Hy-Lo News has launched the series “The Road to the 2025 Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.” We’ll be Profiling Contestants Competing in the Miss; Ms/Mrs and Teen Divisions of the MBFLUSA Pageant.

LaDonica Whitfield, the reigning Ms. Black Pinellas County USA, has embarked on an inspiring journey of self-reinvention and purpose. Whitfield decided to compete in the Ms Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant after a period of self-reflection that began last December. Whitfield is not only poised to shine in the Ms Black Florida USA pageant but also serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and ambition for the community. Hy-Lo News Publisher, Janey Tate, speaks with Whitfield about her platform, journey to personal growth, and what she’s most looking forward to at the pageant’s statewide competition.

All interview question responses were edited for clarity and grammar.

Janey Tate: Why did you decide to compete in the Ms Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant? 

LaDonica Whitfield: I decided to compete in the Ms Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant because it was in the divine timing in my life. From December 2023 until May 2024, I placed myself in a cocoon to reestablish myself. Redefining my goals, purpose, clarity, and next level self-confidence. As I started to come out of my cocoon, one of the 1st things that was in alignment that popped up was this pageant, so I had to take the opportunity.

JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?

LW: I was born and raised in Clearwater, Fl. Both of my parents were teenagers when they had me. My father had full custody of me, but his parents raised me the majority of the time because my dad has always been an entrepreneur. My grandparents raised me to be wise above my years. My father gave me my entrepreneurial grind, and my mother gave me my fearless attitude.

JT: What is your pageant platform and why?

LW: My pageant platform is The Younger U. When I thought about how I could play my part in helping the black community grow, I realized that pouring into our youth was the right way to go. They are our future, they have access to technology for better resources if utilized correctly, and they are a sponge at younger ages. I believe that teaching High school minority students about good mental health practices and different investment options; we have a fighting chance as a whole to see a bigger number of black billionaires.

JT: Who is someone or people in your life who have helped you most on your journey to win the state pageant and what does that mean to you?

LW: My mother, sponsors, and friends who have always supported everything I have done. It allows me to keep pushing even when I feel like there is no point. They stay on me HEAVY, because they believe in my success.

JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?

LW: I am excited to perform for the 1st time an original poem I wrote titled “Pretty girls have ugly days too.” I used to express how I felt as a child with poems but NEVER shared them with anyone. Im excited to have the confidence to speak on depression and women’s comparison because many women has gone through it, including myself. I know this poem is the perfect talent to bring out some emotions & confidence in the crowd.  

JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?

LW: I am such a people person so I’m grateful to be out of my cocoon to be a social butterfly while at the pageant. I’m excited to meet all the Queens, their families, and pageant sponsors that will be attending pageant weekend.

JT: What have you learned about yourself in your journey to win the state title?

LW: I learned that I am an underdog in different spaces because I show up in silence. Most things I have done for others were not recorded or filmed because I didn’t want to come off as not being humble. I’ve learned that social proof truly holds weight and opens more doors when people can see what you have done.

JT: The Miss Black USA and Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant organizations champion the celebration of Black Women and their service, education, and commitment to improving themselves and their community. Explain why you think this is an important mission of the organization and why you think it’s needed in today’s social climate.

LW: As Black women, we have been the underdogs in this world in so many ways that it was overdue for a platform to be created to showcase our greatness. No matter how down a Black woman gets, she still shows up for her kids, family, spouse, and career. We have made tremendous strides over the years to let it be known that we are capable of succeeding in anything we set our minds to.

Check out these photos of LaLaDonica Whitfield, Ms. Black Pinellas County USA 2024 and contestant in the 2025 Ms Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.

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Note: The Ms/Mrs Division of the Miss Black Florida Scholarship pageant organization is open to women ages 28-45. The Miss Black Florida USA pageant is a franchise of the Miss Black USA pageant system. The winner of the state title will go on to compete for the national title at the Miss Black USA pageant.

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