Lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha Competing in Miss California USA Pageant
Brijet Finister is from Stockton, California. She attended San Francisco State University where she majored in English Literature where she also joined the Eta Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Fall of 2011. “I was first made aware of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. by a woman in my life growing up”, Finister said. “She was a close friend of my parents, and exuded the character and class of a woman I aspired to be. After doing more research, I was drawn to the mission of AKA, which is service to all mankind. The women in the chapter at my university displayed their dedication to the community so well, and since I was already helping my community, I saw myself fitting right into the chapter and the direction of the organization. I have since made some of my best friends here, and made connections that will last a lifetime. By far the best decision I have ever made.”
Finister will be competing in the upcoming 2017 Miss California USA Pageant representing her hometown. She has competed in pageants since the age of 14 and have participated in pageants such as representing California as Miss Golden State Teen America in the 2004 Miss Teen America Pageant, Miss Black & Gold 2009 and Miss Black California USA 2012.
Finister stated the reason she began competing in pageants was because, “dancing was my first passion, which I learned from my father who was an amazing dancer. From there, I was interested in anything that put me on stage.”
When asked about her biggest influence in her life, she without a doubt named her parents.
“Their marriage and partnership inspired me throughout my life. They were married almost 30 years, until my father passed from pancreatic cancer December 7, 2015. Before he became ill, my father was superman. He coached every one of our sports, read to us, loved on us, taught us what true character and work ethic was, and gave the example of how a man of God operates. He truly fought like only a warrior would with his cancer battle. While he was in the hospital over 300 people visited him and his service was standing room only. He showed me the meaning of a legacy. My mother is equally amazing. She was a stay at home mother and was completely involved in our lives, and I became even more honored to be her daughter as I watched how she so gracefully carried out the "till death do us part" lines from her wedding vows through my father’s sickness. She has been dealt a tough situation, but she chooses to get up every day and still pour into others despite what she is going through herself. The two of them mean more to me than life itself and I'm beyond blessed to be their daughter.”
Finister is a licensed financial advisor where she focuses on financial education for youth.
“With my financial literacy platform, my goal is to get this knowledge to as many communities as I can. If you are looking to have me bring my program to your city or event, please feel free to shoot me an email at brijetfinister@yahoo.com. I am also available for other opportunities.”
The Miss California Pageant will be held from Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 4th in Long Beach, California. Be sure to cheer Brijet on as she competes to take home the crown!
