Mrs. Maryland America 2020

Hysha Nesmith

Mrs. Maryland American

Keisha Ruiz

Mrs. Maryland America


Hysha Nesmith serves as Director of Financial Aid at Johns Hopkins School of Education. Hysha has worked in the field of Financial Aid for over twenty years. She has held the director position at Gallaudet University for deaf students and has worked at a high level at Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester. She is enthusiastic about helping people with their finances.

Hysha is passionate about ending child sexual abuse in our world and hopes to accomplish this through a partnership with the Darkness to Light organization. As a survivor, parent, and educator she wants to live in a world where all children are safe. Hysha and her loving husband Jeremiah serve as active members of their church and have performed missionary work in Mexico and Haiti. Hysha enjoys volunteering for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and started H.Y.S.H.A for women to connect and encourage one another through the twists and turns of life. A couple of years ago, Hysha lived through a difficult but hopeful journey that resulted in the birth of their daughter, Hazel-Grey. Helen Keller once stated that “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Hysha has been thrilled to live a confident life consisting of a hope fulfilled, lots of family adventure, and serving others.

Keisha Ruiz proudly serves as an Active Duty Soldier in the United States Army with a focus on military operations. During her community service throughout the state, she discovered that her true passion is empowering women to have a successful work-life balance. Being stationed in Maryland has afforded her the opportunity to mentor and motivate people from all walks of life with hopes of inspiring them to become future leaders of our country.

Keisha and her husband Luis have six beautiful children together and they are passionate about seeking outreach opportunities to make a difference throughout the state. Keisha believes that empowering women to invest in a successful career and a healthy lifestyle is the key to strengthening the Maryland community. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to represent some of the most accomplished women in the Armed Forces and the wonderful State of Maryland.