2025 Judges

Jessica Bintou
Jessica Bintou Diomande – “The Ivorian Angel”
President & Co-Founder, United Aid for Africa Foundation (UAA)
Jessica Bintou Diomande, widely known as “The Ivorian Angel,” is the President and Co-
Founder of United Aid for Africa (UAA), a nonprofit organization committed to humanitarian
relief and human rights advocacy. Her leadership is anchored in a steadfast commitment to
uplifting vulnerable women and children across Africa, particularly in her native Côte d’Ivoire.
Since co-founding UAA in 2010, Bintou has led impactful initiatives providing access to
education, food security, medical support, and emotional healing in communities affected by
poverty and conflict. She is a fierce advocate for women’s rights, violence prevention, and
child welfare, working to create safe, empowering spaces where hope and opportunity can
flourish.
Before launching UAA, Bintou built a successful career as a Financial Analyst and
Accountant, and served with CI Watch, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan coalition of
former senior government officials, NGO leaders, academics, and journalists dedicated to
monitoring governance and policy in Côte d’Ivoire.
Her lifelong advocacy is driven by the belief that corruption and poor leadership are among
Africa’s most pressing challenges. With a leadership style defined by integrity, vision, and
purpose, Bintou is committed to fostering a more transparent, compassionate, and empowered
future for the continent.
Academic Background & Professional Certifications
Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting and Financial Management
Master of Science (M.S.) Information Systems
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance and Accounting
Associate Degree in Business Administration
Certificate in Advanced Accounting
Certificate in Project Management
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CompTIA Security+ Certification
Jessica Bintou Diomande remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and transformative leadership,
living her mission to ensure that every woman and child across Africa is seen, supported, and
never forgotten.

Nereida Lobo
Nereida Lobo Biography
Nereida Lobo is the founder of Little Crowns Foundation, a non-profit
organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged children in Africa
through access to quality education, the provision of school materials, and the
renovation of schools. Her mission is to create brighter futures by equipping
the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.
She is also the founder of Miss Cabo Verde International, a leadership
platform for young Cape Verdean women to dream boldly, lead confidently,
and advocate for social change.
Born and raised in Cabo Verde and later moving to the United States at age
11, Nereida combines cultural pride with a deep commitment to community.
Crowned Miss Africa USA in 2016, she was honored in 2018 as one of the
Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under the United
Nations. She continues to inspire through her philanthropy, entrepreneurship,
and belief that “Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the
world.”

Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis McBride is an entrepreneur, talent executive, and global advocate dedicated to uplifting the voices of the unheard. As the founder and CEO of Nu Tainment, LLC, a consulting and talent representation firm, Michael brings decades of experience in business, entertainment, and pageantry to help individuals rise with purpose, professionalism, and pride. His mission extends far beyond borders. Michael is a passionate advocate for the less fortunate—not only in the United States but around the world—championing equity, opportunity, and dignity for all. Through his charity initiatives, he works to empower underprivileged children and adults with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to thrive. Michael holds a BFA in Business with a minor in Performing Arts from the University of Texas. His unique blend of business acumen and artistic sensitivity allows him to mentor clients with a holistic approach—emphasizing not only how to present oneself but how to stand tall with integrity in every room they enter. Respected internationally, Michael has served as a judge for numerous global pageant systems, offering insight and wisdom rooted in compassion, experience, and excellence. He teaches that success isn't found in satisfying your wants—it’s built by fulfilling your needs. At the core of his philosophy is deep listening. He believes growth begins when you feel seen, heard, and understood. Every encounter is a classroom. Every experience is a seed. And when planted in truth, with faith and effort, those seeds will bloom into something beautiful. Michael is also preparing to release his powerful new book, The Mark We Leave—a heartfelt and transformative guide that reminds us that every human being has value and purpose, no matter where they come from. The message is clear: leave your mark while you're still here on this planet, so it may help and inspire others who couldn’t—or didn’t—believe in themselves. Each day is a divine gift, and Michael urges all of us to thank God for another chance to make a difference—and to leave a mark that has meaning. Rooted in his Christian faith, Michael lives by the principle: "Know thyself, and reach higher." His journey is not just about achievement—it's about alignment. With self. With spirit. With service.

Amberr Washington
Amberr Washington is a native of Chicago, Illinois and an alumnus of Columbia College Chicago where she received a bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture Producing and Cinematography. Before producing and filming motion pictures, Amberr Washington days were spent as a hip-hop artist in a group called Mrs. Two and Crew that toured nationwide in colossal venues and served as choreographer where she also toured in/with Beauty shop 3 (the play) nationally. Amberr Washington is Vp of AVG where the objective is to produce motion pictures, distribute and develop marketing partners to assure exposure is there for products that are birthed from the motion picture company. There are several films in Amberr Washington credits as a motion picture Producer and cinematographer that have assisted in paving the way of greatness. Soul Ties, C’mon Man, The Hustle, Redrum, Blast On, Sunset and Faithless to name a few. Acting as a cinematographer FAITHLESS, j-POW, Create and Destroy, Tina, Bedtime, Star, Gone for good, unyielding Ties, Stardom, A suffers life, Stepping from Chicago to Miami to name a few. After being involved in ground roots producing and distribution, Amberr Washington moved to Los Angeles and continued her road to success through getting involved in marketing and joint venturing up with other industry professionals to maintain consistency in working as a producer and formally forced was forced to go the executive route. As of today, Amberr Washington is Co-founder of one of the most successful cultural awards shows in Hollywood. “HAPAWARDS”, Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards show was founded in 2016 called the. HAPAWARDS Is live show that honors all genera’s including kings, sports figures, film, tv, music and fashion etc. Working on both live shows and motion pictures, Amberr Washington is busy and always looking to continue her growth on all levels.