Sisterhood Spotlight

How did you make the decision to engage in the Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen competition?

 I always looked up to the Miss Virginia contestants ever since I was eight years old and got involved in the princess program. When I was 13 years old, I realized that I was finally eligible to participate in the Outstanding Teen program. I was already extremely passionate about the work that I was currently doing to better the lives of those living with chronic conditions. I knew that the Miss America Organization could help me further my initiative, I could earn scholarship dollars, and I could enhance my social skills.

You advocate for blood and clotting disorders and sickle cell disease. How fantastic. What is the number one thing about these important areas that you’d like Virginia women and girls to know?

I would like for women and young girls to know that is imperative to regulate and take care of their bodies. As someone living with a blood disorder, it is important to recognize that menstruation can worsen the effects of my disorder. It is very important that I take the extra steps to monitor and give my body the care that it needs especially when I am on my menstrual cycle.

Why are you passionate about these issues?

I am passionate about these issues because I believe that there’s so much more we can do as a country to better the lives of people living with chronic illnesses. In the U.S. alone, there are only four FDA approved medications for sickle cell patients. This is a daunting statistic and something that needs to change in order to enhance our lifestyles. In order for us to improve American health, we need to work towards expanding resources for the people who need it.

What resources are available to help those with blood and clotting disorders and sickle cell disease?

The most important resource for a Sickle Cell Warrior is a comprehensive medical team. My team includes a Hematologist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Education Specialist, Social Worker and Patient Care Technician, just to name a few. In an effort to achieve optimal wellness, resources have been given by my medical team for support groups, mental health and pain management. My family and I have continued to be insistent and persistent seeking out new interventions on our own. Additionally, local and national organizations such as community-based organizations, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and the American Red Cross encourage blood donation for SCD patients. As SCDAA’s National Teen Ambassador, empowerment begins with me.

What is one day like as Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen?

My job definitely varies from day to day. During the week, I usually start the day early, go to school and then attend my Arts school into the evening. However, I might have an interview in between that, a meeting or a school visit where I interact with children. Many things can happen, and it is important to possess agility in this job!

What would you say to other Virginia girls about opportunities to make a difference across the Commonwealth?

I would tell the young women of Virginia to explore their talents, explore their life passions and utilize those skills to impact others and become a catalyst for change. I would share how the Miss America Organization has allowed me to take my service initiatives to the next level. They too can experience this same opportunity! The mission statement is, “Preparing great women for the world, and preparing the world for great women.” Local, state and national titleholders wear a crown with 4 points. Each point stands for service, style, scholarship and success. Service, the most important: this embodies ethical and moral values with a yearning for betterment. Scholarship: life ambitions become reality. Style: an example of poise presents a role model and spokesperson. Success: positive outcomes from set goals.

What are you striving or hoping for this New Year?

In 2023, I desire good health, the opportunity to continuously, positively affect the Commonwealth and the ability to complete more of my goals for my social impact initiative as I round out my reign!

About Ayana Johnson

Ayana Johnson is an honors student at Nansemond River High School, a violinist, a dancer at Governor’s School for the Arts, a small business owner, and Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen. She is an award-winning scholar with recognition from National Junior Honor Society, National Junior Beta Club, the Suffolk Art League, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, among other organizations. She was the 2019 recipient of the Excellence Girls Club Pioneer Award and has been featured in the Suffolk News Herald “20 under 21.” Ayana was the 2020 Student Council President at her school and is a current member of her superintendent’s student advisory board.

In particular, Ayana is an advocate for Sickle Cell Warriors, a local champion for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an ambassador for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, an American Red Cross Blood Donor ambassador and the National Teen Ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. As an emissary, Ayana educates the public to negate the disparities and stigmas faced by those living with chronic illnesses.