Beauty, Brains and a change maker
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Introduction
After being in hiatus for ten years, the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant was held in July 2024 and the winner was 23-year-old Miss Raynae Myers who beat seven other contestants. Raynae is originally from the beautiful island of Grand Turk and graduated from Helena J Robinson High School in 2018. I do not personally know Raynae but from the time she won the pageant, I have been following her. Because of her conduct and presentation on social media, I decided to watch Miss Universe Pageant, something I have not done for more than thirty years.
Raynae is a beautiful young lady. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but she also is beautiful on the inside, being kind, well-mannered, helpful and compassionate. Her mother Lashena Simmons did a great job in raising this beautiful young lady.
A university graduate
Raynae is a very smart individual and had the opportunity to attend University in United Kingdom. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Manchester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Politics. She works in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
An advocate against gun violence
Unfortunately, Raynae lost her brother to gun violence, a tragedy that has caused so much pain and grief to the family and friends. The case is still unresolved. However, out of this incident, Raynae has become an advocate against gun violence and is using her voice for a change and to bring about awareness.
Being a victim of bullying, and having overcome bullying, Raynae founded an organization called Fearlessly Authentic, a mentorship and sisterhood program that inspires young women to embrace their true selves. She visits several schools in Turks and Caicos to inspire the young people.
A Perseverer
This is not Raynae’s first time in a beauty pageant. She entered the Summer Jam pageant when she was fourteen and then she entered it again recently. Despite not winning, she did not give up and entered Miss Universe TCI. She did not let the negative remarks deter her from participating in the pageant. In fact, it was the negative connotations that propelled her to persevere.
Conclusion
Raynae Myers represented the Turks and Caicos at the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant that was held in Mexico. She represented us well and we are so proud of her. She got the second highest score in the costume pageant. She was also one of the winners of the masterclass exercise for best make-up. I personally think she should have been placed in the top ten, but it didn’t happen. However, she is still our Queen and has a great story to share and inspire others. Finally, I cannot end without thanking director Gabriella and the rest of the team for reintroducing Miss Universe TCI and for guiding, training and preparing Raynae for the Miss Universe Pageant.