For Lynn Wanjiku, serving as Miss Worcester through the National American Miss pageant program means representing both her community as well as herself. The confidence she gained is part of a long journey, and took her back to her days as an 11-year-old, arriving from Kenya with her family in the United States, navigating a strange new world, and making her own path within it.
Wanjiku is a featured guest of the fourth annual Worcester African Festival, set for Aug. 1 at Worcester City Common. The festival is sponsored by the Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants, also known as MOAD, for whom she has done extensive volunteer work. A member of Worcester State University’s Class of 2027, majoring in public health with a minor in psychology, Wanjiku considers herself a major advocate for mental health, and works with youths to boost their self-esteem and to create a positive self image.
Wanjiku talked about her role as Miss Worcester, and her passion for helping young people find their strength and beauty within…