Daily Inspiration: Meet Emma Dickson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Dickson

Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Emma Dickson and I am currently serving as Miss Black Colorado 2020. My journey starts at my adoption as a baby to a white family in Highlands Ranch. Growing up, I faced many racial adversities and struggled with shaping my identity as a black woman. For much of my childhood, I felt like an outsider in my own community. It became my mission to change how I felt. After high school, I decided to attend Howard University (a historically black university) located in Washington, D.C., and my life completely changed. I was for the first time emerged within the black community and around like-minded people. I was around people who pushed me and helped me shape my identity as a black woman. After two and a half years at Howard, I was forced to transfer home to the Metropolitan State University of Denver to finish my degree due to financial reasons.

At the time, it felt like my journey of discovery was over, especially within the shaping of my racial identity. During my time at Metro, I was determined to continue to grow and flourish into the woman I knew I could become. I decided to major in Broadcast Journalism and minor in Africana Studies to continue my education and pursue a career in entertainment. I was able to be a part of Metro’s student television network and the black student alliance, where I could grow my student network and develop relationships that I still hold near to this day. I later graduated in 2018 and accepted an apprenticeship at a T.V. station in Washington D.C. in an associate producer role. In 2019 I decided to move back to Denver after not feeling fulfilled in that role. I came back to Denver decided to pursue a career in beauty as a Medical Esthetician.

As I worked towards that goal, I realized that I wanted to pursue my career within the health and wellness field. I decided to continue my educational journey and obtain my MBA to hopefully open my own wellness center in the future. Upon that, I came across the Miss Black USA organization for a scholarship option. I love everything the organization stands for, significantly that it empowers black women to use their voice and share their stories to uplift their communities. Due to COVID, the pageant was open to online applications, and I was chosen to represent Colorado. This title means so much and is too full circle for me. My passion is to inspire and lead young black women within our community to live and work a fulfilling life through body, mind, and soul. I am so grateful to have reached this place in my life and it has given me hope that the sky is the limit.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some struggle I have faced along the way has been the shaping of my identity as a black woman who is a transracial adoptee. Dealing with racism and colorism has been extremely difficult.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently working towards becoming a medical esthetician, meaning I specialize in the skin. I love helping people work towards improving their skin and creating the right treatments for them. I am also serving as Miss Black Colorado 2020, and I have loved speaking to different media groups and speaking up about the injustices that the Black community faces. I have a passion for civil rights and justice for minorities, and I love being a leader for my community in Colorado.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The entertainment and beauty industry are both always evolving and growing. In the next 5-10 years, I hope that they grow to expand their inclusivity and represent many different types of men and women. I want to help develop that and create that space for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Email: Dickson.e1994@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmaelyse/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkhL9YQwby8M31voP5hkyuQ?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Emma Dickson