Sponsor Spotlight - Nevada Mining Association

As a mining engineer, I am blessed to have a career in a state like Nevada and living in the capital of Nevada’s gold belt, ELKO! Nevada has a long history as a leading mineral-producing state. Since the gold and silver rush in the 1850s, which inspired Nevada's statehood in 1864, to the present, Nevada has been a hotbed for mineral and metal mining. There’s great importance to the mining industry for the Silver State’s economic and social infrastructure and it continues to produce the necessary minerals on which our society depends. Nevada is one of the special geologic places on the globe where wide arrays of minerals are prevalent, such as gold, silver, copper, barite, molybdenum, clay, silica, lithium, as well as the state’s abundance of geothermal heat which is mined for energy. More than 11,000 people are directly employed by the Nevada mining industry. The Nevada Mining Association has existed for more than 100 years - first established in 1912 as the Nevada Mine Operators Association and changed to the Nevada Mining Association in 1952. NvMA is able to extract the common needs of its many disparate member companies and speaks with one voice for the gold miners in Elko, the geothermal well drillers in the rural valleys, the parts distributors in Las Vegas, the geological engineers in Reno and the 60,000 other Nevadans who rely everyday on this vital industry.

Nevada Mining Association, thank you for being a sponsor to me towards my journey to the Miss Nevada USA stage. I really appreciate your generous contribution.

Sponsor Spotlight - Western Folklife Center

The Western Folklife Center uses story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world. Their exhibitions, educational programs, national radio and television programs, research and preservation projects, and their premier event, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, explore and give voice to traditional and dynamic cultures of the American West. Located in the historic Pioneer Building in downtown Elko, the Folklife Center is both a local and a regional nonprofit cultural center with an exhibition gallery, 300-seat theater, 20-seat black box theater, historic saloon and gift shop.

Founded in 1980, it is governed by a Board of Trustees along with a National Advisory Council made up of leaders in Western cultural life. In addition to its full- and part-time staff, a cadre of members, stakeholders and volunteers help the Folklife Center succeed in its mission. This year, I had an amazing time serving as a volunteer and attending the Cowboy Poetry Gathering events and I'm looking forward to doing it again next year. The 34th Gathering will be January 29-February 3, 2018. This year's Recruitment Cocktail Hour & Social will be on Wednesday, December 6 at 6pm at the Folklife Center.

Western Folklife Center, thank you for being a sponsor to me towards my journey to the Miss Nevada USA stage. I really appreciate your generous contribution.

Fall 2017 - Trip to Las Vegas/Miss Universe 2017

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing wonderful, thanks be to God! Few weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas with purpose of: attending the Miss Universe 2017 pageant, photo shoot for my Miss Nevada USA headshots with Chezaray Photography, volunteer with Las Vegas Rescue Mission, as well as some time to rest. It was a nice, short vacation. Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa, my fellow woman in STEM and our Miss USA Kara McCullough, as well as the other 90 confidently beautiful women who represented their nations.

90s Baby, 70s Soul

King of Venezuela
Osmel Sousa - National Director of Miss Venezuela Organization

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Thanksgiving 2017 - Serving at Las Vegas Rescue Mission

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing awesome, to God be the glory. This past Thanksgiving week, I was in Las Vegas with intentions to attend the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant as well as get my official Miss Nevada USA headshots done. On Thanksgiving morning, I helped put together the food in the kitchen for the community thanksgiving meal at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.

Volunteering went so smoothly thanks to our Kitchen Manager, Jimmy. Founded in 1970, LVRM is a Christian nonprofit organization that started with a small storefront building that included the chapel, kitchen and a shelter that could house a few men. Today, LVRM campus takes up two city blocks in downtown Las Vegas, helping hundreds of men, women and children daily, and providing approximately 30,000 meals each month. Their campus includes: Dining and Training Facility, Shelter of Hope – Houses women and children, Men’s Facility – Includes a section for single fathers with children, Chapel, and Thrift Store.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

From Pit to Pageant - Mining Engineer to Run for Miss Nevada USA

Mining engineer and wildland firefighter Ruby B. Johnson wants to add another title to her résumé: Miss Nevada USA. Representing northeastern Nevada as Miss Elko County, Johnson plans to compete for the designation at the Miss Nevada USA pageant in Las Vegas on Jan. 7. “It’s very unconventional to have a mining engineer in a pageant,” Johnson said. A win in the Nevada contest would mean competing for Miss USA and possibly Miss Universe. The last time a Nevadan won the Miss USA crown was 2014, but no Nevada winner has won the top title in the program’s 66-year history.

“I feel it is time for the Battle Born State,” Johnson said. Nevada winners are rare, as are contestants from outside of the Las Vegas area. Johnson said she hopes to change that while shining a spotlight on the state’s mining industry and women in engineering. “It’s a wonderful mining state,” she said, “and it’s a wonderful place to be a mining engineer.”

Read the full article on Elko Daily Free Press

Ruby B. Johnson: Miss Nevada USA 2018 Contestant and Mining Engineer

Not only is Ruby a mining engineer for the US Forest Service, but she is also gearing up to compete as Miss Elko USA in the Miss Nevada USA pageant in January, with goals of being Miss USA and then Miss Universe! Yeah, I would be exhausted with all of that going on too! Nonetheless, Ruby still made the time to share a little bit about how she came to be Elko’s very own Wonder Woman...Ruby is excited to honor the name of our town because she has a genuine love for our area. “I love living in a state that’s mining friendly...I love being a part of a field that does well for the community. And one of the things I have so much joy about is Elko’s feel for community. Whether it’s my co-workers, my friends or through my local church, my faith is very important to me, the hospitality of Elko is really wonderful...I would like it to be! I see no reason to leave unless God tells me I’m outta here! But for now, I’m loving it.”

Read the full article on Anthony Around Town

Nevada - The Battle Born State

ANNOUNCEMENT - Miss Nevada USA 2018 Finalist

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I have been busy with work and traveling for trainings, and I'm thankful for God's blessings. So I have an announcement for all of you - I have been selected to be a finalist for Miss Nevada USA 2018 pageant. The Silver State has been so instrumental in helpful me grow in my career as a mining engineer as well as becoming a wildland firefighter over the past year and I'm honored to represent the capital of Nevada's gold belt as Miss Elko USA.

Miss Elko USA 2018
Miss Nevada USA Finalist

I'm looking forward to getting to know and work with Nevada's pageant gem, Shanna Moakler and her team and the sponsors, who have produced phenomenal women for Miss USA​ to represent the Battle Born state. After seeing how Nevadans came out in large numbers to show support for the victims and their loved ones after last week's tragic incident in Las Vegas, I'd be honored to represent this great state. I'm excited about this journey and to continue to do my part in advocating for the importance of mentoring the youth, women in STEM fields, empowering girls and women through When You Believe Foundation, Inc.​ and Body Confident, Beautiful Me​, as well as supporting the various initiatives Miss Nevada USA and Miss Universe​ organization champions. To live out my passion for service and excellence on a larger scale. Nevada's representative for Miss USA 2018 will be crowned on January 7th at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa​ in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for ticket details. 

I am preparing for this new crazy yet exciting adventure and I'll like you to join me in my journey on the #RoadtoMissNevadaUSA via social media and this blog. I am a confidently beautiful Sierra Leone-born, USA-raised woman who is taking a chance at living out an American dream and to serve as well as represent a state I have fallen in love with at the Miss USA stage. Please keep me in your prayers, everyone.

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14b

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Attending Miss Idaho USA 2018 Pageant

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing awesome, to God be the glory. I attended the Miss Idaho USA 2018 pageant earlier today at Boise State University. The teens and miss contestants did a phenomenal job - they were truly confidently beautiful on that stage. Congratulations to the newly crowned teen and miss queens. Tea Draganovic, you're going to Miss USA!

Pretty in Pink

Miss Idaho USA 2018 Tea Draganovic

Miss Montana USA 2018 Dani Walker

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.

Isaiah 43:4

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

My 1-Year ElkoVersary

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing awesome, to God be the glory. A year ago on this day, I got in a plane from Maryland and moved to a small town in northeast Nevada called Elko, after accepting a job position. With God's grace, I have had an amazing year in my career and growing as a mining engineer and God has blessed me with amazing people in this town and beyond - through friendships, work, church, and community. During this year, I started gardening, became a wildland firefighter and resource advisor, ran my first relay, went ice fishing, serving as a leader in my church's kids and teens ministries as well as worship ministry, volunteered and attended Elko's Cowboy Poetry Gathering as well as the Annual Mine Expo, attended the Ruby Mountain Balloon festival, basque festival, and Elko County Fair. I have learned that there's more to Nevada than Las Vegas, and of course hike my namesake mountain range - Ruby Mountains - and so much more! Elko has been so good to me and I am happy to call it home.

My coworker, supervisor, and mentor

Attending Horizon Hospice's 11th Annual "Community Souper Bowl" in April. This annual fundraiser features endless servings of donated soups served, along with artist-created bowls. I believe I had about 15 different types of soups and they were delicious! Horizon Hospice is a non-profit, all-volunteer hospice providing a team of specially trained volunteers on call 24-hours a day. Horizon Hospice can provide pain medications, equipment and supplies, instructions in caregiving to help loved ones care for the patient, respite services, comfort care therapies such as music, art and essential oils, and bereavement support for surviving family members. The organization also operates Horizon Center, offering peer grief support groups for children, teens and adults. Hearing the story of folks that have been blessed with their services as well as the work the people of the Hospice does. It makes me so proud to be part of the community in this little ol' town of Elko which I call home.

Being prayed over by my coverings at the church God has planted me in in Elko. I am blessed to be part of Living Stones. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians‬ ‭4:11-16‬

Sometime in May I got to speak to some Cub Scouts at the Spring Creek Fire Station for their den meeting. Each week, the group has someone present on a certain career and the boys do a project on the career or speciality, part of their Webelos handbook. My co-worker, who's a firefighter, asked me to come and talk about what an engineer does as well as what exactly is a mining engineer. Being that Elko is a mining town, these kids know what mining is and have family members and/or neighbors working in the mines. My goal was to take them into the life of a mining engineer as well as the stages of mining and it's relevance in everyday life. The boys (and their dads/grandpa) had so many great questions and were really engaged throughout the presentation, which made it all the way enjoyable for me! It was pretty cool to have one of the sisters of a Cub Scout join us, little Miss Bella, and she was so into it too like the boys! I'm all about getting them when they're young, so hopefully I may have convinced a 9/10-year-old to become a mining engineer when he grows up as well as show Bella that girls can be engineers too and get to play with explosives!

LS Kids - Purple Room

July 4th at the Spring Creek Parade

Hiking Talbott Trail at the Ruby Mountains

Picking out weeds in my garden

Elko County Fair

Community Group - LS Teens High School Girls

Nevada Mining Association 2017 Convention in South Lake Tahoe

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 

2 Corinthians 1:20-22

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Nevada Mining Association 2017 Convention

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I have been doing well, to God be the glory. It was Nevada Mining Association's 2017 Convention week and excited to have seen familiar faces and network with a lot of people in the Nevada mining industry. It was also my first time coming to South Lake Tahoe, which is absolutely beautiful! This mining engineer is totally fine with switching her steel-toe boots to heels and dress up for occasions like this!

Dana Bennett, President of Nevada Mining Association

I had a wonderful time at my first NvMA convention - saw some great presentations, updates on Nevada mining industry and its effects on the state, networked, and applauded for the recipients of this year's Safety Awards in operations and reclamation. It was a great way to spend my birthday weekend.

Click Photo to Enlarge

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 

Deuteronomy 13:4

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.