Miss Universe

In Inspiration November 15, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Khadijah Omar: The First-Ever Hijabi Miss Universe Contestant

Khadijah Omar is making history as Somalia’s first-ever Miss Universe contestant and the first hijabi woman to participate in the renowned competition. After migrating to Canada with her family at the age of 10, she embraced her new home while remaining deeply connected to her Somali roots. Now, she is breaking barriers in the world of beauty and pageantry, her journey a powerful testament to resilience, representation, and the courage to challenge norms.

As she prepares to step onto the international stage at the 73rd edition of Miss Universe on November 16, 2024, Khadijah’s story serves as an inspiration to many. Here’s a closer look at the woman behind this groundbreaking moment.

From Refugee Camp to Global Stage

Khadijah Omar’s incredible journey began in Kenya, where she was born at the Hagadera Refugee Camp, managed by the UNHCR Field Office Alinjugur. At the age of 10, she and her family migrated to Canada, seeking a brighter future. This transformative experience shaped her resilience and determination, turning her into a role model for young Muslim girls worldwide.

Now, Khadijah stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with perseverance and ambition, dreams can transcend borders.

A Multi-Talented Trailblazer

Khadijah is much more than a beauty queen—she is a creative powerhouse. From her work as a beauty influencer and makeup artist to her passion for photography and retouching, she uses her talents to tell stories that inspire and uplift. Her artistic pursuits reflect her dedication to empowering others while celebrating her unique identity.

A Pageantry Powerhouse

Khadijah has been shattering glass ceilings in the world of pageantry for years. Before making history at Miss Universe, she was the first hijabi to compete in Miss World in 2021. Her achievements include being crowned 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe Canada, where she also earned the title of Miss Photogenic. At just 23 years old, her youth and charisma made her a standout competitor, further fueling her passion for pageantry.

Changemaker and Advocate

Khadijah uses her platform to spark meaningful change. She challenges conventional beauty standards while advocating for critical issues like climate change, which deeply impacts her homeland of Somalia. Her activism extends to improving education and healthcare in underserved communities, driven by her personal experiences and commitment to creating a better world.

As a voice for displaced populations, she is determined to shift narratives and inspire action.

A Social Media Maven

With a degree from York University, Khadijah has honed her skills as a social media specialist in the beauty and fashion industries. Her expertise in brand development and community building complements her work as a public figure, making her a dynamic presence both online and offline.

Khadijah Omar’s journey is far more than a competition—it’s a movement. Representing Somalia, Canada, and countless women breaking barriers, she embodies the power of representation, resilience, and the courage to dream big. On the Miss Universe stage, Khadijah isn’t just making history; she’s paving the way for others to follow.

In Interviews&profile December 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

THE FIRST BLACK BEAUTY QUEENS WHO MADE 2019’S HISTORIC YEAR POSSIBLE

With the historic year Black women are having across the beauty pageant circuit, we have to take a moment to celebrate and highlight the women who shattered the industry’s glass ceilings.

In 1977, Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago made news around the world when she became the first Black Miss Universe in 1977. She built her platform on advocating for world peace and for the rights of minorities of African descent.

Six years after Commissiong took the world by storm, Vanessa Williams became the first Black Miss America in 1983. Ten months after her groundbreaking win, Williams was forced to relinquish her crown due to a controversy surrounding photos she had taken in the past. However, in September 2015, the Miss America organization welcomed Williams back and apologized for how the situation was handled.

Then in 1990, Carole Anne-Marie Gist, stood on the shoulders of Commissiong and Williams when she became the first Black Miss USA at the age of 20. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Gist was also the first winner from the state of Michigan.

One year later, New Hampshire native Janel Bishop became the first Black Miss Teen USA.

All four trailblazers have built successful careers and are still actively involved in their respective communities. Commissiong is a business owner in Trinidad. Williams is an award-winning actress and singer. Gist is a health and fitness expert, and Bishop is a real-estate professional in Encino, California.

While there are numerous Black women who came after these women, we just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the beautiful Black queens who opened the doors and helped made 2019 possible!

Source: Beacuaseofthemwecan

In Interviews&profile December 9, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

NIGERIA’S OLUTOSIN ARAROMI MADE TOP 20 LIST AT THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT

MBGN Universe, Olutosin Araromi, was definitely one to watch out for at this year’s Miss Universe beauty pageant, and this she proved by placing among the top 20 out of 90 contestants.

Olutosin competed alongside 90 other ladies at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, at the event which saw South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi getting crowned as the 68th Miss Universe.

Tosin’s general charisma, poise and intelligence made it possible for her to place as a finalist, which is interestingly the first time in many years a Nigerian will place at the top spot.

When it was Olutosin’s turn to say something about herself, the 25-year-old public speaker who tragically lost her mum during the 2019 MBGN pageant, mentioned that the death of her mom has taught her perseverance and she uses her story to inspire and uplift youths.

Here are the top 20 contestants below:

Nigeria – Olutosin Araromi

South Africa – Zozibini Tunzi (WINNER)

Vietnam – Hoàng Thùy

Indonesia – Frederika Alexis Cull (Top 10)

Thailand – Paweensuda Drouin (Top 5)

Albania – Cindy Marina

Colombia – Gabriela Tafur (Top 5)

Brazil – Julia Horta

India – Vartika Singh

Venezuela – Thalia Olvino

The Philippines – Gazini Ganados

USA – Cheslie Kryst (Top 10)

Mexico – Sofía Aragón (Top 3)

The Dominican Republic – Clauvid Daly

Peru – Kelin Rivera

Puerto Rico – Madison Anderson

Portugal – Sylvie Silvia

Croatia – Mia Rkman

Iceland – Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir

France – Maëva Coucke

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In self development December 19, 2018 By Editor

MEET ANGELA PONCE, THE FIRST TRANSGENDER WOMAN TO COMPETE IN MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT

Ángela Maria Ponce Camacho, who is the reigning Miss Spain became the first ever transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe pageant.

After the preliminary rounds on Sunday, the 27-year-old model said it was “an honor and pride” to be part of the history of the pageant.

“This is for you, for those who have no visibility, no voice, because we all deserve a world of respect, inclusion and freedom,” Ponce wrote on Instagram on Friday. “And today I am here, proudly representing my nation, all women and human rights.”

The record set by Angele comes after the Miss Universe organization was heavily criticized in 2012 after disqualifying a transgender woman, Jenna Talackova from the Miss Canada competition because she was not “naturally born” a woman.

After Talackova threatened legal action, the organization then owned by Donald Trump changed the rules to allow transgender contestants in its pageants.

“As long as she meets the standards of legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, which we understand that she does, Jenna Talackova is free to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant,” Trump attorney Michael Cohen said at the time. “Nobody is capitulating . . . Like all the other contestants, [Talackova] is wished the best of luck by Mr. Trump.”

Talackova ultimately finished in the top 12 of the Miss Canada pageant and was one of four contestants awarded “Miss Congeniality.” But did not advance to the Miss Universe pageant that year.

Speaking on making history, Ponce, who is from Pilas in southern Spain, credited her family for supporting her.

“They’re my foundation so that my life could unfold,” Ponce told Today.com. “They saw to it that I did not have a traumatic childhood. They are my strength.”

The 2018 Miss Universe pageant was won by Miss Philippines, 24-year-old Catriona Gray.

Credit: LIB