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Elizabeth Mbalu Conteh was born on November 2, 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia. An honor graduate from Fayette County High School, she is currently a sophomore at Emory University with dual majors in International Business and Marketing in order to pursue her dreams of one day helping her country of Sierra Leone. Elizabeth stands strictly on education, believing that in order to alleviate many of the issues Africa faces, the people must gain the education and knowledge with proper supplies and educators.
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Elizabeth Mbalu Conteh.
From www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Below is Marie Kiyungu's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Elizabeth Mbalu Conteh.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Can you please tell us briefly about your background?
My name is Elizabeth Mbalu Conteh and I am a 19 year old sophomore at Emory University with dual majors in International Business and Marketing. I am from a family of four, and I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible. I am very involved in my community, a member of Youth for Sierra Leone Improvement organization, African Dance Company for Emory University, Oxford Business Club, and I often donate to various causes that help Africa. My hobbies include dancing, singing, reading, shopping, and exploring new avenues.
What was your drive behind entering this prestigious beauty pageant?
Initially, I was reluctant because of how I had seen beauty pageants portrayed on the television; however, the foundation of this pageant is much different than any I have been accustomed to. It gives hope to all of the young, African women in America who want to give back to the continent that they love.
You must have a lot of passion for your country of origin to enter Miss Africa USA, what is it you love most about it?
Although Sierra Leone has been through too much, including a ten year civil war, the people of Sierra Leone have always managed to stick together and unite in order to move the country forward. Through compassion, they have not let the hardships of the war or poverty hinder them from improving their country. We recently had our first democratic election, which turned out to be a very peaceful and successful event.
What book are you currently reading?
"Nisa: The Life and Words of a Kung Woman" by Marjorie Shostak. I love to learn more about Africa as a whole, not just Sierra Leone as a country. One can learn so much based on the cultures of others.
What's the one thing you would never do without?
God. I can do without anything, but without Him, I would achieve nothing.
What are your favourite spots in Africa?
The beaches of Sierra Leone, they are peaceful and serene.
How would you describe beauty in the eyes of an African woman?
Beauty is an object not seen with the bare eyes, but with the soul. Our brown skin, our kinky hair, our vivacious figures; that is beauty and cannot be compared to materialistic items that anyone can buy with money. True beauty pours through the skin and shows through to the world, without you having to open your mouth.
How would you sell Africa as an ambassador to USA and the rest of the world?
Africa is the one continent that contains cultural, agricultural, and economic benefits. In terms of the culture, Africa is filled with many countries with different cultures and within those cultures are different tribes, who also have different customs. From the rich, organic food, to the clothing and traditions, the continent could be the trophy that would diverse all nations, and invite new ones.
The USA and the rest of the worldly nations could also benefit from Africa's agricultural industry. Africa is filled with one of the most abundant resources, containing diamonds, gold, oil and much more.
For instance, if the USA went to Sierra Leone, and built diamond mining factories, they would produce the resources, while also increasing Sierra Leone's capital. The world could benefit by building companies and industries that would not only increase their national profit, but also help the labor unions in Africa.
Unemployment is at a high rate in many African countries, and with the expansion of businesses to provide jobs, African countries could benefit from the International trade. Lastly, the USA and the other worldly nations would reap benefits from Africa's economy. If China wanted to export a resource, say rice, to the USA, it would take them not only an extreme amount of money, but they also would have to choose many transports which cause carbon footprints. These carbon footprints are a hazard to the ozone, causing severe pollution for humans and plants.
However, if Africa was the last frontier between the two countries in their trade, there would be less carbon footprints, preserving the air and crops. Africa, as a continent, is filled with many resources that would not only benefit worldly nations as a whole, but also their inhabitants.
What are your inspirations and what do you aspire to be?
"For as He thinks in His heart, so is He!" - Proverbs 23-7.
In years to come, my goal in life is to help Africa and I have chosen International Business and Marketing at Emory University solely because I will achieve this goal.
Since childhood, I have always known that although American born, I am an African and have not lost touch with that. I will one day move back home to improve the country's economy through education and healthcare funds that would also help employment levels and better the country as a whole. Because I believe that no one should be left behind, I stand firmly on helping both children and adults in order to achieve greatness. Instead of being a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, I strive to be an activist, and one day not only help Sierra Leone, but the whole continent of Africa.
Why do you want to be crowned Miss Africa United States?
Although this is a competition, it means more to me than just winning. Many people see pageants as cliché events that involve "trained Barbie dolls", but this is not the case for me. I believe Lady Kate Atabong Njeuma founded this organization to show people from all nations that the continent of Africa is truly a beautiful place, filled with beautiful women and the world's greatest resources.
This event is to help and guide young women so that one day, their country will be better off. It isn't so much about "I WON!" or "I have the title".. It's about making a difference in a continent that, so longs for it. I would like to say to the other contestants when November 1st- 3rd comes let us remember why we are there.
Yes, one of the objectives is to take the crown home, but the most important is to see the bigger picture and know that regardless of who wins, there will be one more young woman helping not only her country, but the continent as a whole.
Have you got any beauty tips you would like to share with UGPulse readers?
Water, water, and more water! It is the key to clear skin, and a healthy body.
Elizabeth Mbalu Conteh.
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