P.E.A.R.L.S. Hosted First Virtual Pageant

A virtual pageant? Sounds crazy, right? But, we are seeing virtual pageants popping up all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That didn't stop P.E.A.R.L.S. from find who would be there "Queen to Be" in the 2020 Miss P.E.A.R.L.S. Extraordinaire Pageant. Meet our patient and supportive judges who has helped P.E.A.R.L.S. crack the ceiling into a new era. They also explain how, as judges, the virtual pageant experience was for them.

Briana Sturgis has been intrigued by the aviation industry since the age of nine. She began taking flying lessons at a very young age at a local airport in the Jackson Metropolitan area. After graduating high school she chose Delta State University to pursue her dream of a career in aviation.
 
While at Delta State she received a full band scholarship, soloed October 25, 2011, pledged in a sorority, awarded dean’s list scholar and Delta State University interview award. Briana was crowned Miss Delta State University 2014, bestowing her the honor of representing the university in the Miss Mississippi 2014 pageant. Her platform was “Helping the Homeless”, which is still engrained in her heart.
 
Briana graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2016. Shortly afterwards she was awarded an internship opportunity with United Parcel Service in their Airline Asset Co-Op Position in Louisville, KY. Simultaneously, she began her studies pursuing a Masters of Commercial Aviation degree at Delta State University. She finished three rotational internships with UPS and graduated with a Master’s degree May of 2018.

Briana has had the opportunity to work in various roles within the aviation industry such as: Airport Operations Agent, International Relations Program Manager and Flight Coordinator. Briana’s objective is to continue utilizing her passion, education and experience to further advance in the field of aviation.

"I really enjoyed the virtual pageant experience. It allowed the girls to adapt to change and use the resources which were available to showcase their talents to the judges. I do enjoy an in person pageant better due to the judges really being able to connect with the contestants, as well as them being able to really feel as if they are in an actual interview. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of such an amazing organization."

​James Earl Lehaman, Jr. is a native of Greenwood, Mississippi where he is an honor graduate of Amanda Elzy High School and a cum-laude graduate of Jackson State University. He currently
resides in Frisco, Texas where he is employed with the Frisco Independent School District. In his
creative pastime, he has established an extensive resume traveling the world as an award-
winning Public Speaker.

He has become essentially known in various facets of communication by-way of event hosting, public speaking, workshop presentations, seminars, theatre productions, speech writing and more.

Mr. Lehaman has recently founded a community service venture entitled, “Project Kings Academy”, a nonprofit initiative with the goal to generate academic funding for African American young men through educational programs, community service endeavors, creative projects and charitable donations. His motto in life is, “I am not concerned
with what I am called; my goal is to walk in the path of who God called me to be”.

"Firstly, I would like to commend the P.E.A.R.L.S. Founder, Aisha Saffold and Miss P.E.A.R.L.S. Extraordinaire Advisor, Kristy Johnson on a remarkable job with the implementation of the 2020 Miss P.E.A.R.L.S. Extraordinaire Pageant. During this difficult time of COVID-19, it was a blessing to witness the manifestation of such a worthy cause in the African American community. 

My experience working with the P.E.A.R.L.S. organization truly goes beyond words. I had the opportunity to virtually meet each contestant and receive insight on their future endeavors within the organization by-way of their individual platforms. I was thoroughly impressed and pleased to see these beautiful young women of color use their voices and talents to uplift and inspire during unprecedented times. If I had to do it all again, I surely would! I wish nothing but love and success to the entire P.E.A.R.L.S. family and I hope to work with them again soon."

Allayna Marie is a proud native of Holmes County, MS and an HBCU graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. She is a professional published model and creative director. Not only does she love youth but she enjoys giving back to the communities that made her even more. Her goal in life is to always be a light in this world. She believes that her purpose is bigger than herself and the world will know her name one way or another.

​"Thank you again for this opportunity and considering me. It was a very dope experience. I enjoyed it and hopefully look forward to being a judge for future pageants."