Meet Antina Campbell

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

Hi Antina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose was a journey through resilience, healing, and faith. Growing up surrounded by five incredibly strong aunts and a powerful mother, I was blessed with a lineage of women who, despite the challenges, always showed up with courage and strength. Many of my family members also faced mental health struggles, but I witnessed their battles against these invisible foes, a daily testament to the power within them. From a young age, I felt a divine presence, a higher power woven into the fabric of my life, protecting and guiding me even before I could fully understand or recognize it. Through their struggles and triumphs, I began to see glimpses of my purpose, rooted in my ancestry and my community.

But the journey wasn’t easy. I endured my own share of trials, facing physical, mental, and sexual abuse at an early age. These experiences shattered my spirit but never extinguished it. I came to understand that my life wasn’t just for me; I was meant to survive these challenges, to heal, and to rise above them, not just for myself but as a beacon for others. It was through this pain and the strength I saw reflected in my mother, aunts, and family that I found my calling—to support other young Black women, to be the guide I once needed, and to help them discover and embrace the path that God has laid out for them.

I believe my purpose is to be a vessel, empowered by my own experiences and faith, showing young women that they are not alone and that their struggles can be transformed into strength. I am here to help them pursue what God has ordained for them, to remind them of the beauty in their resilience, and to show them that their worth and potential are infinite. My journey through trauma and healing has shaped me into someone who can now stand strong and help others do the same, fully embracing my role as a servant leader.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a director, my role goes beyond simply organizing and facilitating the pageant—it’s about cultivating a space where each woman feels seen, heard, and empowered. When a queen begins her journey, she often has an initial vision for her platform and the message she hopes to amplify. My goal is to help her deepen this vision, pushing her to explore her passions, refine her advocacy, and set measurable goals that can lead to tangible impact. Whether she’s focused on social justice, health awareness, or community service, I work closely with her to strategize and take her platform to new heights. It’s rewarding to watch her discover the true power of her voice and learn how to channel it effectively, both locally and beyond.

Additionally, fostering a sense of unity and community among the queens is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. These women often begin as strangers, each from different backgrounds and with distinct aspirations. Over time, they become more than pageant sisters—they become genuine friends and allies. It’s incredible to see them cheer each other on, share their experiences, and lift one another during both triumphs and challenges. This network of support is invaluable, not only during their pageant year but as they move forward in life. By the end of their reign, these women have not only transformed individually but have become part of a legacy of empowered, connected, and purpose-driven women. Watching this community flourish and knowing I played a part in shaping it is a deeply gratifying experience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three key qualities and skills that have greatly impacted my journey as a state pageant director for the Miss Black USA Organization are:

1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Being a pageant director requires a deep understanding of the personal journeys, challenges, and dreams of each queen. Empathy helps foster authentic connections and allows each queen to feel supported in a genuine way. Emotional intelligence, in turn, allows me to respond thoughtfully, making queens feel heard and valued.

Advice: To develop empathy and emotional intelligence, spend intentional time with your contestants and learn to listen actively. Embrace moments that allow you to understand their backgrounds and be present during their highs and lows. Practicing self-reflection and staying mindful of your own emotions will also help you connect with others more authentically.

2. Strong Organizational Skills
A pageant director manages various moving parts: coordinating events, scheduling practices, organizing paperwork, and ensuring timelines are met. Strong organizational skills keep everything flowing smoothly and allow each queen’s experience to be enriching rather than stressful.

Advice: Start with effective time management techniques, like prioritizing tasks and using tools like calendars and project management software. Find a system that works best for you, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks when needed. Staying organized will help you be proactive rather than reactive.

3. Visionary Leadership
As a director, having a clear vision for the pageant, the growth of the queens, and the impact of the organization is crucial. Visionary leadership ensures that contestants see the bigger picture and recognize the purpose behind their journey, motivating them to excel not only in competition but in their platforms and personal growth.

Advice: To develop visionary leadership, set goals that align with both your mission and the aspirations of your queens. Regularly revisit your “why” and reflect on the long-term impact you want to create. By continuously sharing your vision and inviting queens to contribute, you cultivate a shared sense of purpose that makes the entire journey meaningful.

For those just beginning, focusing on these three areas will lay a strong foundation for success, ensuring that your impact resonates deeply with each contestant.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Obtaining funding and sponsorship is often the greatest hurdle pageant directors face when planning and producing an event. Pageants, particularly those that empower women of color and support community-based initiatives, require substantial resources—not only for the event itself but to provide scholarships, leadership development, and community outreach that these programs offer.

One of the most impactful ways to overcome this challenge is through community support. Local businesses, families, and individuals within the community can play an essential role by recognizing the benefits these programs provide, not only for participants but for the broader community. This support can come in the form of donations, volunteer assistance, and local partnerships, all of which help reduce the financial burden.

Additionally, access to grants specifically designed for pageants and similar empowerment programs would be instrumental in helping these events flourish. Many pageants go beyond traditional beauty standards, focusing on leadership, education, and public service, which aligns with the mission of numerous foundations and grant-giving organizations. However, these grants can be limited, highly competitive, or challenging to locate. A greater emphasis on grants tailored to programs that promote diversity, self-confidence, and community service would make a profound difference.

Finally, increased accessibility to corporate sponsorship is essential. Many corporations have a vested interest in supporting diversity, empowerment, and community engagement—values pageants like ours embody. However, tapping into these funds can be challenging due to stringent application processes, limited funding pools, or lack of visibility for programs like ours. By building relationships with corporations and increasing awareness of the mutual benefits sponsorship provides, we can create more sustainable support networks for pageants. More straightforward and accessible corporate sponsorship opportunities would allow directors to focus on what truly matters: providing meaningful experiences, fostering sisterhood, and shaping future leaders.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.missblackcaliforniausa.org
• Instagram: missblackcausapageant
• Facebook: antinacampbell
• Linkedin: antinacampbell

Image Credits

Photo credit: Arnold “Shoots” Turner