MISS EAST BERBICE CORENTYNE

Personal Details

Name: Joylyn Conway
Age: [Not specified]
Height: 5′ 3″
Statistics: [Not specified]

Education

• Berbice High School: 2009 – 2014
• University of Guyana Berbice Campus: 2014 – 2016
• University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus: 2016 – Present

BWAP Project: Attracting Girls to S.T.E.M – Stem Girls Glow

• Partner Organization: [TBD]

Project Statement:

• “In high school in third form, I wanted to go into the Technical stream. In school, I was told by some of my teachers it’s a primary guys stream, so I didn’t put that as an option, which was okay because another awesome opportunity came knocking. I was encouraged to join the Science stream, a challenge that I took gracefully and have never regretted. Back then, it didn’t seem like such a big deal for a girl to be in the Science stream and it still doesn’t actually, at least in Guyana. My female friends and I were never faced with the stereotype that ‘Science is unfeminine.’ At University, however, this changed; it’s the aspect of your life where you make decisions that can impact all of your tomorrows. I was looked down upon because of my age. People often said, ‘You’re young,’ ‘Take a break,’ ‘Live life a little.’ These phrases were taunting and many times, I wanted to agree with them. If it wasn’t my age, it was their perception of me, for instance, ‘You’re a nerd,’ or guys would say, ‘You’re beautiful and smart.’ These lines, as small as they seem, were hurtful. Being referred to as a nerd made me feel unattractive because of society’s portrayal of nerds via the media, and wearing glasses didn’t help a lot either. Being told that I’m beautiful plus smart was like being told, ‘You cannot be beautiful and smart.’ Why not? I’m as much human as guys are and have the same capabilities. These phrases made me feel I had to change; I stopped wearing glasses and started to dress up and wear makeup to avoid being perceived as a nerd or a scientist. Lastly, being told, ‘It’s time you get married,’ ‘You’re of the age,’ ‘You’re a girl,’ ‘Your biological clock is ticking,’ was funny and not hurtful to me. However, my future as a wife and a mother is just as important as my academics and career goals, and I believe that I can have them both. I can say this because I see it within my home through my mom, one of my role models. In America, women make up about 27% of STEM career holders because of girls being told similar things I was told, forcing us to compromise or even quit.”

Personal Motivation:

• “I was often looked down upon for my age and faced hurtful stereotypes about being ‘nerdy.’ However, I believe that girls can be both beautiful and intelligent. My project will provide girls with the encouragement and resources they need to thrive in STEM fields, just as I did despite societal pressures.”

Scholastic and Career Ambitions

• Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Science in Forensic Science
• Career Ambition: To become a Forensic Chemist

Scholastic Honors

• Award for the best-graduating student in the Associate of Science (Chemistry) program, other than the best-graduating student overall, who has obtained the highest GPA

Leadership Roles

• University of Guyana Chemistry Club President
• Dance Ministry Facilitator: Methodist Church Berbice Circuit
• Praise & Worship Leader

Accomplishments

• Ranked 7th in the Top 10 at CSEC level at Berbice High School (Class of 2014)
• Youngest Graduate at UGBC (Class of 2016)

Interesting Facts

• I have a unique laugh but love laughing nonetheless.
• I’m family-oriented; my parents and brother are my world.
• I am strong in my Christian faith.
• I love volunteering and helping people, especially kids and girls.
• I find joy in making others happy; a sudden smile on a down face means the world to me.
• Traveling and exploring is awesome.
• I love Soca music.
• Food is my second middle name.
• I am a reserved, quiet, and shy person at first, but I speak very quickly at times.

Employment History

• Part-Time Staff at University of Guyana: Lab Demonstrator

Marketing Plan

• “The use of social media (via posts, pictures, quotes, live videos, etc.) is definitely a start since so many people have access to it. Additionally, tying some of my hobbies in would help. In terms of volunteering, I plan to make appearances in schools and tertiary institutions to not only introduce myself and the pageant but also discuss my platform issue. With aim of being action-oriented, I plan to create practical demonstration hubs to educate, break stereotypes, create awareness, and encourage interactions within various communities, as I stand by the saying, ‘Action speaks louder than words.’ Finally, I will partner with STEM-based organizations to advocate for increased education in the sciences, particularly among girls.”

Legacy

“My legacy will be one of empowerment and breaking barriers. By advocating for girls in STEM, I aim to show that we can excel in these fields and contribute significantly to our country’s development. My platform will inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal stereotypes.”

Why I Should Be the Next Miss World Guyana

• “I believe that a girl can be whatever she wants to be, despite her age, ethnicity, race, size, family background, financial status, etc. For too long, girls and women have fallen victim to the stereotype that they cannot or should not pursue STEM-based fields of study or careers. It’s time for a change. As Miss World Guyana, I plan to be a role model and show my fellow Guyanese queens and princesses that we’re more than what the statistics say. We are more than our outward appearance, and we can excel in STEM fields and contribute to the development of our Motherland as one people, one nation with one destiny.”

Seal of Completion

The “Seal of Completion” certifies that Joylyn Conway has successfully met all fundraising goals and standards set by Miss World for her Beauty With a Purpose project. This seal signifies her dedication and achievement in philanthropic efforts.