We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Omoike a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Angela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
I am a 3rd generation Registered Nurse! My Nini (my grandma) was a nurse, my mom & aunt are Nurses (who all graduated from the same school – Idabelle Firestone Nursing School), and seeing them working hard and loving their careers made me want to be a nurse. I looked up to them for their strength as women and Mothers. My Mom told me at a very young age that I had the gift & would become a Nurse. I started college and nursing prerequisite classes right after highschool, then I took a break to have kids… So with the help of family and a good support system I went back to school, and it was no easy road as I was working, dealing with my daughter who was in and out of the hospital and Doctor appointments. I remember one time sleeping at the hospital with her… The nurses were so kind and kept bringing me coffee, water and snacks because I had to leave in the morning to take a final exam. At the end of nursing school, I had to wait for my registration for my NCLEX (state board testing), so I would get up early, clean, go to the gym and put them in the childcare. There was a 2 hour max so I worked out for 1 hour then studied one hour. I personally trained a lady so she would babysit for free so I could study. I would do all the Mom things, fun things with the kids, put them to bed and study some more. The day I went for my NCLEX I saw people getting up, leaving, and my test just kept going (This test ranges from 75-to over 200 questions)…. I took a bathroom break once, said a prayer, did 10 jumping jacks, and remembered what my Mom and Grandma would tell me… “Lolly, you are meant to be a Nurse… I’m glad you’re mine” and I went back in there with confidence and passed my test!
My purpose is to care for others. And I am able to do that as a nurse as well as a Mrs Florida American. – my platform is preventing & educating on childhood food insecurity.
Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I grew up in the church, missionary trips & helping in food banks. As a nurse, and eventually as a single Mom, I needed that assistance. In 2019, I married my dream man whom has been a wonderful supporter of all things I do’.
Late 2019, I woke up and could barely walk, and it was determined that I would need hip surgery. I needed physical therapy prior to surgery so in February 2020, I underwent laparoscopic hip surgery. I could not walk or do anything for myself. As a wife, mom, and registered nurse that was emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging. I had to rely on my family and friends to help with my daily activities. I was humbled and grateful for that experience and knew that when I could walk again, I would take my health back, and one of my dreams was to be in pageant so I applied to be Mrs Welsey Chapel, competed and won Mrs Florida American in March 2023! I competed for Mrs. American, and placed in the top 15 in August 2023!
Philanthropy is part of my journey. I am able to be an inspiration to people who face challenges in their lives and am a philanthropy leader in our community.
I am passionate about using the title of Mrs Florida American to raise awareness about food insecurity and responsible Narcan distribution. I have personally experienced food insecurity, and as a nurse have witnessed the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Absolutely! Although nursing is hard, it is also very rewarding! What is Mrs Florida American, and I would definitely choose that again! My beauty queen status has elevated my ability to raise awareness on food insecurity, partner with many businesses, people & non profits. I have met some of the most amazing children working with Where The Love Grows, Runway to Hope, Metropolitan ministries, Feeding America/Tampa Bay, Biker’s Care, and many more!
It’s been an honor to be on iHeartRadio, The News, as well as a speaker mar many events.
Everyone’s voice counts. I am proud that I am able to be an example for a little girls that no matter what your dream as you can achieve it! I’m able to use my motto in Nursing & as Mrs Florida American – lead with love!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
That it’s OK to be a little bit selfish. I have a lot of empathy, and I am a caregiver by nature. It is my love language to serve and take care of others.
As a mom, a wife, a nurse, a philanthropist, and a beauty queen everyone expects you to be on all the time and to know what to do and help them whenever they need. I put so much pressure on myself to be the best at everything and be there for everybody! No one else had that pressure on me. Why do we do that to ourselves?
One of my most asked questions is how do you do it all? The truth is I don’t. I have to say no sometimes. I have to take care of myself mentally, emotionally, and physically so I am able to be the best version of myself in order to care for the people around me.
I had to learn that that was OK. That I can put myself first. I don’t need to feel guilty about it. I also love a good old-fashioned calendar where I have everything written down and laid out. I’ll try my best not to over schedule myself. I try to plan my quiet time/devotional time & workout when kids are asleep or at school if I’m off.
I say this all the time I’m just a Messy Bun Mom who’s a registered Nurse, Philanthropist with a big heart, and a Wife who loves date night!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/AngelaOmoike
- Instagram: MrsFloridaAmerican23
- Facebook: Angela Omoike
- Linkedin: Angela Omoike
- TikTok @angelaomoike.America
Image Credits
Catalina Sommers, Marcos Aviles, Pageant Design