Meet JJ
Jessica Dinkins-Johnson is originally from Florence, S.C. Currently, she resides in Orangeburg, S.C. She held the title of Mrs. Orangeburg of the South Carolina Plus America Pageant for the past 2 years and has earned the Empowered Woman Award and Best Portfolio Award at the 2023 competition. Her platform is “Put the Guns Down” in honor of her late brother Joseph who lost his life to gun violence. Jessica has served as the Production Assistant for the Miss South Carolina/North Carolina Earth pageant and is currently the Co State Director of the Authentique Beauties Pageant in South Carolina.
Jessica has been a Sergeant with the South Carolina Department of Corrections and has been with the organization for 10 years. Jessica studied Criminal Justice and earned her Associate of Science degree at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College. She enjoys spending time with her family, working in her community, and getting much-needed rest after working various shifts.
Family dynamics: Mother of 3, Bonus Mom of 4 (with beautiful grandchildren) Wife, Auntie.
Hobbies/Pastimes: She loves going to the dragstrip with the family. She loves traveling with her best friend. When she is not working enjoying some rest when she can.
Business/Talent? She is a Sgt at South Carolina Department of Corrections, Parts Specialist at O’Reilly Auto Parts, Regional Director for Authentique Beauties-South Carolina.
What are you passionate?
My family
What’s the driving force behind it?
My love for them: ensuring they have all they need on every level, showing them they are loved and capable of anything.
What are some of your skills?
I have many strengths, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say that I love working on cars, my ability to learn new things, and my leadership skills. I am a fast learner, a natural leader, and I always make sure the job is done before I leave. I am also willing to help others.
What’s your purpose in life?
I feel that my purpose is to assist others, inspire them to make better decisions, and guide them through challenging times by sharing my life experiences and how I overcame them.
If you could choose any career in the world, would you still choose the career or talent you have?
Yes, I have always wanted to work in the judicial/law enforcement system, so going into corrections was a great fit. I can advance to multiple positions and have endless opportunities to try different careers.
What would you tell your younger self?
Never give up. Stay focused, the mistakes that were made in the past will not have any bearing on your future.
Knowing what you know now, would you change anything in your past?
As much as I would love to say yes. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the life experiences that I have been through that have helped me become the woman I am now. Granted I had to make this journey without some that would be so proud of me. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Who are your role models?
My mother Bettye and my older cousin who is like a sister, Barbara
What would you say to those that are starting in your field? For Law Enforcement make sure you go into a career that fits you. If you do it for the money you won’t enjoy it. I tell people all the time it takes a strong person with a strong mind to work on corrections.
What is your favorite quote?
“Suck it up buttercup” Maybe it’s because I have been through some experiences that I didn’t let it get me down. I just kept striving.
If you were an animal, what would it be and why?
I would be a Butterfly. Because of how it transforms something so beautiful. We are all like that in our way.
What does be Authentique mean to you and why? Being Authentique means to be yourself. To me, it means being true to yourself and not letting your light get dim.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
There are a few memorable moments: getting my CDL, being promoted to Sgt, coming out of my shell to do my 1st Pageant, becoming a wife (I never thought I would get married), and becoming a Regional Director.
Do you have experience in pageantry?
Yes, I participated in my first pageant in 2019, but I decided not to continue. However, when the opportunity arose again in 2021, I went ahead and joined the South Carolina Miss Plus America system, as it was part of my healing process. I held the title of Mrs. Orangeburg Plus America for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
Is this your first pageant? Would you like to do anymore?
Yes, that was my first pageant. It was a learning process and a new experience. I would love to do more, but I am currently enjoying my first year as the Regional Co-Director of Authentique Beauties-South Carolina. I am learning more about all the different aspects of a pageant. I will get back on the stage again, but right now, I’m having fun doing production, judging, and making sure my delegates get through their journey.
What advice would you give to the first-time pageant queens about pageantry?
Don’t expect to win without hard work. Also, have a good support system. Just enjoy and have fun. A Queen said, “If you can’t lose graciously, you don’t deserve to be a winner.”
What’s a fun fact about you?
Deep down, I am a tomboy and very shy. I love cars and hope to own my dream car, a 1969 Pontiac GTO, one day.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I hope to be promoted again and eventually run my own company. In 10 years, my goal is to be fully independent, working for myself and my foundation.
If you could leave a legacy, what would that look like? How I took care of others. How I didn’t let tragedy stop me from living my life. How my family is first on all levels. “Always be a good person and treat people the way you would want to be treated.”
