Ellen Dunbar left Liberia in the midst of civil unrest and news of impending war to start a new life in the United States. During her early years in the U.S. she worked in the healthcare industry and also as a free-lance writer and fashion designer. She was a negotiator at Concentra Preferred Systems until 2003 when she made a decision to devote her time to creating opportunities for African women. The eldest daughter among thirteen children and groomed for many years to make decisions affecting those around her, it is no wonder that the Miss Africa® and Miss Africa International® pageants are products of her creative imagination. Her pageants held at some of the most prestigious venues have been well-discussed in entertainment circles. A true humanitarian at heart known for her dedication to African women and children, Dunbar is a source of inspiration to the many African young women whom she mentors. She has a very strong relationship with various corporations, NGOs and African governments and United States officials. She has given many talks on African beauty, fashion and the trials and strength of the African woman of the new millenium and is a regular guest on VOA's Nightline Africa. Aside from creating the pageant, she helps to raise funds for several charities. In an expanded outreach, her self-funded charitable foundation has sent educational materials to Benin, supported kids in Ethiopia, raised funds with the Worldbank for hunger victims in Niger, donated to a project for female prisoners in Senegal and is focusing her attention on humanitarian projects in her native Liberia. Her favorite projects are those that enhance independence and self-esteem in African women. An ascending doyenne of international diplomatic circles, Dunbar keeps very busy in Washington, D.C. where she resides with her two sons, runs a consulting firm and helps raise funds for charities. She has authored many essays, poems, short stories and is currently working on a radio program segment for the Voice of America and a screenplay. Her writing can be found in various publications and websites under her pen name. One never knows what to expect of this strong, creative daughter of Liberia. For more information, visit www.missafricainternational.com.