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.

Sasha Pondexter, the reigning Mrs. Black Miramar, is a first-generation Indo-Jamaican American whose journey to the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant is deeply rooted in personal experience, family legacy, and community empowerment. Sasha’s commitment to helping her community transcend barriers of generational trauma, financial literacy, and mental health stems from witnessing the silent struggles within her own family, especially the tragic loss of her brother. Through her platform, Sasha aims to inspire others in the minority community to live intentional, purpose-driven lives, creating pathways of healing and growth. Hy-Lo News Publisher Janey Tate speaks with Sasha about her motivation for competing, her platform’s vision, and the powerful support system guiding her quest to make a lasting impact on Florida’s communities.

All interview question responses were edited for clarity and grammar.

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

Sasha Pondexter: As a first generation American, of Jamaican parentage, I have witnessed issues our community faces both here in the states and abroad. 

I provide the resources and guidance to help reflect the richness in our community and elevate each other in key areas such as: Education and opportunity, Generational trauma, Financial Literacy and Wealth, Health and Wellness, Culture & Diversity, Youth Enrichment, Self care, Esteem and Confidence, Substance abuse and Mental health, among others.

These issues have affected me personally, as I’ve witnessed my own brother Dwayne, silently struggle with his own personal trauma, masking his problems with unhealthy coping mechanisms. After nearly 15 years of struggling, Dwayne passed with his whole life ahead of him at 30 years old. 

It took years of therapy and acceptance to realize I wasn’t to blame for his personal decisions, but I definitely felt a moral responsibility and used this traumatic event to redefine my life’s purpose and ensure that no one around me would suffer silently again.  

As the eldest granddaughter, wife and mother among many other titles,  I serve as a living testimony for my family but especially my daughter and community, that I can grow past the traumas I’ve been subjected to, break the cycles and not only survive, but thrive to be the best version of myself. I have to live and take advantage of every opportunity, because I know so many others I’m living without. 

If given the title of Mrs. Black Florida, I can extend my reach from Miramar into the state of Florida, to provide a safe space to enable individuals to live an intentional and purpose driven life regardless of their past hardships.

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

SP: In my family, as a first generation Indo-Jamaican American, I had an expectation to be perfect. I represented a member of the family, but also an image, a direct reflection of their sacrifice, leaving their country to be here, in search of better opportunities. 

We are a very proud family, and anything that served as a tarnish to that image, was kept hidden, strongly discouraged or if bad enough, disowned. I felt like I wasn’t given the freedom to be myself, be proud of who I actually was. I was constantly clashed between cultures serving as a liaison for my elders and having a direct impact on the future generations in my family to invoke change.  

When my brother passed, it was one of the hardest periods of my life. I felt like I lost a sense of identity and needed to find myself again. Since then, I’ve re fulfilled my life’s purpose, as a woman of faith, building a personal relationship with God, seeking guidance through mental health therapy, personal wellness and living with intention and meaning outside of my personal hardships. 

In my family, I’m a leader creating a new beginning for future generations to redefine myself. I serve as a positive role model to everyone around me and help others grow past the traumas they may be accustomed to and realize how they are so much more than what they’ve been through. By shattering their silence and breaking the cycles, I provide a voice for the community that by telling their stories, changing their environment and aligning themselves with the right people, they can do anything they set their mind to. This mentality realigns our image to be the best versions of ourselves, celebrating, uplifting and being proud of who we are regardless of what we’ve been through.

JT: What is your pageant platform and why?

SP: My platform is inspired by the stories and experiences I’ve witnessed as a first generation Indo-Caribbean American. From my own challenges, to the struggles within the minority community, trauma has a direct impact on who we view ourselves and our potential in life. A CDC study advised more than 60% of black and 67% Caribbean Americans were negatively impacted by trauma that affected their everyday lives. Common issues contributing to this trauma were: Structural racism, Lack of Financial Literacy, Generational and Cultural ideals, Access to proper Healthcare and wellness, Mental Health awareness, among many others. Under my platform, I empower individuals within the minority community to live an intentional and purpose driven life. I encourage each individual to grow past and accept their challenges and see their fullest potential. I have partnered with various state divisions of Florida to promote healing, provide resources and guidance, education and professional support for individuals to grow and break generational cycles of trauma and hardship.   

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?

SP: My community is extensive but the few that served the biggest impact would be my kind and loving husband, Chingarum for being my life partner, best friend and biggest support. My children motivate me to execute on my vision for the future to make their experience even better than my own. My supportive family and friends remind me of where I’m from and the village that curated who I am as a person. And finally, The staff at Miss Black Florida USA, my coach Delpha, of Queens Academy, my Miss Black Miramar, Keyera and my followers and supporters helped me realize my worth and potential to live out my personal mission.

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

SP: My talent portion will be a motivational speech speaking on the struggles of our community and my plan to help move us forward if given the title.

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

SP: Having a chance at becoming the next Mrs. Black Florida and meeting all my Sister Queens! But especially completing this competition. I have truly struggled to pour into myself since getting married and having children, even suffering from post partum depression and anxiety. In less than 5 years, my priorities shifted from myself as a professional single woman, to an entire family. This is one of the only things in my life that is truly for me. I can engage my personal passion and mission and share that experience with my family. I take them on appearances and introduce them to members of the community to ensure that as a Queen, my family is a part of the package. This is how I bring my “whole self” into my title. I’m not only nurturing myself and catering to my community but also teaching my children life purpose and strong family values as well.

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

SP: As a woman of many talents, I juggle many hats. I’ve learned how to lean on my Sister Queens, Balance my Professional, Personal and Title bound commitments and strengthen my belief that with unwavering faith in God, anything is possible.

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.

SP: The current state of women’s experiences especially in the black community plays a vital role in our progress. Black women have served as the epicenter of family, strong moral values, strength, and structure in our households. 

Black women have historically faced unique challenges, including racism, sexism, and economic inequality. We have fought for the rights for systemic change leading to framework to benefit all women

Black women lead as one of the most educated minority groups playing an essential role in society and economic growth. This leads to an increase of leadership roles and representation for future young women. 

By enabling the voices of black women, this can lead to more acceptance of racial diversity and equality but also invoking change on how we are perceived and the value of our impact on the community and society as a whole. This is a crucial step for our future success as a community.

Check out these photos of Sasha Pondexter, Mrs Black Miramar USA 2024, and contestant in the 2025 Miss 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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