Dr. Moneshia Dashiell is Top 10 Mrs. Universe Queen–Finalist from Maryland & The First African American Woman from Maryland to Hold This Historic Title. She was recently interviewed by Famo Celebrity Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.
Can you Tell us a Little about Yourself?
I am Dr. Moneshia Dashiell — an internationally recognized children’s author, global educator, and clinical therapist whose life’s work centers on empowering children, families, and communities around the world. Over the years, I’ve written 42 children’s books, many of which celebrate confidence, character, and limitless potential within every child.
I am also honored to be the first African American woman appointed as Country Director of Global Women Youth Leaders USA, a role that allows me to advocate for girls and women on an international stage. My academic journey includes multiple degrees in early childhood education, psychology, and Christian education, all earned summa cum laude, which reflects my deep commitment to scholarship and service.
Beyond my professional work, I am a woman of faith, purpose, and resilience. Whether I am mentoring youth, speaking globally, or representing my country as a beauty queen finalist, my mission remains the same: to uplift, educate, and inspire. My life is dedicated to creating spaces where children and women feel seen, valued, and empowered to dream boldly.
Can you share a little experience about your Upbringing and Early Life?
I was raised in an environment where faith, discipline, and compassion were the foundation of daily life. My upbringing taught me the value of hard work, the power of education, and the importance of using one’s gifts to uplift others. Even as a young girl, I felt a deep calling to nurture, teach, and protect children — a calling that would later shape my entire career.
Growing up, I often found myself creating stories, comforting younger children, and stepping naturally into leadership roles. Those early experiences helped me understand that my purpose was bigger than myself. They planted seeds for my work as an educator, therapist, and author, and they instilled in me a resilience that has carried me through every chapter of my life.
My early life wasn’t defined by privilege, but by perseverance and vision. I learned to rise above challenges, to trust God’s timing, and to believe that every obstacle could become a stepping stone. Those lessons became the heartbeat of my mission today — to inspire children and women to see their own worth, embrace their potential, and walk boldly in their purpose.
What do you consider the Highlights of your Career so far?
My career has been blessed with many extraordinary moments, but several stand out as defining highlights. Becoming an internationally recognized children’s author with 42 published books is one of my greatest honors. Each book represents a piece of my heart — a message of confidence, character, and hope placed into the hands of children around the world.
Another milestone was being appointed the first African American woman to serve as Country Director of Global Women Youth Leaders USA. This historic achievement allowed me to elevate my advocacy for girls and women on a global platform, ensuring that leadership, education, and empowerment remain accessible to all.
I also consider my academic journey — earning multiple degrees summa cum laude in early childhood education, psychology, and Christian education — a highlight, because it reflects my lifelong commitment to excellence and service.
And most recently, being recognized as a beauty queen finalist has added a new dimension to my mission. It has given me a glamorous yet purposeful stage to inspire women of all ages to embrace their power, their voice, and their God‑given potential.
Each of these moments is meaningful on its own, but together they form a legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and a deep love for children and humanity.
What are some of the Challenges you have faced in your Career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I have faced in my career has been navigating spaces where my voice, my leadership, or my accomplishments were underestimated or overlooked. As a woman of color breaking barriers in education, literature, and global leadership, I have often had to stand firm in rooms where I was the “first” or the “only.” Instead of allowing those moments to discourage me, I used them as fuel to rise higher and to create opportunities for others who would come after me.
Another challenge has been balancing the emotional weight of my work as a clinical therapist and educator. Supporting children and families through difficult seasons requires strength, compassion, and spiritual grounding. I overcame this by leaning deeply into my faith, maintaining a commitment to self‑care, and surrounding myself with mentors and colleagues who uplift and encourage me.
There were also times when resources were limited, and I had to build programs, books, and initiatives from the ground up. Those seasons taught me creativity, perseverance, and the power of vision. I learned that when God gives you a purpose, He also gives you the resilience to carry it out — even when the path is not easy.
Every challenge I’ve faced has strengthened my voice, sharpened my mission, and deepened my commitment to empowering children and women worldwide. I don’t see obstacles as setbacks; I see them as steppingstones that have shaped the leader I am today.
What are your Interests and Hobbies outside of your Career?
Outside of my professional work, I am deeply passionate about activities that nurture my spirit, creativity, and sense of purpose. I love spending time in quiet reflection and prayer, which keeps me grounded and connected to the calling God has placed on my life.
I also enjoy writing beyond my children’s books — journaling, crafting inspirational messages, and creating new ideas for future projects. Storytelling is not just my career; it is a joyful part of who I am.
I find great joy in engaging with the arts, especially music, fashion, and pageantry. These spaces allow me to express elegance, creativity, and cultural pride in ways that feel both empowering and restorative.
And whenever I can, I love connecting with nature — taking peaceful walks, enjoying fresh air, and finding beauty in the simple things. These moments help me recharge and stay aligned with my mission to uplift others.
Overall, my hobbies reflect the same values that guided my career: faith, creativity, beauty, and a deep love for inspiring others.
What are some of the Milestones you hope to achieve in the Coming Years?
In the coming years, I hope to expand my mission of empowering children and women on an even greater global scale. One of my goals is to publish more children’s books that celebrate diversity, confidence, and emotional well‑being — stories that reach classrooms, homes, and communities around the world.
I also aspire to develop international programs that support girls’ leadership, mental health awareness, and early childhood education. As Country Director of Global Women Youth Leaders USA, I want to strengthen partnerships that create real opportunities for young women to rise, lead, and succeed.
Another milestone I look forward to is continuing my journey in pageantry and global representation. I see it as a powerful platform to amplify my advocacy, inspire women of all ages, and show that purpose and elegance can coexist beautifully.
Academically and professionally, I plan to expand my work as a clinical therapist and educator by creating training programs, workshops, and resources that help families and professionals better support children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Ultimately, every milestone I pursue is rooted in one mission: to leave a legacy of empowerment, education, and hope that continues to uplift future generations long after my work is done.
What is the most Valuable Lesson you have learned in your Life or Career?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that purpose is stronger than any obstacle. Life will present challenges, disappointments, and moments where others may underestimate you — but when you know who you are and Who you belong to, you rise above every limitation.
I’ve learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardship; it’s about transforming it. Every setback I’ve faced has pushed me to grow, to trust God more deeply, and to walk boldly in the calling placed on my life.
Another powerful lesson is that your voice matters, even in rooms where you are the first or the only. I’ve learned to stand with grace, confidence, and conviction, knowing that my presence opens doors for others who will follow.
And finally, I’ve learned that success is not measured by titles or achievements, but by the lives you touch. When your work uplifts children, empowers women, and inspires hope, you are living your purpose — and that is the greatest success of all.
What Advice would you give to Young Artists looking to make a mark in the industry?
My advice to young artists is simple: honor your gift, protect your voice, and never apologize for your brilliance. The industry can be competitive, but there is only one you — and that is your greatest advantage.
First, stay true to your identity. Don’t dilute your creativity to fit into someone else’s mold. The world is waiting for the authenticity that only you can bring.
Second, commit to excellence. Study your craft, invest in your skills, and surround yourself with mentors who challenge you to grow. Talent opens the door, but discipline keeps you in the room.
Third, be resilient. You will face rejection, criticism, and moments of doubt, but those experiences are not meant to break you — they are meant to shape you. Every great artist has had to rise above obstacles, and you will too.
Finally, lead with purpose. When your art carries meaning, when it uplifts, heals, or inspires, it becomes more than a performance — it becomes a legacy.
Believe in your calling, trust the process, and remember that your creativity is a gift meant to shine.
What is your Favorite Book or Movie Name?
One of my favorite books is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It resonates deeply with me because it speaks to living with intention, faith, and clarity — values that have guided every chapter of my journey. I believe that when you understand your purpose, you walk with a different kind of strength and confidence.
As for movies, I enjoy films that uplift the spirit and celebrate resilience. One of my favorites is The Pursuit of Happiness. Its message of perseverance, hope, and unwavering determination reflects so much of what I strive to embody and teach. It reminds us that no matter the obstacles, faith and persistence can lead us to extraordinary places.
What is One Word to Describe yourself?
“Purpose‑driven.”
Everything I do — whether in education, therapy, authorship, or global leadership — is rooted in intention and guided by a deep sense of calling. Being purpose‑driven means I move with clarity, faith, and a commitment to uplifting others. It is the word that best captures my journey, my mission, and the legacy I strive to build.
If you could have Dinner with any Historical Figure, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would choose Dr. Maya Angelou. Her wisdom, her voice, and her unwavering commitment to dignity and truth have shaped generations. She understood the power of words — not just as literature, but as healing, as liberation, and as a pathway to purpose.
I would love to sit with her and talk about resilience, womanhood, leadership, and the responsibility of using one’s gifts to uplift others. Her life reminds me that grace and strength can coexist beautifully, and that our stories — especially those born from struggle — can become powerful tools for transformation.
Sharing a meal with her would be more than a conversation; it would be a moment of spiritual and creative alignment with a woman whose legacy continues to inspire my own.
What is your Favorite Travel Destination?
One of my favorite travel destinations is anywhere that allows me to experience both culture and serenity. I am especially drawn to places with rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a sense of peace that inspires reflection and creativity. Destinations with warm climates, vibrant communities, and breathtaking natural beauty always speak to my spirit.
I love environments where I can connect with nature, enjoy quiet moments of prayer, and immerse myself in new cultural experiences. Whether it’s a coastal escape, a historic city, or a place known for its artistic charm, I value destinations that refresh my mind and renew my purpose.
Travel, for me, is not just about seeing the world — it’s about finding inspiration, embracing diversity, and returning home with a deeper sense of gratitude and vision.
What are your Social Media Platform Links?
You can connect with me and follow my journey across my official social media platforms:
- Facebook: Dr. Moneshia Dashiell
- Instagram: @dr_dashiell
- TikTok: @drmoneshiadashiell
- YouTube: Dr. Moneshia Dashiell
- LinkedIn: Dr. Moneshia Dashiell
These platforms allow me to share my work, inspire others, and stay connected with the global community that supports my mission of empowering children and women worldwide.
