BIO

Niasia Ellis, your 2013-2014 Miss Teen Essence, is a native of Richmond, VA.  She is Senior honor student attending Open High School, an alternative public high school in the City of Richmond that emphasizes community service, college-level coursework, and student self-governance.  Niasia is active on the track and field team at her zone high school, Armstrong High School, competing in 800 meter, 4x4 and 4x8 events.  She is also a member of the Armstrong band's "Soul Elegance" Dance Team.

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Niasia has always been very active in sports and has participated with Richmond Racers swim team, Saint Paul's basketball team, as well as gymnastics, tennis, and cheerleading. Niasia has also has participated in rock climbing, repelling, zip-lining, kayaking & canoeing.  While running track for Armstrong High School Track & Field Team she has earned several metals including 1st place in relay, 800m, 4X4, & 4X8 events.​

 

Given her extensive background in sports, it may be a surprise to learn that Niasia suffers from asthma. Diagnosed with asthma at age 4, she has learned how to identify her triggers and take preventative measures to keep attacks at bay. Niasia has found ways to achieve her athletic and personal goals in spite of asthma.  She is committed to making sure other young people who suffer from the condition know that they do not have to live in constant fear of having an attack or limit their goals due to asthma.

 

 

Niasia has made countless contributions in her community by volunteering her time to spread asthma awareness and was recently recognized as The President's Volunteer and Service Award 2013, "VA  Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award"  Click the link for more info. She also received the "Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence" Award by Prudential Financial and NASSP, the "Community Service Award" by the Virginia Asthma Coalition and was asked to speak during the Virginia Asthma Awareness Day Proclamation Signing Ceremony on May 14, 2013! Niasia was recognized by Open High school and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award in June 2014, 2013 and 2012 for completing the greatest amount of community service hours of her class each year!

 

 

Niasia has been featured in the Richmond Times Dispatch Newspaper (front page story), Richmond Free Press - Personality Spotlight, Urban Views as a fashion model raising blood donation awareness through VA Blood Services. Niasia was also featured on CSPAN speaking at the public hearing to the Environmental Protection Agency to encourage strict regulations for large carbon polution producing businesses and was asked by the American Lung Association to champion their "The CLIMB" event in Feb. 2014. Niasia promoted the event via social media, kicked off the event by giving her testimony before the runners began, she also participated in the race taking second place and donated $160 that she fundraised to support the American Lung Association. She is currently the Team Leader for her Partnership For the Future team participating in the American Heart Walk on October 11, 2014.

 

 

Her future goals are to attend UVA and major in Sports Medicine. Her proud parents are Mr. and Mrs. LaMont and Ayasha Sledge.  Her supportive sister and fellow pageant queen is Miss Sanaa Sledge.