Identified as a first generation “African-American with Nigerian parentage”, Frances is a manifestation of a hybrid cultural upbringing which has directly influenced who she is today. Being raised in a traditional Nigerian household within American society, has presented some challenges. In grade school, Frances's mother would style my hair in a traditional Igbo-Nigerian fashion, using black thread-like strings called, “aewoo.” Students would crowd around her, pointing and taunting, simply because of a hairstyle which they were unfamiliar with, and did not understand. I soon realized that, not only did her hair give away my African heritage, but her last name did as well, Udukwu. Even more interesting was the fact that she was often told that she did not look African, and earlier on, I was bewildered as to what that really meant. To some, such encounters might have spawned defensiveness, anger and even isolation. To the contrary, she not only gained a greater awareness of my unique heritage, but also an acute appreciation of being a product of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an obligation to expose and promote the beauty in Igbo land’s traditions and culture. Frances demonstrate a commitment to service generally, and a career supporting the under served, particularly. she is convinced that the Miss Nigeria USA Pageant mission to assist young Nigerian women trailblazers, like myself, to seize the opportunity that America presents to advocate for the less fortunate will best enable me to shine the spotlight on Nigeria, tell her story, inspire others and most importantly, service humanity.