She won the hearts of many by emerging winner of Face of Kenya USA 2015 pageant at the tender age of 19. Even before that, she had been crowned Miss Teen ‘Peoples Choice Award’ and ‘Most Photogenic,’ as well as “Runners Up.” This happened in her high school years and it was a precursor to her recent big win.

Being Face Of Kenya USA has tremendously changed Trina Njoroge's life in many unprecedented ways. She now runs her own office under the guidance of Janet and Wacu, the pageant's founders. I spoke to the young and bubbly Kenyan US-native and this is what she had to say:

Harun: Tell us why you chose to support orphans whose parents passed away due to AIDS...what's your motivation?

Trina: My aunt recently passed away due to HIV/AIDS and left her 3 daughters who are now orphaned. It saddens me that the spread of HIV is leaving children orphaned not knowing where to go or what to do next. I’m only 19 and back then, I didn’t think I was capable of doing much, I wanted to make a difference but I didn’t know where to even begin. Then, I heard about Face of Kenya USA and it was a perfect opportunity for me to begin my journey and tell everyone about the charity I’m sponsoring known as “Angels Forgotten”. I felt a connection with my cousins and they are my motivation to keep the fire burning in helping orphaned children back home and giving them a second chance at life, letting them know that there is hope and that education will take them far.

Harun: What do you love doing during your free time?

Trina: Usually during my free time I love going to the gym and working out. Exercise is very important and it’s a way I enjoy entertaining myself.

Harun: What's your favorite childhood memory?

Trina: The first time I came to Kenya in 2003 with my family. I always used to hear that I have lots of cousins and grandparents there that I had been dreading to meet!

Harun: What's your favorite movie?

Trina: The Notebook, I’m a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks’ novels/movies.

Harun: What's your next big plan now that you've won a major pageant?

Trina: I hold an office that gave me ambassadorship for my country Kenya and its people. Community cohesion and reviving tourism are top on my agenda, it is not easy but I do have hope. The more we speak about Kenya abroad the more we will create a positive image of our beloved country. I hope to bring to everybody’s attention that the Kenyan diaspora is our first line of rescue when it comes to reviving tourism. On a personal level I hope to continue providing counsel to the orphaned children of Angels Forgotten in Elburgon nothing is beyond reach, education is the key to a bright future and much more.

Harun: Describe your country Kenya in 3 words

Trina: Rich in resources-human and natural, beautiful, peaceful

Harun: At 19, most youth do not have a clear picture of what they want to do in life. Is this a misconception? If true, what can they do to achieve their dreams in the best way?

Trina: It is sort of true, many people my age change their majors several times before settling on their careers. It is partly because our parents still dream for us, we are still influenced by the outside world and then there is what we strongly want to do. I say consider all options and don’t make any radical changes, step by step you will get there.

Harun: Many will now be talking about how beautiful you are. What are some of the things you would love to clarify...things that people don't know about you?

Trina: Thank you! Beauty is not the only quality that makes Trina Njoroge, she is a humble sister, an obedient daughter, a student, a visionary and a lady, and above everything I’m honored to fly the Kenyan flag high abroad through Face of Kenya US ambassadorship.

Harun: Any favorite sports?

Trina: I’m not a huge sports fan but so far my favorite team are the Chargers San Diego.

Harun: In the global modeling scene, who inspires you?

Trina: I have always been inspired by Tyra Banks since I was a little girl. Modeling has been a passion for me for the longest time and it's tough getting into the industry. Tyra Banks teaches young aspiring models to never give up and to strive for the best. Before she became big, she was a young girl that got denied by over 7 top modeling agencies before she got signed and became one of the first African Americans to be part of the modeling industry of high fashion such as Vogue, Victoria’s Secret Angel, and Elite.

Harun: Have you heard of Malaika Firth? She's a Kenyan girl from Mombasa who has made it big in modeling. She has done major fashion & style campaigns for Prada and other leading fashion brands. She is in Vogue Japan May 2015 edition. Do you intend to go her path in the long-term? As in, pursue runway and commercial modeling?

Trina: Yes, I have heard about her successful story and I’m proud to say that she’s representing our country with pride. Actually she is one of the Face of Kenya front line fans, she has been to our Face of Kenya UK events many times.

I’d like to get into the industry and get signed but education is first. It’s always good to have something to lean on just in case plan A doesn’t work out. As for her path, yes I’d like to continue modeling and see where it takes me.

It’s a very competitive route, reason being, many beautiful aspiring models take that path but agencies are very picky nowadays. However, I don’t give up and if an opportunity comes my way, I’ll take it in a heartbeat. Malaika without a doubt would be supportive, I know that in my heart.

Harun: Which is your favorite Kenyan food?

Trina: My mother’s chapati and mixed stew of course!

Harun: What would you be caught dead wearing?

Trina: I consider myself decently dressed. Nothing out of the ordinary…. did I answer the question?

Harun: Which are some of the books that you love reading, fiction and non-fiction?

Trina: ’m a huge fan of fiction, especially novels dealing with love and immortal beings such as Twilight and Vampire Diaries.  I’m also a romantic and love reading books by Nicholas Sparks…my favorites are The Notebook and A Walk To Remember. My most recent favorite is The Fault in our Stars by John Green. I usually don’t cry when reading non fiction novels but that one had me pouring.

Harun: Finally, what advice would you give to a young upcoming model who would love to engage in pageantry?

Trina: A pageant is a competition that has traditionally focused on the physical beauty of its contestants. A lot has evolved to also incorporate personality, intelligence and talent. While applying to be in a pageant, many contestants enter with the mentality that it is only beauty that they are looking for, not brains. Pageants are a great experience but you have to be willing to put in effort and be passionate about what you’re there for.  It’s all about giving back, paying it forward, and doing the right thing! Pageantry gives you the opportunity to network with numerous organizations and work with them, help them spread the awareness and much more!

It’s a great way to build self-confidence, you learn not only about yourself, but also communication skills, leadership, interviews, and poise! Pageantry is a doorway for those who want to be on stage, give back, and of course learn more about themselves. Pageantry gives you a window of opportunity, this ties in with the entertainment world so if you’re interested in getting into the modeling/acting industry this is a perfect opportunity for you! Keep in mind: it’s a very competitive pageant world out there.