In a dazzling display of elegance and empowerment, Annieka Lisa Francis, a mother of four boys, was crowned Mrs Universe Jamaica last Saturday. The Grand Coronation, held at the AC Hotel, celebrated womanhood in its many forms, marking a significant moment for the Jamaican pageant community. As the latest winner, Francis now has the honor of representing Jamaica at the global Mrs Universe competition in South Korea this October.
The Mrs Universe pageant, with a history spanning over two decades, offers a platform for married women, mothers, and mature women to showcase their beauty, strength, and multifaceted lives. This inclusive approach redefines the concept of pageantry by embracing a broader spectrum of womanhood and highlighting the power that comes with experience and maturity.
A Platform for Empowerment and Personal Growth
Mrs Universe Jamaica stands out by prioritizing inner beauty and personal growth, encouraging women to realize their full potential. Shannon Green, the founder of Mrs Universe Jamaica and the country’s first representative at the international Mrs Universe competition, articulated this vision. Green’s journey to founding the Jamaican chapter began when she represented Jamaica in South Korea in 2021. Noticing the absence of representation from the Caribbean and African women, she felt compelled to create a platform that would showcase the talent and grace of Jamaican women.
“My inspiration for starting the pageant sparked when I went to South Korea in 2021 to compete as the first Mrs Universe Jamaica and realized there was no representation of any Caribbean woman or any African women. I was the only island in the pageant. I thought that there was so much that Jamaican women had to offer, and I had to get on board,” Green shared.
An Evening of Glamour and Recognition
The coronation night was a celebration of individuality, with each contestant expressing her unique personality and style through a range of fashion choices. The contestants showcased stunning designs by the House of Renaldo Cortez and dazzled in activewear and evening gowns, reflecting their diverse tastes and lifestyles. Among the standout moments, Kaydia McKoy was awarded Best Interview, Best in Fashion Wear, and Most Congenial. Annieka Lisa Francis captivated the audience and judges alike, winning the titles of Best Evening Gown and Best Active Wear. Shanneil Brown-Bleary was celebrated as the Most Photogenic and received the People’s Choice Award, highlighting her popularity among the audience.
Before the highly anticipated announcement of the main title, other significant crowns were awarded. Kaydia McKoy was named Mrs Cosmo Jamaica, and Shanneil Brown-Bleary was crowned Mrs Intercontinental Jamaica. Both winners received all-expense-paid trips to represent Jamaica at the Mediterranean on the Sea and in Costa Rica, respectively, as well as ambassadorship titles from sponsors. The first runners-up, Youlanda Gordon and Tamara Morgan, were also recognized with crowns and sashes.
A New Chapter for Annieka Lisa Francis
As the final moment approached, the anticipation in the room was palpable. With Annieka Lisa Francis as the only finalist yet to be crowned, her moment in the spotlight was both expected and exhilarating. Francis took the stage, embodying the grace, confidence, and resilience that the Mrs Universe Jamaica title represents. Reflecting on her journey, Francis shared, “This year I turned 40, and I just threw caution to the wind and challenged myself, unlike anything I have done before, in a beauty competition. I wanted to also motivate myself. Being a mom for so long, sometimes you lose that confidence and that zest which, just being a part of Mrs Universe Jamaica and the sisterhood, it has allowed me to regain.”
Francis’s win signifies not just a personal triumph but also a celebration of the strength and versatility of Jamaican women. Her upcoming participation in the global Mrs Universe competition will shine a spotlight on Jamaica, showcasing the island’s culture and the empowered women who call it home.
While the evening celebrated many victories, it also witnessed a change in plans for one contestant. Mrs Indira Peres Valdez, initially crowned Ms Cosmo Queen of Jamaica, has decided to rescind her title for personal reasons.
As Annieka Lisa Francis prepares to represent Jamaica on the international stage, her journey continues to inspire women to embrace their individuality, challenge themselves, and celebrate their unique paths.
