FINALS JUDGES
In the Hot Seat
DERRICK RUTLEDGE
Before Derrick Rutledge became Media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s exclusive make-up artist - he had garnished celebrity make-up artist status and was the go to for celebrities such as Yolanda Adams, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Beyonce early in her career. So it is no surprise that when Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama arrived in DC; Seeking someone in the DMV area to help her look her best - Her assistant tracked down Derrick to come in to do a test. Derrick ended up doing her makeup for the St. Patrick's Day dinner at the White House in 2009 and for the next 18 months, he was at the White House in the East Wing with the First Lady every day. Not long after, one of the most influential women in the world - Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey - Called upon the celebrity make-up artist to audition for her. And as the saying goes the rest is history.
Derrick Rutledge’s famous make-up techniques and approaches have graced the covers of countless magazines such as BRITISH VOGUE, TIME MAGAZINE, IN-Style Magazine and Countless O Magazine Covers to name a few - And most recently his make up genius garnished international attention and praise for his idealization and transformation of Oprah Winfrey into the character of Ms. Which in the spectacular Walt Disney & Ava Duvernay collaborative film “ A WRINKLE IN TIME.” It’s no wonder most in the make up industry and his fans refer to him as “THE MAKE UP MAESTRO.”
ERIKA GUINN
Erika Guinn is a visionary force redefining the global landscape where beauty, culture, and unapologetic representation meet. As the Vice President of Brand Marketing and Community for NYX Professional Makeup, she crafts massive global movements rooted in the richness of diverse communities. Her executive legacy is defined by culture-shifting milestones, from spearheading the viral “If You NYX You Know” brand campaign alongside Paris Hilton and Saweetie, to driving the artistry for the ground-breaking Megan Thee Stallion collaboration that expanded the brand into the body category.
An Inglewood, California native, Erika translates her deep cultural intuition into global brand authority. Her boundary-pushing initiatives span from producing NYX’s global Ramadan campaign in Dubai to flying celebrity makeup artist @paintedbyesther to South Africa, celebrating vibrant color on deep skin tones through the viral “Blush Blindness” technique. Bringing over 25 years of mastery, artistry, and mentorship to the Miss Black USA judging panel, Erika continues her lifelong commitment to ensuring Black women are seen, celebrated, and elevated on the world stage.
KEVIN WADE
Dr. Kevin J. Wade is a Southern Gentleman who stems from North Carolinian roots. He is a highly sought after International Corporate Image & Pageant Coach, SOLOpreneur, Lead Consultant, and Global Strategist.
Having a long-standing career in pageantry, Kevin J. Wade boasts nearly 20 years of experience in pageant production, direction, styling and coaching. He has coached clients for various pageant systems including Miss Black USA, Miss America and Miss USA as well as other systems on international soils.
Wade considers the Miss Black USA system “home” where he has an impressive record of national titleholders and top 5 finalists. Aside from pageantry, Wade is dedicated to higher education and serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). He was also the first official Mr. Elizabeth City State University (2001-2002). The serial entrepreneur and philanthropist is also the Founder & CEO of Royalty Essentials and has provided more than $120,000 in scholarships for college and university pageant programs. Kevin recently earned his doctoral degree in Higher Educational Leadership at Morgan State University and hopes to become a college president of an HBCU