Pageant News Bureau - Joy Denise Stroman

Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in America. It's the place where the USA was born (or at least where the birth certificate was signed), and it has served as the nation's capital twice. But today, it is not even the capital of Pennsylvania.

That seems a little unfair for such a great metropolis. But the City of Brotherly Love is striking back, in its own peaceful way. It's becoming a pageant capital.

In November 2002, Camille Young was representing Philadelphia when she was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA 2003. The tall, talented scholar was also one of PNB's most popular cover girls of the year. Now, the torch has been passed -- actually three torches. Joy Denise Stroman is the new Miss Philadelphia USA, she's competing for Miss Pennsylvania USA 2004, and she's a PNB cover girl.

Ms. Stroman, who has a master's degree in media, is a production assistant at a major Philadelphia radio station and at a major television station. In her spare time, she likes to cook, dance, socialize and help children with their homework. This lady is versatile, and very patient.

She's also "passionate" about the things that motivate her. Thanks to her outstanding record in college, she was once chosen to introduce poet Maya Angelou at a speaking engagement. Ms. Stroman didn't take the honor lying down. "I went crazy! I jumped from my chair . . . I cried!"

We are not certain how she felt when she was chosen to be featured on PNB, but we assume the reaction was similar.

Ms. Stroman is as sharp as a dart, a woman with big ideas and big dreams. If she wins Miss Pennsylvania USA, she wants to use her reign to help bridge the gap between older women and younger ones, "as well as our counter gender [men]." Off the pageant stage, her next goal is a doctorate.

She's beautiful, too. Just ask the counter gender.

Joy and freedom