Samantha Johnson Interview
Miss Pennsylvania USA 2007
Why did you decide to compete the Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant?
I decided to compete in the Miss PA USA 2007 pageant because I was looking for an opportunity that would further my career and exposure within the Entertainment Industry. I had never considered taking part in a beauty pageant prior to this. However, having experience as an actress and model, I knew that I would have the confidence and familiarity with the stage to do my best.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Pennsylvania USA?
Going through my head once my name was announced as Miss PA USA 2007 was, "No, Really?!?!?!" LOL.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment at Miss USA was meeting Donald Trump. In every competition whether it be Miss USA & Miss Universe... a few days before the final competition Mr.Trump makes his ceremonious entrance onto the stage to meet the Titleholders. When he came to me, he shook my hand and said, "Oh wow, Pennsylvania. A beauty-queen with glasses... I've never seen that before." We both laughed.
You are a filmmaker. Which films have you made?
I am a writer and producer currently in the pre-production stages of a feature length film and Television Pilot.
You founded the non-profit organization, “Republic of Promise”. Tell us about the organization and how did you come up with the idea to start it?
I founded Republic of Promise in 2006. It was after my experience in the West African country of Liberia in 2004 that I developed the idea of wanting to institute creative arts programs to children in areas of the globe devastated by war and poverty. The programs within ROP would create a release and help to enable the children to connect with something other than the deprivation that they see before them on a daily basis.
How would a typical day go during your reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA?
There was no typical day during my reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA. One of the most important things to keep in mind as a titleholder is BALANCE. One must find a balance between the responsibilities as a reigning "Queen" and that of just being yourself outside of wearing the crown.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Pennsylvania USA?
My emotions when giving my title away as Miss PA USA were that of sadness but also of relief. Being Miss Pennsylvania USA is something that only few women will ever be able to experience. I am so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to say that I was one of them.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA ended?
Since my reign as Miss PA USA 2007, I have continued to write and produce film projects, I opened my own restaurant in Philadelphia, I was a cast member on a reality television show called "The Chopping Block" that aired on NBC and now currently I live in Rome, Italy.
I decided to compete in the Miss PA USA 2007 pageant because I was looking for an opportunity that would further my career and exposure within the Entertainment Industry. I had never considered taking part in a beauty pageant prior to this. However, having experience as an actress and model, I knew that I would have the confidence and familiarity with the stage to do my best.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Pennsylvania USA?
Going through my head once my name was announced as Miss PA USA 2007 was, "No, Really?!?!?!" LOL.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment at Miss USA was meeting Donald Trump. In every competition whether it be Miss USA & Miss Universe... a few days before the final competition Mr.Trump makes his ceremonious entrance onto the stage to meet the Titleholders. When he came to me, he shook my hand and said, "Oh wow, Pennsylvania. A beauty-queen with glasses... I've never seen that before." We both laughed.
You are a filmmaker. Which films have you made?
I am a writer and producer currently in the pre-production stages of a feature length film and Television Pilot.
You founded the non-profit organization, “Republic of Promise”. Tell us about the organization and how did you come up with the idea to start it?
I founded Republic of Promise in 2006. It was after my experience in the West African country of Liberia in 2004 that I developed the idea of wanting to institute creative arts programs to children in areas of the globe devastated by war and poverty. The programs within ROP would create a release and help to enable the children to connect with something other than the deprivation that they see before them on a daily basis.
How would a typical day go during your reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA?
There was no typical day during my reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA. One of the most important things to keep in mind as a titleholder is BALANCE. One must find a balance between the responsibilities as a reigning "Queen" and that of just being yourself outside of wearing the crown.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Pennsylvania USA?
My emotions when giving my title away as Miss PA USA were that of sadness but also of relief. Being Miss Pennsylvania USA is something that only few women will ever be able to experience. I am so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to say that I was one of them.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Pennsylvania USA ended?
Since my reign as Miss PA USA 2007, I have continued to write and produce film projects, I opened my own restaurant in Philadelphia, I was a cast member on a reality television show called "The Chopping Block" that aired on NBC and now currently I live in Rome, Italy.