HOMESTEAD AIR FORCE BASE, Flor -- SrA Stefanie Merelus, an Air Force reservist with a heart full of passion and purpose, embarks on a journey unlike any other. While her some of her days are spent as Financial Management Reservist at the 482d Fighter Wing, when not serving in her military role she is dedicated to a different kind of mission - one that involves donning a crown and sash as she vies for the title of Ms. Black USA.
Being an Air Force reservist has given her the opportunity to serve our country and peruse her pageant dreams. As Merelus balances her military duties with her pageant preparations, she finds herself navigating two very different worlds - one rooted in service and honor, the other in glamour and grace, never losing sight of the impact she hopes to make in both arenas. Stefanie story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. As a proud member of the Air Force Reserves, she has faced challenges and obstacles with grace and courage, always rising to the challenge.
Merelus’ s passion for community service and advocacy to help people with financial literacy has led her to the stage of the Ms. Black USA pageant, where she hopes to use her platform to shine a light on important issues facing her community and the nation as a whole.
The road to the Ms. Black USA crown is not an easy one, filled with long hours of training, preparation, and self-reflection. But Merelus faces each challenge with resilience and a heart full of determination, knowing that the journey is just as important as the destination.
With the support of her fellow reservists, family, and friends, Stefanie takes to the stage with grace and poise, ready to show the world that beauty, strength, and intelligence come in many forms.
SrA Merelus, placed 4 th place runner-up in the Miss Black USA 2024 pageant. “For anyone that dares to dream, dream big, and know that if you believe it, you can achieve it, SrA Merelus remains an inspiration for her coworkers, military member, and the elementary students in the local community that she mentors. She is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with courage and conviction, anything is possible.