Miss Universe Belize 2022

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:38 am

Miss Universe Belize 2022

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:39 am

Grace Brown
Age: 20
District: San Pedro, Belize
Job: Florist

Schooling: High School diploma; currently pursuing Cosmetology Degree

At the tender age of 11, Grace’s parents sent her to modeling classes in Chetumal, Mexico to overcome her shyness and lack of confidence. This was due to her facing bullying, especially body shaming. Since then, Grace has gained full self-confidence. She challenged herself in 2021 and competed in the Miss San Pedro Pageant and won. The reigning Miss San Pedro has participated in several fashion shows and fashion photoshoots. She would love to work with young people to empower them and teach them the value of self-love.

Fun Fact: Following her mother’s footsteps, she is Currently taking singing lessons with a Cuban vocal coach.

Hobbies: Modeling and playing the guitar

Quote: “I believe that the next Miss Universe Belize should be a woman who is ready to handle the responsibilities of nurturing her community’s betterment, this woman should continuously look for solutions to assist and advocate for a better and greater Belize, but most importantly this representative should be ready to be the ultimate epitome of a role model who feeds others with love and compassion. I have spent the past 20 years crystallizing my experiences in order to be that woman.”

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:40 am

Ashley Lightburn
Age: 25
District: Belize City, Belize

Job: Project Manager Officer at a Bank and adjunct lecturer of Mathematics at the University of Belize

Schooling: Bachelor's in Pure Mathematics; currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Business Administration

Ashley believes she is a mercy woman at heart. Hence, since 2015 she has been volunteering at her alma mater Saint Catherine Academy as a cheerleading coach, passing the ever-beautiful SCA cheer spirit to other generations and the principle of sisterhood, confidence, and community. She is also a strong advocate for women in STEM, especially mathematics. Ashley hosted and has participated in the University of Belize's annual mathematics symposium since graduating in 2019.

Fun Fact: She is a really good crafter who loves decorating and making gift baskets, ornaments and more

Hobbies: Engaging in Social Outreach initiatives

Quote: “This pageant, to me, is not only about displaying external beauty but also about inner beauty. I aim to show young girls that you can have all beauty and brains, and you should use it to inspire others and build your country. “

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:41 am

Samantha Singh
Age: 27
District: Belize City now Placencia, Stann Creek District
Job: Writer

Schooling: Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola New Orleans + Culinary Arts Degree from The New School of Cooking

Samantha is a working writer and a supporter of the arts, living in Placencia, Stann Creek District. Originally from Belize City, she was part of the founding-team behind Bent Pin Press, a literary journal publishing Belizean writers. She sees Miss Universe Belize as an opportunity to share her passion for Belizean literature and the importance of the arts in Belize with a broader audience.

Fun Fact: She is also a classically trained chef, appearing as both a guest chef and a judge on The National Channel’s Glazed Out.

Hobbies: Enjoys reading and travelling both internationally and throughout Belize, hiking, swimming and camping. She’s interested in sustainability and is refurbishing a vintage Volkswagen van in her free time, experiences which she vlogs about on her social media accounts.

Quote: "I know that advocacy is a huge part of the title, and that part is what I am most interested in. To have a place of privilege to speak from in support of both literacy and the arts in Belize, two places I believe deserve much more attention locally both for their cultural importance and the opportunities they provide for young Belizeans to transcend circumstance — that’s exciting to me.”

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:41 am

Sigourney Usher
Age: 22
District: San Ignacio, Cayo
Job: Nurse

Schooling: Pursuing a Bachelors in Nursing

Sigourney is currently studying in Guatemala. This experience has taught her many things, especially how to be an independent person at her very young age. As a frontline worker, she has the opportunity to impact many lives. She was born and raised in San Ignacio and believes that wherever life takes her, she will forever be connected to her beautiful country.

Fun Fact: She has competed in Pageantry since primary school, and won the title of Srta. Flor de la Feria in 2015.

Hobbies: Enjoys exploring Belize, spending time with her family, dancing, singing and doing her makeup

Quote: “If I were to become Miss Universe Belize, I would use the platform to talk about the impact poverty has in my country, especially with older generations. I want to show that I can be confidently beautiful, but also have the ability to help our generation in need.”

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:42 am

Kenia Tejada
Age: 27
District: Spanish Lookout, Cayo
Job: Tutor

Schooling: High-school Diploma with an interest to Major in Psychology

Kenia considers herself an easy going and adventurous person who never gets bored. She teaches some of the Children in her Village English as a second language. A few years before her father passed, he started a small organization called Hope Help Health (HHH) that provided food, clothing, and education for children and she would like to continue in his footsteps as she loves giving back. She considers herself an advocate for children and helps several of them in her village.

Fun fact: Was adopted by Mennonites

Hobbies: loves playing volleyball, driving ATV’s and exploring the forest.

Quote: “I want to instill respect, love, justice and kindness into children’s lives. I know I can do that now, but I think as Miss Universe Belize, I can make a greater impact.”

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:42 am

Alina Scott
Age: 27
District: Cayo
Job: PhD Candidate and Littlefield Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin

Schooling: Bachelors and Master’s Degree in History; currently a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) in History

Alina is passionate about educational equity and accessibility. She has volunteered in a number of social and educational associations and organizations, including the Native American and Indigenous Peoples Association, Multicultural Students Organization, and others.

Fun Fact: She’s a volleyball player who represented Belize in several volleyball events including the CODICADER games in El Salvador and Costa Rica, the U-18 team in Costa Rica, and the Women's National Volleyball team in Curacao.

Hobbies: swimming, reading, and any opportunity to see a new part of Belize.

Quote: “As Miss Belize, I want to give back to those very communities [intellectual and cultural communities] and reiterate to the youth of Belize that education is just a stepping stone for you to realize the fullest version of yourself.”

**bonner** Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:43 am

Kaira Nuñez
Age: 19
District: Orange Walk

Job: Sales clerk; aspires to work at an Environmental Conservation Organization

Schooling: Associate's degree in Science with a concentration in Natural Resource Management

Kaira takes pleasure in being productive because she believes that efficiency is the key to success. Being open-minded has helped her learn something new in every life experience she has had. She considers herself to be a very lively and outgoing person which helps her get along well with others. This is her first pageant and is excited to step outside her comfort zone by competing.

Fun fact: She enjoys watching true crime documentaries and animal planet.

Hobbies: Reading, writing, painting and makeup artistry

Quote: “I want to be the next Miss Belize because I want to utilize the title as a platform to raise awareness and take action on animal cruelty in Belize. I also believe that winning this pageant will strengthen my will and confidence in my ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to.”