Candace Cooper, Miss Black Texas USA State Director

Native Texan, Candace Cooper is the Founder and Executive Director of Black All-American Pageant Systems, Inc., which hosts the Miss Black Texas USA and Miss Black Teen Texas USA Scholarship Pageants. At age 12, she competed in her first pageant, "Miss Teen Dream" with the I Have a Dream Foundation. She would go on to compete in several other pageants under the watchful eye of her mentor and pageant coach Deborah Williams, Mrs. USA 1992. At age 19, she directed her first pageant after winning Miss Black Teen Collin County, Miss Black Teen Texas, Miss Black and Gold for the Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and Miss Juneteenth for the State of Texas. This year, she celebrates 21 years in pageantry, and she is still passionate about the personal growth that happens to young women when they challenge themselves, play to their strengths, and operate at their optimum. In her ministry through pageantry, she develops relevant programs for churches, schools and organizations aimed at developing young women into leaders. Professionally, she is teaches Developmental English at Texas Southern University and English Composition at Houston Community College. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Arts degree in English from Texas Southern University. Recently, she was awarded the Thurgood Marshall Pathways Fellowship for Leadership Development. Through this fellowship, she will complete a Master of Arts degree in Positive Psychology and Leadership Development. Currently, Candace teaches quarterly bible study series at Lakewood Church in the Young Adult Ministry, and she speaks at conferences and events throughout the year.

Jo-Carolyn Goode, Miss Black Texas USA Assistant Director

Jo-Carolyn "JC" Goode is a native Houstonian. She is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Currently, she is the Managing Editor of the Houston Style Magazine, owner of From the Heart Gifts and Accessories, photographer and events planner. In addition to her professional service, Jo-Carolyn has membership in the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Houston Sterling Alumni Association. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters, and Variety: The Children's Charity. Jo-Carolyn currently serves her community as assistant leader of San Jacinto Girl Scout Troops #2050 and #2310 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. She is a member of Mt. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. A. L. Patterson, Jr. is the pastor. Jo-Carolyn enjoys exploring the internet, reading and arts and crafts. She has been associated with the Black All-American Pageant Systems Inc. and the Miss Black Texas USA family both as a contestant and as assistant director since 2002. She also serves as chaperone for the Miss Texas USA Pageant Organization of the Miss Universe Organization. JC loves pageants and has a lot of experience to boot!