As the winner of the National American Miss Maryland Pageant, there might be a lot expected of Desna Johnson. The native of Odenton, Maryland, however is not new to the pressures of pageantry.

“I’ve been competing in the National American Miss competitions for six years now,” said Johnson of her previous experience at the National American Miss Maryland Teen levels. “Being able to win at life feels good, and I see myself as a good role model for the younger girls to follow.”

Having been originally appointed for the completion she won by the pageant directors at the state level, Johnson now heads to California in November for Nationals. But her days don’t go idly by until then. The Elementary Education major in her junior year at Chowan University is combining her academic pursuits with her passion for social projects.

“I work with the Children’s Bereavement Center of Miami, Florida, who gave me such good support in the past when I needed them,” Johnson explained, using her minor in Psychology to aid in grief counseling through the call center and visits. “I have also served in several schools talking to girls to teach good personal standards and spoke at events for breast cancer awareness.”

Johnson added, “I strive to be a positive image and positive person in the news for the next group of girls to follow. I want to help mold their futures to be the best they can be.”