Miss Black USA Talented Teen Makes Guest Appearance on The Sherri Shepherd Show
2026 FINALISTS
2026 JUDGES
Dr. Kevin Wade
Dr. Kevin J. Wade represents a powerful combination of corporate image strategy, academic leadership, and national pageant execution. Armed with nearly two decades of elite industry experience, he has successfully coached titleholders across the Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Black USA systems. The Miss Black USA Organization stands as his definitive professional home, where his tailored coaching methodologies have produced a historic record of national winners and finalists. Beyond the stage, Dr. Wade serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at Elizabeth City State University. His commitment to the HBCU legacy is lifelong, holding the historic distinction of serving as the university's very first Mr. ECSU. Dr. Wade holds a Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership from Morgan State University and stands tall as one of the nation's premier rising voices in higher education leadership.
Kelli Abernathy
Kelli Abernathy, crowned Miss Black USA 2018, is a multifaceted talent who graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in Theatre. An accomplished actress, Kelli appeared in the Netflix series Insatiable as Miss American Lady.
Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelli balances her acting and modeling career with a thriving role in the property management industry. Her exceptional sales skills have earned her recognition as a top performer at her company for three consecutive years. Now, she is taking her expertise to the next level by pursuing a real estate license with the ambitious goal of opening her own brokerage. Kelli’s diverse achievements reflect her dedication, versatility, and entrepreneurial spirit, embodying the essence of Miss Black USA 2018.
Myja Gary
Myja Gary represents the ultimate blueprint of excellence, flawlessly translating her legacy as a national queen into a lifetime of impactful leadership. As a former Miss North Carolina A&T State University, Miss Black Virginia, and Miss Black USA, she leverages her extensive pageant experience to cultivate the next generation of women leaders. Through her full-service firm, Fearless Pageant Consulting, Myja empowers women nationwide to conquer personal barriers, activate their highest talents, and step into their confidence both on and off the stage.
A certified fitness coach and dynamic motivational speaker, Myja actively builds sustainable pathways for young Black voices. Her exceptional career is anchored by an elite academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University. Myja is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025 SHOW
“Delaware State University is pleased to announce the establishment of a full-tuition scholarship for the annual winner of Miss Black USA Talented Teen recipient.”
—dr tony allen, president & Chief Executive officer
THE QUEEN, SCHOLAR & ATHLETE
“Thanks to the Miss Black USA Organization, I was able to use the $2500 Scholarship I won towards my matriculation at Spelman College.”
- Angelina Aubain