While many local beauty platforms focus strictly on traditional pageantry routines, Belizean women are redefining the stage by prioritising community impact, health, and leadership. Pageant coordinator Elise-Gayonne Vernon and queens Felicia Alas and Maryam Abdul Qawiyy are to host the Miss Black International Ambassador (MBIA) competition in Belize for the very first time.
Rather than being about crowns and titles, it’s a push to celebrate women who actively lift up their communities. MBIA changes the cliché swimsuit rounds for fitness wear, focusing instead on sisterhood, body positivity, and giving women the tools to become strong leaders.
When National Director Ashley Lightburn was offered the franchise, she saw a chance to expand opportunities for Belizean women who might not fit into traditional pageantry. Felicia stated, “I decided to join the pageant because it aligns a lot with who I am as an individual, and the competition itself focuses a lot on leadership.”
Maryam resonated with the pageant’s mission as well, sharing, “It’s definitely a fit for me… it’s a pageant that aligns with community leaders and change-makers, and that’s my life’s work.” Through her community-focused yoga programmes, Maryam uses her platform to strengthen self-esteem and empower women through everyday mindfulness and wellness.
The Miss Black International Ambassador pageant will take place at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, where supporters can cheer on the queens as they compete in fitness wear, cultural attire, and evening gowns.
Be part of history on Saturday, August 15, at 7:00 PM at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. As Elise-Gayonne, Felicia, and Maryam bring this unique event to Belize, it stands as a testament to what happens when women unite to change the societal stigma.
