By Lorcan Stokes

As a digital reporter and producer, Justine Baker has made her mark in the media landscape. As the on-camera host of FOX 13's I've Been Influenced, she highlights the online journeys of content creators and influential social media figures. An author, she’s written books like Major Tips for the Micro-Influencer, a guide to the ins and outs of social media, where she taught everything from online influencing to branding techniques for businesses. Earlier this year, she achieved another milestone—being crowned Miss Black Washington. 

"It's such an honor. I've been in Washington for not even two years yet, but being able to give back to the community has been such a privilege,” Baker said. “It's an incredible feeling."

Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Baker started her media career at Power 96.5 while pursuing her bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism at Michigan State University. Following graduation, she spent several years in Detroit before her career led her to Seattle. Once here, Baker couldn't help but notice the lack of Black role models, a stark contrast to her experiences in her home state.

"Coming to Seattle has been completely different. Back home, we had a lot of resources and a lot of role models to look up to, which I feel like I was not seeing here in Seattle," Baker said. "I really wanted to impact the youth, be more involved, and have people to look up to."

Motivated by this observation and her desire for positive change and to build up representation in Washington, she began looking into the Miss Black Washington Pageant. With no experience in pageantry, Baker's debut competition culminated in a win. As she readies herself for the next chapter in her pageant odyssey, Baker is preparing to contend nationally for the title of Miss Black USA this summer in Washington, D.C., competing against representatives from all 50 states.

"The big thing about this pageant is just Black women building up each other. As Black women, we face many other criticisms, critiques, and hardships. We don't want to tear each other down. We don't want to have this negative energy. It's so important to support each other, build each other up, and offer new opportunities," Baker said. "The biggest thing is we are not a beauty pageant. This is a pageant to propel Black excellence. It's really to help build up Black women."

Competitors like Baker will showcase their aptitudes across various categories, including talent, fitness, personal interviews, community service initiatives, and more. Already envisioning an essential aspect of her exposition to showcase the panel, Baker intends to highlight values close to her heart: literacy and youth empowerment.

"So I have written three books. The last book I just wrote is a kid's book. It's my first, and I collaborated with my mom," Baker said. "She was an educator for 40 years, so she gave me a lot of inspiration."

She continued, "I want to go into these areas of different school districts and read for the kids. I want to give back 2000 books, specifically my book, but I also have other books. To allow her school districts to promote literacy," Baker said

This commitment to service has been ingrained in Baker since her upbringing in Michigan. From her formative years, she actively volunteered, advocating for children's welfare and combating homelessness through various organizations.

"Volunteering is one of my favorite things to do. I love giving back, and I've done it since I was a kid. My mom always had my sisters and me in shelters and missions," Baker said. "As much as we were out, having fun and being kids, we always gave back. If I have it, I believe someone else should be able to have that opportunity and have things as well."

In tandem with her ongoing efforts to distribute literature within the community, Baker is preparing for various categories in the upcoming pageant, including honing her musical skills for a performance.

"My talent is trumpet, and I have been playing for 20 years," Baker shared, revealing she will be performing a jazz piece.

Moreover, Baker has been raising awareness about her participation in Miss Black USA. Leveraging her network, she has been investing countless hours in outreach efforts, spearheading fundraising campaigns, securing sponsorships, and forging partnerships with local businesses, all with the aim of garnering support for her mission. 

"I've just been reaching out, sending emails, leaning on my network, but really, it's all me. How much I put in is how much I get out of it, and because this organization is so important to me, I want to put in as much," Baker said. "I've been putting in lots of hours, working on my talent, working on my fitness, working on what I do for the community, so I got to put in as much as I want to get out of it."

Baker's packed schedule of balancing her professional commitments and community engagement is second nature to her at this point. With her extensive background in the broadcasting industry, she highlights the multitasking skills she's picked up as a journalist to be a valuable asset in the competition.

"I think my skills as a journalist have made me more comfortable in public appearances, talking, giving back, reading to kids, and all of that. A big focus that I have as a journalist is I want to be able to share stories, especially about the black community, that people don't typically see, whether that is what's going on in our neighborhoods, our school districts, and everything like that," Baker said. "So I'd love to be able to shed light on these kids and what we're doing as a pageant and an organization."

Regarding her media career and multifaceted role at Fox 13, Baker has ambitious aspirations for herself and her career.

"Down the road, I would love to host the show at an even bigger level, having more people of influence. It's so important for kids to have a role model," Baker said. "To be able to showcase that through my show, I would love to see that grow and inspire people."

Ultimately, Baker emphasizes that her primary goal, through both her work and this pageant, is to leave a lasting impact and motivate others.

"I want girls to know they can do anything they put their minds to. Just because someone else sees it as a challenge doesn't mean it'll be a challenge for you. Just because someone else says they can't do it doesn't mean you can't," Baker said. "I want people to be confident, take risks, and know they can have anything they want. They just have to go out and work hard for it."

She continued, "The biggest thing is that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. You have to think big to get big results. You can't think small if you want to change the world." Baker said. "You have to think about what other people are not doing. What can I do to set me apart? Honestly, you got to go out in the world and do stuff."

Additionally, the pageant provides Baker with a platform to amplify Black excellence and cultivate solidarity among women—a principle deeply ingrained within her.

"I'm a triplet. I have two sisters, and I think it's essential for women to support women, especially having had that sisterhood," Baker said. "I see that in the pageant: Black women from all around the U.S. supporting each other and our dreams and fueling all that."

To keep up with Baker's pageantry journey, follow her on Instagram at @realjustinebaker, and connect with her on LinkedIn here.

"When I first moved to Washington, it was such a big life shift for me, moving across the country and having a new job," Baker said. "This pageant has allowed me to return to my roots in a way, whether having more time to volunteer or playing my trumpet. It's been a great opportunity to get back to things that make me who I am, and so I'm grateful for everything."