Trinity Cephas is a Social Work major, American Sign Language (ASL) option who has been beyond involved on Bowie State University’s campus. She shows her love for her university through her amazing contributions, being involved in over 15 leadership positions, clubs, and roles through her college matriculation. Some of these roles include Freshman Class Secretary, Towers Residence Hall President, Social Work Club, Bowie State Gospel Choir, Supporting role in DreamGirls, Experience Media Team Executive, Founder of the Golden Curves-plus size dance team, New Student Orientation Leader, Queen in You Boys & Girls Club Volunteer, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior, 77th Miss Bowie State University, and Physical and Mental Health Chair for the Zeta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Trinity has not only served on campus but has taken the initiative to make a difference off campus. She has volunteered at the TRC Childcare Center named after her late mother, aiding in the well-being and education of autistic children. Trinity Cephas is the definition of a woman of grace, poise, and a love for her community, using all her gifts and talents from her beautiful voice to her outspoken character to lead her Bowie State University peers in the best way possible.

Akera Kaliyah Barnes, a 21-year-old Criminal Justice Major and Presidential Scholar at Livingstone College, was born and raised in Queens, New York. Her parents, Rodger Barnes and Kearine Manogin-Shirley, are from Jamaica. Beginning her education in Jamaica, she later moved to the U.S. for a better life with her mother but continued spending summers in Jamaica with her father and his family. Akera, once an only child, now has a three-year-old sister, Aliyana Barnes, and is surrounded by a supportive village, including three aunts, a Godfather, and her grandmother. Transitioning from John Jay College to Livingstone College, she actively participates on campus, holding titles such as Miss United Negro College Fund, Miss Kappa Alpha Psi, and the current Miss Livingstone College. Through her Miss Livingstone College role, she aims to continue instilling pride in her historically black college. Akera's platform, V.I.E.W. (vision, intention, execution, wins), focuses on changing perspectives. Her future plans include attending law school and becoming an immigration attorney, advocating for those facing unjust treatment. Akera believes everyone deserves a fair chance and aims to be a voice for those who may lack the means to speak for themselves, inspired by her parents' story.

Niayah M. McFadden hails from Wilmington, NC. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Political Science at Fayetteville State University. Her achievements include being named a Dean’s List Scholar, receiving the FSU-Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award, and being recognized as the Most Dedicated Member by Bronco Wellness. Niayah is actively engaged on campus, serving in roles such as Associate Chief Justice on the Student Conduct Board, a Bronco Wellness Ambassador member, and as Miss Fayetteville State University for the 2023-2024 academic year. Beyond academics and career experiences, Niayah is deeply involved in her local community. She volunteers at her campus Food and Resource Pantry, mentors’ students through the R.O.O.T.S mentoring program and supports organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Niayah's commitment to social justice and voting rights is evident through her active involvement in various initiatives. As an intern with Civic Influencers, she utilizes various social media platforms to engage followers in discussions on political and social issues while presenting statistics on voting rates and strategies to increase voter registration. Niayah also contributes to the field of medical research in collaboration with All of Us Research, focusing on sickle cell disease.

Katelyn is a graduating senior from the first-degree granting HBCU, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. She is from Canarsie, New York where she lives with her parents and twin brothers. Katelyn’s family is from Trinidad & Tobago where they take big pride in their culture. Katelyn’s aspirations once she graduates from Lincoln University is to not only become a 8th grade math and history teacher, but to be councilwoman of her district back in Brooklyn to target environmental racism and elevate the community on Pan-African ideals. Katelyn uses her reign to already pass some of these Pan-African ideals and also tenants of accountability, authenticity, and accessibility. Katelyn believes that it takes a village to raise a child and she sees her campus as the village and the students as the kid aiming to bring a family-oriented structure.

Aliyah Laila Thompson, the daughter of Michael and Tracey Thompson, holds the distinction of being the 97th Miss Johnson C. Smith University. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Aliyah is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society, the Minority Association of Pre-Health Professionals, and Luv Ur Curves. She is a member of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. External to JCSU, she has been involved in her community as a Dance Specialist at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, as well as volunteering to support students in schools in the Charlotte community. Aliyah is a classical ballerina and NAACP ACT-SO-Silver Award Classical Ballet Winner. Upon graduating from JCSU, Aliyah plans to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy and study how to improve the quality of life for dancers through the practice of physical therapy. Her quiet intellect, grace, charm, and SMILE inspire others. She stands on the values of authenticity, integrity, and service. Aliyah believes, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14.

Miss India Arie' Rice is a native of Greenwood, South Carolina. Born in a small town, her vision soon began to outgrow her environment and she has since continued to work to ensure her dreams become her reality. India Rice is a Senior Political Science scholar, Philosophy and Religion minor at Claflin University. Throughout her matriculation, India has been an active leader both on and outside of campus. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, a Student Success Leader, and a mentor. India's career aspirations include becoming a practicing civil rights attorney, thus sparked her initiatives to become an intern at Bamberg Legal and participate in the North Carolina Central School of law summer program. Miss India Rice lives by the quote, "Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal." —Simone Biles

I am Jordan Thornton, a 20-year-old senior honors scholar majoring in Psychology, hailing from the star of the northeast, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and I have the privilege of serving as the 89th Queen of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). My undergraduate career began at the tender age of 16 years old. Coming from a rich legacy of Vikings, I knew ECSU would be where I could gain leadership development opportunities, internship and job opportunities, and exposure to the rich culture HBCUs are known for. During my tenure at ECSU, I’ve been a member of the University Honors Program, presented research at the National Collegiate Honors Conference, conducted research for my Honors Thesis, became a member of the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and held executive board positions such as Vice President and several secretarial roles. And I instituted a business venture for my university as a Stanford University Innovation Fellow. ECSU allowed me to come to discover, and I will leave to conquer.

Proudly originating from Barbados, Ashley Kristen Weekes has been cultivating an experience like no other. She is a senior, accounting major at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.0. While being excellent in the classroom, Ashley also excels in various ways across campus. In addition to being the 73rd Miss Saint Augustine’s University, she is a founder and past ladies captain of the first ever HBCU cycling team, a chapel scholar where she is a member of the divine dance group, president of NABA Inc., and much more. With a passion of becoming a certified public accountant, Ashley has obtained three internships during her tenure with the last two being at Deloitte in Audit and Assurance. Growing up on a small island with limited resources, Ashley’s journey reflects the resilience seen in Black history. It shows that there is success in uplifting others, hence, through her platform PUSH; persist until success happens, she inspires others to pursue their dreams and create a positive legacy by embodying the principles of Black history. Ashley encourages the CIAA Family to PUSH together to vote her as your next Miss CIAA for the 2024-2025 school year.