Samantha Neyland Trumbo
- Actress
- Producer
Samantha is a versatile actress, model, producer, and mindset coach known for her commitment to advocacy and empowerment. Growing up in a military family, she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, shaping her inclusive worldview. At 17, she became the first African American woman to win the Miss Hawaii Teen USA title in 2013, later placing in the Top 15 at Miss Teen USA. This achievement launched her modeling career, leading to appearances in over 20 national campaigns and as a cover model for major brands like Skechers, MindBody, and Maui Jim.
Transitioning from modeling to acting, Samantha moved to Los Angeles and quickly built an impressive resume, landing roles in feature films for Lionsgate, Sony, and Lifetime, as well as guest spots on popular TV series for CBS, ABC, and HBO. She also leveraged her talents behind the camera, producing a Short Film Festival and several of her own short films.
In 2019, Samantha returned to her roots in Hawaii and founded Time to Talk Hawaii, a program aimed at helping teens develop effective communication skills in both personal and professional settings. That same year, she made history again by becoming the first African American woman to win the Miss Hawaii USA title, securing awards for Best Interview, Best Swimsuit, and Best Evening Gown, and later finishing in the Top 10 at Miss USA 2020.
During her reign as Miss Hawaii USA, Samantha focused on amplifying youth voices and fostering conversations around racial disparity in Hawaii. She collaborated with local elected officials to establish the first Honolulu City Youth Commission, creating a platform for young people to engage in civic leadership and advocacy.
In the wake of the George Floyd protests, Samantha took a leading role in advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth in Hawaii. She successfully led a coalition of community partners and guided state legislators in the effort to pass SB 939, officially establishing June 19th as a Day of Remembrance across Hawaii. On June 17, 2021, Samantha spoke at the Governor's mansion during the official signing ceremony, where she highlighted the significance of recognizing Black history and culture within the Hawaiian Islands.
In 2022, Samantha became an ICF-accredited mindset coach, dedicating her coaching practice to helping young women build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. She continues to be dedicated to social change, inspiring others to use their platforms for positive impact.
Transitioning from modeling to acting, Samantha moved to Los Angeles and quickly built an impressive resume, landing roles in feature films for Lionsgate, Sony, and Lifetime, as well as guest spots on popular TV series for CBS, ABC, and HBO. She also leveraged her talents behind the camera, producing a Short Film Festival and several of her own short films.
In 2019, Samantha returned to her roots in Hawaii and founded Time to Talk Hawaii, a program aimed at helping teens develop effective communication skills in both personal and professional settings. That same year, she made history again by becoming the first African American woman to win the Miss Hawaii USA title, securing awards for Best Interview, Best Swimsuit, and Best Evening Gown, and later finishing in the Top 10 at Miss USA 2020.
During her reign as Miss Hawaii USA, Samantha focused on amplifying youth voices and fostering conversations around racial disparity in Hawaii. She collaborated with local elected officials to establish the first Honolulu City Youth Commission, creating a platform for young people to engage in civic leadership and advocacy.
In the wake of the George Floyd protests, Samantha took a leading role in advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth in Hawaii. She successfully led a coalition of community partners and guided state legislators in the effort to pass SB 939, officially establishing June 19th as a Day of Remembrance across Hawaii. On June 17, 2021, Samantha spoke at the Governor's mansion during the official signing ceremony, where she highlighted the significance of recognizing Black history and culture within the Hawaiian Islands.
In 2022, Samantha became an ICF-accredited mindset coach, dedicating her coaching practice to helping young women build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. She continues to be dedicated to social change, inspiring others to use their platforms for positive impact.
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