better listener, problem solver, and can successfully coordinate any event.
Miss Guinee USA is growing at a fast-pace, with close to 26K likes on Facebook. The organization has revived the West African culture, influenced many young girls to be confident and strive for more. At one point, Fatima felt like giving up. But with her mother's voice lingering in the background, she is constantly reminded to hold on tight and to never give up on her dream of empowering women.
Welcome to Fatima Diallo’s World
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
“You have to have a brain and a good heart, that is beauty. How do you behave around people?”
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
“A strong woman is unbreakable. I had so many people that tried to break me, but I proved them wrong.”
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
“After getting divorced, I can never be fooled again by a man or woman. I’m not mad about it. I value myself more, I am more confident, and I am not miserable. ”
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
Fatima and her daughter
“I had to go through so much so doors could be opened for me. I want doors to be opened to my daughter because I am her mother. And I want her to know all cultures in order to develop her brain and skills.”
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
“To all the contestants, you think you are learning from me. But you are actually teaching me. Your stories are inspiring me to do more!”
Photo credit: Fatima Diallo
“You have to trust your instincts. Be very aware of your surroundings. And every decision you make can affect the life of another.”
Connect with Fatima:
Facebook: Fatima Diallo
Instagram: @fatimadialloproduction
Email: fatimavisiondiallo@gmail.com
Website: missguineeusapageant.com
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