HU Student Becomes Miss Tanzania USA, Dreams of Becoming Miss Africa

Howard University student Monica Haule was recently selected to represent her country of origin, Tanzania, in the Miss Africa USA pageant on Sunday, Nov. 13 in Silver Spring, Md. Haule is a second-year graduate student in the School of Social Work MSW program.

"Wow I can't believe this," Haule reflects on winning Miss Tanzania USA 2011. "I put all my goals on paper and it came into fruition."

Pageants are nothing new to Ms. Haule who has been competing since she was a little girl. Now, Haule is in a position to motivate young Tanzanian girls.

"This pageant celebrates our beauty. Round noses, nappy hair, apple backsides," Haule says. She looks up to many people, but especially her mother, "The quintessential black woman. (She's) educated, smart and spiritual. No better example than her. " Haule aspires to be a role model to not only women of color interested in pageants, but to young girls who strive to "be the best they can be".

Haule originates from Texas, and after attending Texas Woman's University, she became a certified teacher instructing middle school students in Language Arts and Science. She has accomplished all of this in addition to coaching volleyball, basketball and track.

Eventually Haule brought her talents to Howard University to further her commitment to help others. In May, she will graduate from Howard University with a master's degree in social work, with dreams of opening her own practice.

Haule's dedication to service has led to an extensive list of work that she has done for others, such as her work with the Chloe House. She has helped young women raise their self-esteem, confidence and value by providing individual and family therapy. Her concern with military veterans and the lack of service they receive at home led her to adopt soldiers through the Soldier's Angels organization and provide support through letters and care packages every week. She plans to advocate for men and women as a graduate therapist with the D.C. Rape Crisis Center this fall.

As a contestant in the Miss Africa pageant. Haule and the other delegates will have a profile on the website detailing their platform and projects for communities in Africa and America that are in need. Supporters of Haule will be able to log on to the site this month to cast their vote and the delegate with the most votes will be crowned the "People's Princess."

Another issue Haule is passionate about is illiteracy. Her interest in reading began when she was very young by her father, the late journalist and professor John Haule, Ph.D. "Growing up, my parents instilled a sense of purpose and direction through the world of books. The Miss Africa USA pageant will provide the opportunity to get the word out to decrease illiteracy."

When asked what inspires her, she replied "People, heroic deeds and blessings that God has bestowed on me. Me being in my right mind, having a day on this earth and being able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life."