Samantha, a multifaceted individual, has made a profound impact in various realms, including acting, modeling, producing, and mindset coaching. Born into a military family, she developed a profound appreciation for diverse cultures, which has shaped her inclusive worldview.
At the tender age of 17, Samantha made history by becoming the first African American woman to win the Miss Hawaii Teen USA title in 2013, subsequently placing in the Top 15 at Miss Teen USA. This remarkable achievement served as a catalyst for her modeling career, with appearances in over 20 national campaigns and as a cover model for renowned brands such as Skechers, MindBody, and Maui Jim.
As Samantha transitioned from modeling to acting, she relocated to Los Angeles and swiftly built an impressive resume, securing roles in feature films for esteemed studios like Lionsgate, Sony, and Lifetime, as well as guest spots on popular television series for CBS, ABC, and HBO. Furthermore, she leveraged her talents behind the camera, producing a Short Film Festival and several of her own short films.
In 2019, Samantha returned to her roots in Hawaii and founded Time to Talk Hawaii, a program aimed at assisting teens in developing effective communication skills in both personal and professional settings. That same year, she made history once more by becoming the first African American woman to win the Miss Hawaii USA title, earning awards for Best Interview, Best Swimsuit, and Best Evening Gown, and later finishing in the Top 10 at Miss USA 2020.
During her reign as Miss Hawaii USA, Samantha focused on amplifying youth voices and fostering conversations around racial disparity in Hawaii. She collaborated with local elected officials to establish the first Honolulu City Youth Commission, creating a platform for young people to engage in civic leadership and advocacy.
In the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, Samantha took a leading role in advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth in Hawaii. She successfully led a coalition of community partners and guided state legislators in the effort to pass SB 939, officially establishing June 19th as a Day of Remembrance across Hawaii. On June 17, 2021, Samantha spoke at the Governor's mansion during the official signing ceremony, where she highlighted the significance of recognizing Black history and culture within the Hawaiian Islands.
In 2022, Samantha became an ICF-accredited mindset coach, dedicating her coaching practice to helping young women build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. She continues to be dedicated to social change, inspiring others to use their platforms for positive impact.
