Miss Universe Competes for A Cause
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
The new Miss Universe 2018 was crowned on Sunday, December 16th, 2018. The pageant was televised from exotic Bangkok, Thailand in front of a very enthusiastic audience. There were some marked differences this year from years past,made very evident to those watching and participating in the festivities. The judging panel was made up of all women who were prominent business leaders in their respective fields and the panel was also comprised of former Miss Universe titleholders. Gaining extensive publicity was Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, who made history as the first transgender candidate in the history of the pageant. The introduction of the 94 contestants was presented uniquely this year, the contestants from their countries being grouped by area on the map and finalists within those areas revealed at the same time as the introductions.
Perhaps what left the largest impact on me was the passion within many of the women in respect to the cause that they have devoted themselves to, using the pageant as their social platform to build greater awareness. The winner of Miss Universe 2018, Miss Philippines, Catriona Gray, was very expressive about working with children in the slums of Manila. She always looks for the beauty in the faces of each child and her greatest challenge has been and will continue to be to teach each of these children that she interacts with that they can be grateful and put negativity to rest so that smiles will light up their faces for a better world. She summarized her cause by saying, “We owe it to our children to believe in them.†During her country’s pageant, when asked about her mission, she responded, “My answer and my message to the women is to be strong. As women, we’re the head of household and we have amazing influence, not only in our own families, as mothers, sisters and friends, but also in our community. If we can get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high…” The fiery red gown that she wore as she was crowned during the competitionis symbolic of the volcano very close to her home.
Miss Philippines, crowned Miss Universe 2018
Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green, first runner-up to the Miss Universe 2018 title is a tuberculosis survivor and for that reason she began her own #breakthestigma campaign, encouraging anyone facing adversity and/or challenges to speak up. Do not be afraid is her overwhelming message.
Miss South Africa
Miss Nepal, Manita Devkota, advocates for girls’ education, public health and women’s empowerment. She feels so strongly about her cause that she holds the position of Ambassador of Women’s Health at Days for Girls International.
Miss Nepal, far left
Miss Hungary, Eniko Kecskés, puts education at the top of her priority list. She joined a Hungarian non-profit initiative known as Amigos. She works with the initiative to enrich the lives of children suffering from chronic diseases by teaching them new languages. Eniko is also very vocal about caring for animals, especially strays, and preaching that having a pet means taking responsibility for their welfare.
Miss Hungary
Miss Great Britain, Dee-Ann Rogers, made history as the first black woman to win that title for her country since 1952. Not only is she an accomplished and respected lawyer, but, is also a competitive hepathlete, competing twice in the Commonwealth Games. Through her profession, she stands behind victims of acid attacks and equal pay. “Each of us is entitled to more than just one dream.â€
Miss Great Britain
Miss Curacao, Akisha Albert, has some very admirable aspirations. She keeps busy, balancing multiple causes. She hopes to one day publish a motivational book to inspire, encourage and motivate women to be ambitious, follow their dreams, aspire to greatness and unlock their dreams. Akisha is passionate about ‘Keep It 100 and Shine‘, a foundation she founded to recognize and put the positive light on the ones that are less involved in the society, specifically individuals affected with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Through her foundation, Akisha has organized fundraisers and events to spread a message of hope, acceptance and inclusion.
Miss Curacao
Miss Brazil, Mayra Dias, is proud to represent the Amazon where greenery is rich and defining of Brazil. She is very active in defending environmental causes, not only in her own country but on a worldwide basis.
Miss Brazil
Each woman proved that they were more than just a pretty face competing for the title of Miss Universe 2018. They stand for what they believe in and champion their causes in many ways. Their audience learned what made the top 20 finalists tick, their approach to life, their views on multiple topics that affect all of us in the world today. For some, this was an experience of a lifetime and they built memories and lasting friendships. In a world where there is so much chaos these days, it is refreshing to see so many diverse backgrounds come together in unison and parity.
Congratulations to the new Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray. She has her work cut out for her and she has shown how eager she is to accept the challenge.
