Old Harbour’s Imauny Huie talks service, culture and purpose after festival queen journey

Last evening, Huie copped the title of Miss St Catherine Festival Queen First Runner-up and walked away with two sectional prizes — Most Culturally Aware and Most Active in the Community — affirming the qualities that have long defined her commitment to service and cultural advocacy.

“Representing St Catherine, specifically Old Harbour, means representing a town and parish rich in history, culture, innovation and resilience,” she told Old Harbour News. “It means being a voice for our people, celebrating our achievements, and advocating for the needs of our communities.”

From volunteering in high school to mentoring young women and advocating for Jamaican culture, Huie has built a reputation for using her talents to uplift others. Her impressive showing in the parish competition only strengthened her resolve to continue serving and inspiring others.

The former Old Harbour High School student is no stranger to service. While at the institution, she immersed herself in leadership and volunteerism through organizations such as the Volunteer Ambassadors Club and the All Together Sing Choir, experiences she credits with shaping her passion for culture, community development and helping others. But Huie's commitment to service did not end after graduation.

Today, she remains actively involved in community outreach and youth empowerment initiatives, particularly through her work with the Yadel Girls Home in partnership with Shades of Elegance. Each year, she helps provide back-to-school hairstyles, holiday grooming and hosts empowerment activities for the girls.

 “I am proud of this initiative because it goes beyond providing a service. It reminds these young ladies that they are valued, supported, and capable of achieving great things,” said Huie.

That desire to uplift others was one of the main reasons she decided to enter the JCDC Miss Festival Queen Competition.

“My inspiration came from a desire to serve my parish while celebrating and preserving Jamaican culture. The Festival Queen Competition is much more than a pageant; it is a platform for cultural advocacy, leadership and community development. I saw it as an opportunity to use my voice, my experiences and my passion for service to create meaningful change, particularly for young people who need guidance, encouragement and opportunities,” she explained.

For her, the competition was never simply about winning a crown but about creating a meaningful impact. Her philosophy, ‘Life has no limitations except the ones you make’, has guided her journey both personally and professionally.

“This philosophy has taught me not to allow my circumstances to determine my future,” she said. “It has encouraged me to embrace opportunities, take risks and pursue goals that may initially seem beyond reach. Whether competing in pageantry, leading community initiatives, organizing events or pursuing professional growth, I have learned that many limitations exist only in our minds. Once we believe in our potential and put in the work, possibilities begin to expand.”

The journey through the competition was, in her words, “both rewarding and transformative. It has challenged me to deepen my knowledge of Jamaican culture, strengthen my public speaking abilities and develop as a leader. More importantly, it has connected me with inspiring women who are equally passionate about serving their communities. Every experience has reinforced my commitment to representing St. Catherine with pride and purpose.” 

A self-described lover of Jamaican culture, Huie says one of her greatest influences is cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley.

“Miss Lou dedicated her life to preserving Jamaican culture and teaching us to take pride in our identity,” she said. “She used her voice to celebrate ordinary Jamaicans and demonstrate the value of our language, traditions and heritage. Her legacy reminds me that true leadership is about using your gifts to uplift others and preserve what matters most.”

Her admiration for Jamaica's cultural traditions extends to folk forms, music, storytelling and the preservation of the nation's values.

“The aspects I believe are most important to preserve are our language, folk traditions, music, storytelling and cultural values. These elements tell the story of who we are as a people and connect us to our history. I am especially passionate about preserving folk forms and ensuring that younger generations understand the significance of our traditions, because culture is strongest when it is lived and shared,” she said.

Although the competition has ended, Huie says her mission remains the same. She plans to advance her passion project, 'Purpose Over Circumstance: Beyond the Classroom,' an initiative aimed at supporting at-risk young men through mentorship, life skills training and exposure to alternative pathways to success.

“I will continue promoting cultural awareness, youth empowerment and community engagement throughout St. Catherine. My goal would be to ensure that the title becomes a platform for meaningful action rather than simply recognition,” said Huie.

When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, Huie said she wants to be remembered for service, empowerment and cultural preservation.

“I want people to remember that I used my platform to create opportunities for young people, strengthen communities and promote pride in our Jamaican identity. If a youth believes more in their potential, a community feels more connected, or our culture is celebrated more intentionally, then I would consider that a success.”

Those ideals were reflected throughout her Festival Queen journey, which culminated on Tuesday night at Eltham High School when she was named Miss St Catherine Festival Queen first runner-up.

While she may not have captured the winning crown, Huie's performance — gaining second place in the competition and two sectional awards — has already made Old Harbour proud and positioned her as a young woman whose impact will extend far beyond the competition stage.