SAMARIA MOUTON
Age: 28
Platform:
Through recent personal loss, I have developed a passion for promoting personal well-being through the caretaking and grieving process. I encourage others to remain centered and in a positive mindset in order to better serve those around them, and in order to keep steadfast in times of difficult challenges.
What IS YOUR FAVORITE U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS MEMORY>
My grandfather always encouraged me to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. His often repeated words of wisdom allowed me to find my favorite place to unplug – watching the sunset, and searching for the illusive “Green Flash” on Honeymoon Beach.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS CULTURE?
I love the strong and determined spirit of U.S. Virgin Islands. I also love the way that we're always able to kick back and relax off-the-grid.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would be thrilled to share a meal with Martha Stewart. I believe we share a similar interest of exploring other cultures through food and travel, as well as hosting personally catered meals. So I would love to sit down with and learn from a master. I admire how she’s built an expansive empire (from pet care to classic cookbooks) based on the seemingly simple task of preparing and hosting elaborately detailed meals for company.
WhAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE "CONFIDENTLY BEAUTIFUL"?
A person who is confidently beautiful is strongly rooted in what they believe, knowing their role in a much larger picture. Their beauty is rooted not only in the physical, but in the desire to impact the lives around for the greater good.
WhY DO YOU WANT TO BE MISS UNIVERSE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS?
I would be honored to be selected as Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands and eventually as Miss Universe, because I would be able to inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations by showing them how I have learned to embrace my unique qualities and share them with others. As with any leadership position, I feel that an understanding of the responsibility to help others is imperative. I admire the resilience of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I feel that I have embodied that spirit my entire life, despite being faced with and overcoming various personal hardships.
TELL US ABOUT AN IMPORTANT PROJECT YOU'VE WORKED ON RECENTLY. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT? WHO DID IT HELP?
In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I assisted in the Hurricane Recovery process by holding a toy drive for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Program. Not only was the group’s toy supply completely destroyed by the Hurricane, they were faced with an increased amount of nearly 30,000 children in need to serve. Through the efforts that I organized; we were able to provide nearly $5,000 worth of toys for hundreds of children in need. Also, during my father’s battle with Lymphoma, I was inspired to spearhead other charitable projects recently, organizing, hosting and participating in Blood, Platelet, and Bone Marrow donation drives; which help patients all over the world battling various blood and immune system diseases. Ultimately through my event organization efforts, I was able to impact the lives of at least 100 individual patients in need.