Hawa Barry-Diallo

Former Model's Dream Becomes a Dream Come True for Young Guinean Women

What began as a wish to see a photo of herself in Amina Magazine, at the age of 14, oozed into embarking on a modeling career, to today being a role model to many. Hawa Barry-Diallo is the face behind Miss Guinea North America, and is molding young Guinean women to reach their highest potential. 

Launched in 2009, Miss Guinee North America (MGNA) is more than a pageant. It is a groundbreaking platform where sisterhood, partnership and self-worth is garnered.  

Pageant girls, perceived as invigoratingly beautiful, stylish, persuasive, with a killer walk and smile. When they are ushered off the stage, this is what Mrs. Diallo wants to know from the crowned Miss, "after the pageant, what are you going to do?"

"I want to be a big sister, a role model," expressed Mrs. Diallo.

Since the launch of MGNA, she has been exactly that to the pageant girls, a big sister and role model.

"During pageant week, she took us out to dinner and gave us advice, just like a sister. Even after the pageant she's been supporting me with projects that I do outside of Miss Guinee," said Fatoumata Diabate, the current Miss, about Mrs. Diallo.

The person who takes home the MGNA crown  earns  traveling opportunities, is pampered with beautiful designer clothing, and has the utmost support and guidance from Mrs.Diallo, the other three boards of directors, and the entire MGNA team when she decides to start her not for profit organization.

Although not all of the contestants get to be the recipient of a 1000-$3000 US Dollar scholarship, what they all walk away with is a polished look and sense of security in them --a priceless package which will serve them wonders throughout life.

A polished look and security in herself is something that the former model always embodied. And for that, people have always pleaded her to consider a modeling career. 

"You are so beautiful," said a woman  Mrs. Diallo met in the 90s, in Philadelphia, before she decided to officially move to New York and  dedicate her time to modeling. "I hope to see you in a magazine one day." 

In 1999, Mrs. Diallo got a taste of the American Dream, as she "landed her first big time paid job after only being in the US modeling industry for 3 months."

"I'm just a normal girl from Guinea. I can't believe I'm standing next to all these people," said the former model with disbelief.

At the time, she competed with hundreds of other talented individuals, but something about her stood out. 

She became a sought after model, snatching away every job opportunity there was with her dazzling beauty and got-to-have-it attitude. 

Agencies loved her, the camera loved her, and so did her fans. Just at the crux of her modeling career, the Guinean beauty decided to leave it all behind, settle down and start a family. 

Her friends and colleagues thought she was out of her mind for making the decision to drop modeling. But as Mrs. Diallo put it, "I don't regret it."

She'd taken off a robe that brought her publicity and put on a robe that gave her the might to empower young women.

"As long as you do something to make a difference, you are giving back," Mrs. Diallo said.

All aspects of her life mirror a desire to make a difference. The former model, also, for 12 years has been co-owner of EZ Rehab Solutions, a Maryland-based Physical Therapy clinic. 

While these young women have had their taste of stardom after joining the MGNA pageant, the spotlight goes to Mrs. Diallo, the woman who has used every bit of fiber in her to help young Guinean women tap into who they are destined to be: beautiful, grounded and inspired to succeed.

A Glimpse of Mrs. Diallo's World

"I'm just a normal girl from Guinea. I can't believe I'm standing next to all these people."- Mrs. Diallo

Photographer: Jeff Gamble

"I was always naturally confident."-Mrs. Diallo

Photographer: Jeffrey Gamble

 " I talked to top editors, went to top parties, and featured in top magazines."-Mrs.Diallo

Mrs. Diallo featured in a Target campaign

  Mrs. Diallo in NV Magazine

Mrs. Diallo in Amina Magazine

Topic: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Dudley Cosmetics Ad

More from Dudley Cosmetics Ad

Mrs. Dillo featured on Amina Magazine, in 2000

Dudley Cosmetics Ad

     
  Mrs.Diallo with American actor Danny Glover

"I always loved fashion."-Mr.Diallo

Photographer: Jeffrey Gamble

Mrs. Diallo featured in Essence Magazine

Mrs. Diallo featured in NV Magazine

African-American Hispanic Bridal Show, NY

Mrs. Diallo at Macy's Fashion show in  Manhattan, NY

Mrs. Diallo at the National Press Club in Washington, DC

The 9th Annual Women in Excellence Award

Mrs.Diallo in Guinea, Conakry, where she was awarded for her leadership, on 24 May 2013

Mrs. Diallo with Guinean musician Salif Keita

   

Mrs. Diallo with Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive

Mrs. Diallo at the White House with Arne Duncan, U.S Secretary of Education

Giving Back: Her Trip to Guinea (01/01/14)

"Children are a gift from god, let's take care of them."-Mrs. Diallo

"As a determined Guinean woman to see Guinee change for the better, I strongly believe that the change will not be achieved without selflessly investing in our youth today and strengthening the base with quality Education, leadership, empowerment and Patriotism."-Mrs. Diallo

The Miss Guinee North America logo

 Ways to reach Mrs. Diallo:

    Instagram: queenb2343

       Facebook: Hawa Barry Diallo / Miss Guinee North America Pageant