Krystal Okeke
Krystal Okeke, is a Nigerian-American model, actress, journalist and philanthropist.[1][2] She is the founder of America Kids Multicultural World Organization and Miss and Mrs America Nation beauty pageant.[3][4]
Krystal Okeke | |
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Born | |
Education | Philanthropy and Humanitarianism (2020) PhD |
Alma mater | Governors State University Prairie State College |
Occupation |
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Years active | 2012–present |
Early life and education
Krystal was born in Chicago, Illinois, US. She is from Anambra State, Nigeria. She spent her formative years in Kaduna State, Nigeria, where she lived for 16 years learning Nigerian culture, before returning to the US.[5] In 2017, Krystal graduated with a degree in mass communication from Prairie State College, before finally graduating from Governors State University with a degree in journalism.[6]
Career
2012–2016: Career beginnings, Ms. Illinois USA Universal 2016 and Ms. USA Universal 2016
While growing up, Krystal used to watch Miss World and Miss Universe beauty pageant, which led her to start modelling at the age of 5 years. In 2012 while still in Nigeria, she officially started her career as a model. After few years, she moved back to the US, to further her modeling career. She had three attempts to win Miss Illinois USA, before finally winning Ms. Illinois USA Universal 2016 in her fourth attempt at pageantry in February 2016, alongside her daughter, Kleopatra Vargas, who was crowned Baby Miss Illinois 2016.[5] Winning Ms. Illinois USA Universal 2016, earned her the right to represent the state of Illinois at Ms. USA Universal 2016. In July 2016, she finished in the top three, earning 2nd runner up and winning Illinois state ambassador at Ms. USA Universal 2016 which held at Peppermill Reno, Nevada.[7]
Personal life
Krystal's father is from Taraba State, while her mother is from Anambra State.[10] She speaks English, Igbo and Hausa fluently.[1] Krystal has a daughter.[5]
Award and recognition
- In October 2019, Krystal was awarded with a police medal of honour as an ambassador by the Nigeria Police Force.[11]
- In 2020, Krystal received award of honour as Nigerian Young Female Diaspora of the Year by Igbere TV.[12]
- In 2020, Krystal received Ambassadorial Award of Nigerian Youth in Diaspora by Coalition of Nigerian Youth Association.[13]
- Nigerian Queen Hall of Fame honor 2020.
References
- Nda-Isaiah, Solomon (30 March 2016). "Nigeria: Miss Illinois Shows Love to Less-Privileged On Easter Day". AllAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- Nda-Isaiah, Solomon (8 January 2020). "Kaduna State Police Wives Association Empower Widows". Leadership Newspaper. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "Chicago Multicultural Kids Fashion Show preview". WLS-TV. 17 June 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "Miss & Mrs America Nation 2019". Pageant Planet. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- Kopycinski, Gary (2 May 2016). "Sitting Down With Krystal Okeke, Park Forest's Own Ms. Illinois USA Universal 2016". eNews Park Forest. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- Jo, Daniel (26 May 2017). "Krystal Okeke Bags World Class Beauty Queen Award (Photos)". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "Nigerian Beauty, Krystal Okeke, Mz Illinois Dazzles At Ms USA Universal Contest, Named State Ambassador". The Nigerian Voice. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "150 Kids Showcased Fashion At Chicago Halloween And MulticulturalShow Hosted By Krystal Okeke". Modern Ghana. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "2019 Miss and Mrs America Nation; and Kids Multicultural Runway". Briyanakelly.com. 15 April 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "Nigerian Born US Beauty Queen Krystal Okeke Dazzles In Fulani Attire Photo shoot After Abuja Visit". Modern Ghana. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "American Born Nigerian Beauty Queen Hosts Nigeria Top Police Commissioners In Chicago, Receives Police Ambassadorial Medal Of Honour (Photos)". Igbere TV. 30 October 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- "US Based Ex Beauty Queen Dr. Krystal Okeke Bags Double Diaspora Youth Ambassador Awards". Leadership Newspaper. 16 December 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
- "Nigeria Youths Honour US Based Dr. Krystal Okeke As Nigeria Diaspora Youth Ambassador". StatePress NG. Retrieved 17 January 2021.