Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Iyana Brumfield. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Iyana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

At the age of 8, Iyana began her own battle with bullying. Amidst the confusion and pain, she realized that being bullied knows no boundaries of gender, age, or color. The shocking discovery that her supposed friends were the ones causing her discomfort left her voiceless, yearning for acceptance. It was her mother’s unwavering support and intervention that sparked a turning point in Iyana’s life. With her mother’s guidance, Iyana discovered the power of her own voice and the importance of speaking up against injustice.

Finding Strength Through Dance:

In her quest to find her voice, Iyana found solace and empowerment through dance. Excelling in her dance classes, she earned lead parts and solo performances. However, even in her moments of success, she faced relentless bullying, with hurtful words like “show off,” “not that good,” and “teacher’s pet” echoing in her ears. This inner turmoil left Iyana feeling isolated and questioning her own worth. But she refused to let others dictate her path. Iyana realized that she had the power to shape her life and follow her dreams, unapologetically. Nothing or no one has the power to make you feel powerless.
Dance is my super power that I want to share with the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As Miss Black USA Talented Teen, Iyana Nicole Zion Brumfield represents a beacon of hope and resilience in the fight against bullying. My platform, “A Voice For The Bullied,” is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and serves as an inspiration to empower and advocate for those affected by bullying. My mission is to create a world where individuals reclaim their power and refuse to be silenced by bullies. My journey, combined with my empowering message, positions me as a captivating advocate and a force for change.

My determination to inspire and empower young minds is unwavering. In a society where peer pressure and bullying often go unnoticed, I aim to remind everyone of their inherent worth. Through my advocacy work, I emphasize that no one has the power to define our value or make us feel powerless unless we relinquish it. My very presence serves as a testament, igniting hope and encouraging others to believe in their own limitless potential.

My journey from a bullied child to an empowered advocate resonates with audiences worldwide. My commitment to being a voice for the bullied, regardless of gender, age, or color, showcases my unwavering determination to effect change. With my inspiring message, I empower individuals to reclaim their power, stand up against bullying, and create a more compassionate and inclusive world. I strive to be a true inspiration, capturing hearts and minds with my empowering and impactful presence.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely, looking back at my creative journey, I wish I had known about the empowering platform that pageants like Miss Black USA Talented Teen provide much earlier. The opportunity to share a powerful message and impact others on a national and international stage is invaluable. The ability to advocate for causes close to my heart and effect positive change in the community is a privilege that I am truly grateful for. I believe that understanding the impact of the Miss Black USA Talented Teen pageant as a platform for social change and advocacy is something I would have cherished knowing earlier in my journey.

Additionally, winning a full ride scholarship to Delaware State University as part of my prize package was a life-changing opportunity. It not only provided me with access to higher education but also opened doors for personal and professional growth. The scholarship will allow me to pursue my academic aspirations and continue my journey of empowerment and advocacy, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.

Furthermore, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel internationally to Paris, France in April. This experience will undoubtedly broaden my horizons and allow me to further engage in cultural exchange, advocacy, and international diplomacy, aligning with my mission to make a positive impact on a global scale.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have a circle of powerful women that support me. One of my favorite resources and books is The Woman You Are Now by Nicole Elmore, who is also my loving Mother.

I’m a big fan of Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence & Opportunity for Black Women in America by Karen Arrington. This book is won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Works.

And, I’m really excited about this new book/workbook Clutching My Pears by Natasha Houston.

These women and books will have you believing that’s there’s not anything you can’t accomplish. You have the power in you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.missblackusatalentedteen.org
• Instagram: @missblackusatalentedteen
• Facebook: @mbusatalentedteen

Image Credits
Photo Credit for all images is: Jazzy Fashion Studios @JazzyStudios