Meet the Miss Wob Dwiyet USA Pageant contestants

On Saturday October 19th, the Dominica Emerald Organization of New Jersey will stage its 11th annual Wob Dwiyet Pageant at the Italian American Hall at 1976 Valley Avenue Scotch Plains, New Jersey at 4pm sharp.  B.A.B.A Edwards will be the Master of Ceremonies of this event.   This year six beautiful young women of Dominican parentage will take the stage to compete for the Miss Wob Dwiyet USA 2013 title.

The Emerald Organization of New Jersey has been in existence since 1998.

Sherma George –  Representing Salisbury

Sherma George lives in Houston Texas.  As a child Sherma attended The Salisbury Government School then later migrated to the United States in 2001 with her family.  Coming from Dominica to New Jersey was a huge and difficult transition for a six year old.   Over time she has adapted very well but never forgot where she came from.

Sherma’s hobbies are dancing, Sign Language, singing, sewing, meeting new people and just having a good time. Sherma also participated in the Know Your Culture dance group where she got a chance to teach others more about Dominica’s culture by performing traditional folk dances and more.  She is currently a full time student at LoneStar College located in cypress Texas, studying Physical Therapy.

Shenell Edmond – Representing Roseau

Meet 19 year old, Shenell Dénise Edmonds – born & raised in Hamden, Connecticut of multicultural parentage; her mom and family (Cooke & Joseph) hail from Goodwill & Loubiere in Dominica, and her dad’s family is from Bridgeport, CT. Shenell is currently a sophomore in college, who lives and attends school in New York.

Shenell has been pursuing an acting career since the age of six. She enjoys entertaining people with her talents and is very comfortable with an audience. She did a few student films, children’s theatre, a national radio commercial at age 8 for Lowe’s Home Improvement Store, some music videos for underground bands, commercials for private companies and other background work prior to her contract role at age fourteen on ABC Daytime’s “One Life to Live” as Destiny Evans from 2009 – 2012. She was nominated in 2011 for a BET YoungStars .In early 2013, she was nominated for the 44th NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.

Shenell loves all things Dominican, and by extension, all things with a Caribbean flavor. The Dominican culture is entrenched in this young lady’s life and she is boldly proud of her Dominican heritage. She and her family are big supporters of the various Dominican organizations in the Tri-State area. Her mission in life is to bring continued awareness the beautiful island of Dominica and its unique culture.

Samirah Mary Joseph – Representing Roseau

Born on September 10th 1990, Samirah Mary Joseph hails from the scenic and quiet community of Morne Bruce.

A proud graduate of the Convent High School (2007), she went on to complete associate degrees in Chemistry and Biology at the Dominica State College (2009). At Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (2012).

Samirah has also successfully attained the title of Miss Teen Dominica 2006 and went on to represent Dominica at Miss Digicel Caribbean Talented Teen that year where she copped the prizes for Best Speech and Miss Photogenic. She is also a former Miss Monroe 2011. Her most recent achievement was winning the title of Miss Caribbean USA Boston 2013 where she showcased her love of culture with class and confidence.

Coupled with her academic achievement and pageant experience, Samirah has had a strong love for music since the age of 7. She has completed numerous musical examinations with ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music in the recorder, flute and piano. Samirah has also been a member of the St. Alphonsus Junior Choir, Sixth Form Sisserou Singers and Music Lovers Government Band.

In addition to music Samirah is also passionate about the criminal justice system. Currently, she is employed as a legal assistant at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman, LLC in Boston. She is keen to further her studies in Criminal Investigations.
Samirah is the product of diligent work, firm commitment and a profound love for the culture and heritage of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Tameka M Tyson – Representing Petit Savanne

Dedicated, loyal and down to earth, Tameka has the ability to touch others through laughter and encouragement, something that she is known for by all those she meets.

Tameka is a proud alumni of the St. Martin’s Primary school, where she has fond memories of singing in the school choir, and of the Dominica Grammar School where she was greatly involved in the French and Spanish clubs. She is currently pursuing studies in Sociology and Criminal Justice with plans to attend law school in 2014. As Tameka soars towards academic success, she continues to make a contribution through participation in other activities; by having the honor of representing Dominica at September 11th commemoration ceremonies and volunteering for various citizenship programs.

The epitome of what she calls the “nature island girl”, she embodies love for her beloved country, Dominica. Dominican culture is heavily rooted in music, dance, art and food and as a Kalinago princess, Tameka embraces all that Dominica has to offer. Tameka’s philosophy-“balance is the key to happiness” – follows her as she continues to rise above the odds and excel in all that she does.

Tifannie Sergeant – – Representing Wesley village

I am 25 years old and the only daughter of Bernie Telemaque and Junior Sergeant. While in Dominica I attended the St Andrews High school and then migrated to the United States where I continued my education at Essex County College. My studies further continued at Rutgers University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biological sciences in 2010.

I am currently employed as the quality assurance coordinator at United Airlines.
In my spare time I enjoy face painting, skiing, cake decorating and giving back to the community. I am involved with several charitable organizations such as “Project Book Bag” and “The North East USA Wesley committee”

My favorite quote is by Marcus Garvey; “A people without the knowledge of the past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” With that said I am elated to showcase my culture to the world. I dedicate my participation in this year’s Madam Wob Dwiyet show in memoriam of my Grandparents Nona and Hector Telemaque Wesley village.

Mandisa John – Representing St. Joseph

Mandisa John is a 25 year old natural beauty who has been living in Philadelphia for the past 8 years but calls New Jersey home. In 2009 she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and has returned there this fall to pursue a Master’s degree in Education.

She learned the value of education at a young age from her parents, Giftus and Mariel John who made it known that academic excellence was the only way.
Mandisa truly believes in service to the community and has shown her commitment by working in the education sector with nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia for over 5 years. She currently works for a charter school system where she supports academics in 15 schools as well as coaches the middle and high school girls’ basketball team.

Though she is a first-generation American born in the Bronx, New York, she represents the small nature island of Dominica first and foremost. Both of her parents and most of her family call the village of St. Joseph home. Mandisa recalls spending summers with her grandparents in Dominica and getting to know the beautiful family and island which she has grown to hold dear to her heart. Her parents continually make certain that she and her brother do not forget where their history lies – from the sounds of DBS on the radio to the number of Wob Dwiyet shows and Dominican functions they attend. It is an honor to represent her family and entire village as a woman of respect and passion.