PHOTOS: Amanda Wamunyima Wins Ms. America

Ms. America® 2016, Amanda Wamunyima from Orlando, Florida was crowned Ms. America 2016 at the Curtis Theater in Brea, California on August 29, 2015. This year’s pageant was comprised of four distinctive areas of competition including: Evening Gown, Interview, Sportswear and Finalist On-Stage Question.

Ms. America 2016, Amanda Wamunyima’s walk across the stage to accept the crown marked her first steps on a journey that will take her from spotlight to spotlight representing women 26 years of age and up who are single, divorced or married with a dedicated platform or cause they are an advocate for.

Amanda Wamunyima, Ms. America 2016 is a model, actress, entrepreneur, CNN iReporter and TV host.  She is a humanitarian, Founder of ieEmbrace organization, that helps provide medical and school supplies in underserved nations.  After teaming up with the American Red Cross touring all 67 Florida Counties, She is looking forward to doing the same across the United States raising awareness and honoring the thousands of people who volunteer for this life changing organization.

Amanda was sponsored by several local Florida businesses and residents on the road to Ms. America 2016. Sponsorship included, but not limited to: American Red Cross, CaptivityAngels and COPD-platform sponsors, Product Assortment Solutions, AfroinAction and Liz’s Fashion Experience.

Ms. America 2016 Court is as follows:

First Runner-up: Ms. Utah - Julie Harman

Second Runner-up: Ms. District of Columbia - Allison Hill

Third Runner-up: Ms. California - LaHoma Caudill

Fourth Runner-up: Ms. Florida - Dee Lane

Ms. America International® 2016 - Contestants 40 Years and Up went to E-Dee Martin, Ms.Colorado. E-Dee works to inspire others to go from helpless to helpful by reminding them we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life “one starfish at a time”.  Ms. International® 2016 "Judges and People’s Choice" whose winnings included cash prize of $10,000 went to Deborah Valis-Flynn, Ms. South Carolina. Deborah has more than 25 years of volunteerism which spans the country as a National Ambassador for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS

Internet Voting Award - Ms. South Carolina, Deborah Valis-Flynn

Spirit of America - Ms. Illinois, Deborah Tuttle

Power of the Crown - Ms. Oregon, Desiree Quinn

Crown for a Purpose - Ms. Pennsylvania, Rena McQuaig

Media Award - Ms. Michigan, Rachael Adams

Woman of Distinction - Ms. North Carolina, Lisa Hedin

Photogenic Award - Ms. Southeast, DeAnna Emborski

Congeniality Award - Ms. Utah, Julie Harman

Community Service Award - Ms. Florida, Dee Lane

About Susan Jeske, CEO of the Ms. America® Pageant:

Susan Jeske of Orange County, California is the CEO of the MS. America® Pageant. Susan’s experience spans over 35 years in the beauty industry and includes her title as the first Ms. America® in 1997 where she was crowned at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada besting 50 other contestants.

 Her platform was “Students Against Violence” and she went on to speak at over 150 presentations to schools across the country during her reign. Susan is also known for holding the Guinness Book of World Record title for singing the National Anthem at the most events in a 24 hour period and she has sung the National Anthem for 7 different Presidents of the United States of America. She is also the proud recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the United States for her impactful volunteer service.