Miss Africa USA 2010: Contestant Gloria Akinyi McCarthy from Kenya

Gloria Akinyi McCarhty

School/Institution: Fisher College/ Seton Hall University

Major/minor: Business Administration/ International Relations and Diplomacy

Giving back:

• Strong Kids Campaigner with the YMCA of Greater New York. - www.ymcanyc.org/mcburney
• Host Committee Member with the Touch Foundation. - www.touchfoundation.org
• Public Realtions Director/Photographer/Editor of L'Afrique newsletter with the Newark African Commission. - www.africancommission.com

Five-Year Aspirational Plan: In five years I will have relocated to Kenya where I will be supporting Vision 2030 (a development plan for the view of Kenya in the year 2030). Then I hope to have had as many women and youth involved in the Adopt-A-School Program that will aid in the improvement of schooling infrastructure and thus supporting community development through job oportunities.

Country you are representing: Kenya.

Platform: I would like to promote Sustainable Development by supporting Vision 2030.

UGPulse: Oprah emotionally calling it quits - Marketing strategy or is that reading too much into it?

Oprah's departure from her show in 2011 is purely a marketing strategy.

The definition of a marketing strategy is a method of focusing an organization's energies and resources on a course of action which can lead to increased sales and dominance of a targeted market niche. A marketing strategy combines product development, promotion, distribution, pricing, relationship management, and other elements; identifying the firm's marketing goals, and explains how they will be achieved, ideally within a stated timeframe.

Like most aspects of change it is always hard to hang your boots when you have reached a certain point of accomplishment; therefore one has to either retire or use his/her expertise in a different manner. In this case Oprah being the smart business woman she is, she opted to venture into her newn.

In order to understand Oprah's departure too you will have to understand the nature of branding. Branding as we know is a name used to identify and distinguish a specific product, service or business. In branding, identity is used to focus on authentic qualities - real characteristics of the value and brand promise being provided and sustained by organizations and/or production characteristic. In this case Oprah used her widely known name to promote herself to her next challenge.

UGPulse: The current Miss Africa USA, 2008 Miss South Africa Nyasha Zimucha, has elevated the pageant to a whole new level. The game has changed in a big way. What would you bring to the pageant at the get-go, if you were to win Miss Africa USA 2010?

I whole heartedly agree that yes Miss Nyasha Zimucha has indeed elevated the pageant to another level. I do understand that the game has changed in a big way in regards to the expectations of a participant, as well as representation of one's country and the continent as a whole. As a participant in the Miss Africa USA 2010 Pageant I would utilize my contacts with my newly found sisters from the continent to elevate the different prospectus of development within the continent. Sustainable Development being my platform for this pageant I do see it having an impact in each and everyone of the participants' platform. We all dream of an Africa that can be self sufficient with the creation of jobs, the elevation of education and the development of thriving cities with minimal corruption that sustains the well being of its occupants. I am hopeful that this move will produce not only a single movement to change but one with a domino effect that produces greater outcome for the continent and Africans in the diaspora.

UGPulse: Do you Tweet or Facebook? Are you addicted? How are you able to avoid getting addicted to these increasing numbers of social tools?

I am a big fan of Facebook. I would totally agree that I am an addict. Facebook has not only revolutionized the way we interact with each other globally but it has also brought about a sense of community known as the "Global Village." In this day and age as we progress towards globalization of various sectors of our development we must adapt to the ever changing demand of creating social tools that will cater to the growing population of efficient networks that promote development.

Facebook has changed the way the world operates and has given media a run for it's money. Politics in general has been given a face lift. It has been brought way closer to the voter than ever before, and most interestingly to the young, vivacious and most productive individuals in the world. Now all other political aspirants around the world have logged on to get closer to their supporters. Facebook has become an excellent medium of exchange that now companies have people that are paid to surf the web and maintain their facebook accounts.

UGPulse: Tell us about the country you represent? Are all its women as beautiful as yourself?

I represent Kenya a.k.a "254"... a country not only known for it's runners but now has a place in history as the home of the father to the first African American President of the United States of America. Kenya is also known for exporting tea, coffee, flowers... just to name a few and one of the best safari vacation spots in Africa. I would say "KARIBUNI KENYA" meaning 'welcome to Kenya' so that you can appreciate what we have to offer.

Kenya like Africa has a diversified population of women whose beauty radiates and promotes the culture and nature of our people. The women in Kenya have now, like everyone else in the country, embraced the ever evolving scenarios that have governed and produced positive impacts on the status of the country and also the political arena. For example in May 2009 women banded up together and posed a sex strike countrywide for a week. Many have doubted the effectiveness of the strike but what matters most is the concept and how it brought attention worldwide. Whether they are in entertainment, politics or just pure cultural preservation they have made it a point to elevate the female gender. Just like myself there are those women who have used their beauty and brains for a purpose greater than just them. Some of these females are; Lillian Malit, Pauline Long,Achieng Abura, June Arunga, Grace Makosewe, Conjestina Achieng, Shakilla Abdalla, Caherine Ndereba, Beth Mugo, Wangare Maathai, Mama Kayayi this just to name afew.

In conclusion Kenya as a nation is a beautiful country full of promise and this can be attained with more women forming a solidarity and fighting for a prosperous future for the country.

Source: http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Beauty.asp?about=Miss+Africa+USA+2010%3A+Contestant+Gloria+Akinyi+McCarthy+from+Kenya&id=1160