Miss Tanzania –  Crowned Miss Africa Idaho 2016

Olivia Balemba

Olivia was born in Mwanza Tanzania. She went to primary school in Tanzania and shortly came to the united states to complete her education. Inspired by Dr. Mae Jemison, the first black Astronaut, Olivia decided to attend University of Idaho, double majoring in Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering. She is highly involved as a community leader and in her spare time, likes to volunteer.

Olivia was elected as the Northwest Zone Chairperson for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region 6, where she served as a liaison between 10 Universities in Washington, Idaho and Oregon promoting academic excellence and increasing the number of minority students. She hopes to encourage young women, in Idaho and in Africa, to pursue careers in STEM(Science Technology Engineering and Math) fields by using a hands-on approach.

Olivia is a passionate, graceful and ambitious young woman. She is an optimist in life and she portrays this in her demeanor, always engaging and a bright smile that lights up the room. She embodies the essence of an African woman. Three words to describe her would be intelligent, loving, and productive.