Shanice Hardy has been named an ambassador for the Miss Black U.S. Ambassador Scholarship organization.

In July, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the current Miss Black U.S. ambassador, Ebony Andrews, and Miss Black Teen U.S. ambassador, Mariah White, will host 53 Teen and 53 Miss state ambassadors from ages 14-28.

Hardy, a former Suffolk resident and 2011 Nansemond River High School graduate, is a former winner of the Col. Fred V. Cherry Scholarship, as well as a college adviser.

The scholarship pageant, in partnership with the G.E. Institute Foundation Inc., gives young African-American women a chance to serve as ambassadors of change and to encourage, empower and enlighten their communities by providing educational forums and events that focus on health disparities, poverty, violence and major issues plaguing the African American community.

The program is a platform for young women of color to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments, while earning scholarship opportunities to further their education.