By Marissa V. Foster

A WOMAN of substance, a woman that is not afraid of being empowered and empowering others. Rhonda Jonas is a mother of three and a teacher by profession for 22 years. Jonas started her career at the age of 15 and taught at the Berbice High School (BHS). She then went on to pursue training at the Cyril Potter College of Education. Jonas decided to explore Guyana and opted to teach the Saint Ignatius Secondary school all the way in Region Nine. She then moved back to her hometown and began teaching at Alba Marta and continued to further her studies, later achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Administration. Currently, she is a Graduate Senior Mistress at the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (N.A.M.S).

Jonas is also a past queen herself. A former “Miss Region Six” title holder, she also participated in Miss Multilateral Junior and Senior pageants and also participated in the Miss Black African Heritage Pageant. She is also part of the Mount Sinai AOG women’s ministry. Jonas is the founder and visionary behind the Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant. One may be wondering, why Women’s Empowerment through pageantry? Jonas explained, “Women are such fascinating human beings. Part of the fascination is learning by observing. The Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant is a platform where women can showcase various talents, awareness of various issues and strategies to deal with these issues, all in one package, and still be beautiful and confident.”

The pageant has been conceptualised for the past two years as a prestigious annual event, bringing together women of a wide range of communities and cultures from all over East Berbice. The pageant’s principal objective is “Fighting issues of women through glamour.” The mission of the pageant is to empower young ladies in Berbice with the confidence to present solutions and strategies for various issues and to act as a support body for other women in need. The pageant is designed to build relationships with other women who are working diligently to leave a positive impact in their communities; be the voice of the voiceless and project a positive image in society. It is open to young women between the ages of 18-25 of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. One of many aspects that positively separate this pageant from others is the fact that the delegates can be married, single or divorced, with or without kids. This is not so for many pageants available. It is a platform for ALL women.

The first year of the pageant addressed social issues in our society under the theme: “Fighting social issues through Glamour.” Last year, the pageant focused on mental health under the theme: “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.” This is the third year of the pageant and it will be executed under the Theme: Self Care= (Green Environment + Sustenance).
Jonas is a lover of the Sciences; Environmental to be exact. Apart from having a full-time career, family to take care of and also a love for travelling, exploring nature and environmental/drama pageantries; she also uses her platform and voice to facilitate other beneficial projects through the pageant. She facilitates a radio programme along with the delegates of the pageant on 88.5 ROCK FM. The delegates and Jonas discuss topical environmental and social issues that plague Berbice and Guyana at large.
The pageant also facilitated a free HIV testing outreach in collaboration with Comforting Hearts. Jonas has beaming plans for the future. She plans to land a programme on the local television stations in Berbice to further discuss topical issues. She also plans to form a girls group for young females in the New Amsterdam-Canje area to further improve her quest for women empowerment.

This teacher with a passion for women empowerment advises young people by saying, “Education is serious business. Treat education as a priority, your life, time and brains belong to you. Educate yourself. You can’t go wrong.” She also strongly advises single parents, especially mothers, by saying, “To all single parents, you are never single as long as God is with you. Believe in him and keep praying.”

The theme focuses on delegates bridging care of oneself the sustenance of the green environment of our country: with the hope of everyone coming on board. Delegates will also have the opportunity to research various self-care issues, and exotic animals of our dear Guyana, which will form their platform for the pageant. Persons desirous of learning more about the pageant and donating to this cause can make contact with Rhonda Jonas on (592) 660-8850 or visit ‘Ms. Exquisitely Conscious’ on Facebook.