Dedra Tufon
Ms. Black USA

On August 3, 2024, Dedra Tufon achieved a monumental milestone by winning the Ms. Black USA title, becoming the second woman ever from California to claim this prestigious honor across all divisions. Hailing from the vibrant Bay Area, Dedra’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of overcoming adversity.

Dedra’s story is deeply rooted in her own experiences, reflecting a journey of overcoming personal challenges and finding strength in vulnerability. At the heart of her mission is her platform, ‘Feeding Hope,’ a heartfelt collaboration with the National Eating Disorder Association. As an eating disorder survivor, Dedra transformed her struggle into a beacon of hope and support for others. Her book, *Beauty in Body Diversity*, reflects her advocacy for body neutrality and her dedication to helping others find their path to recovery. Through ‘Feeding Hope,’ she strives to illuminate the path to recovery, offering support, understanding, and inspiration to those struggling with similar challenges. Dedra’s unwavering dedication to this cause has transformed her into a beacon of hope for countless individuals, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey toward healing.

Dedra’s talents extend far beyond her advocacy work. A gifted linguist, she finds solace and beauty in languages. She is fluent in Japanese, Spanish, Hebrew, and Cameroonian indigenous languages Bikom and Bangwa, and is currently learning French and Swahili. As the first African American reporter on TBS Tokyo Broadcasting System, Dedra broke barriers and shared untold stories, leaving an indelible mark on the field of journalism. Her passion for languages is matched by her love for connecting with people, and if she could have one superpower, it would be the ability to speak every language on Earth.

In addition to her linguistic and journalistic achievements, Dedra nurtures young minds as a compassionate 5th-grade homeroom teacher, guiding her students with wisdom and care. Her dedication to education is complemented by her talents on stage. Dedra is a part-time professional musical theater actress and will be performing in the Berkeley Playhouse adaptation of *The Prom* musical. Her presence on stage is more than a performance; it’s a celebration of diversity, strength, and the unyielding spirit that defines her.

Dedra’s multifaceted talents also shine in her role as a party princess/princess for hire at children’s birthdays. She brings joy to countless children, performing as Princess Ariel, President Barbie, and her most popular character, Princess Tiana. As a newlywed living in the Bay Area, Dedra balances her personal and professional life with grace and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of a true role model.

Dedra Tufon’s journey from overcoming an eating disorder to becoming Ms. Black USA 2024 is a powerful testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion for making a difference. Her advocacy, linguistic talents, educational efforts, and enchanting performances all contribute to her multifaceted persona. As she looks forward to her reign as Ms. Black USA, Dedra is eager to showcase her extraordinary abilities on the national stage, celebrating diversity, strength, and the unyielding spirit that defines her.