Miss Universe Jamaica Central Ayanna Powell-Myles ‘overwhelmed’ by placement
First wife and mother crowned under new Miss Universe rules
Published:Sunday | May 7, 2023 | 1:12 AMAaliyah Cunningham - Sunday Gleaner Writer
Having first entered the Miss Universe Central competition in 2018, Ayanna Powell-Myles says it is “an overwhelming feeling” having now secured the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica Central title. Crowned on Sunday, Powell-Myles is the first wife and mother to hold this title, and the first contestant set to participate in the Miss Universe Jamaica competition under the new rules.
“It is an overwhelming feeling, to be honest, and to know I have worked so hard for it. I entered the competition in 2018 and I was placed third. I had hopes of entering again but, because of the rules at the time, I could not, based on the fact [that] I had my first child and then another baby right after. My dreams felt kind of shattered at the time, but I just moved on with life. I was hoping and praying that Miss Universe would open up to allow for wives and mothers to enter. Then, lo and behold, they changed the rule,” the newly crowned queen told The Sunday Gleaner.
It is the start of a new dawn for the Miss Universe competition, having adjusted their rules to expand the eligibility of women who compete for the coveted crown. As nations and franchise holders embrace the new rules, this gave Powell-Myles the chance to continue pursuing her pageantry dreams, having thought them dashed, and she could not be more elated.
By no stretch of the imagination did she assume competing would be easy and, though the rules have changed, being married with two kids would still present other challenges. Determined to prove that women can do it all, she figured that all she needed was some trusted people to stand in the gap for her and she would take it from there. According to her, she found just that.
“I knew I had to have a great support system because I have two babies and, as much as how it is my dream, I just could not do it without being sure I had a proper support system. I am so grateful that my team is so strong both at home and at work. Once I realised that, I said ‘let me just give it a try’ and I was successful,” Powell-Myles told The Sunday Gleaner.
Also a nurse at the Mandeville Regional Hospital, the 27-year-old had a plate full of responsibilities, but, looking back at that journey while preparing to head into the competition in Kingston, she said she has no regrets, despite the hurdles she faced along the way.
“It was a little challenging because I had to go back to the gym, change up my diet and all of that. I had on an extra few pounds even though I was still fit. So, that part was hard for me but I met some wonderful ladies [who] became like sisters to me. That was one of the most important things to me, being able to meet people and impact their lives not only outside of the competition but even among the contestants. That was one of the reasons I entered. I really enjoyed the whole experience,” she shared.
INSPIRED BY MOM
Powell-Myles developed a passion for helping people as a child, watching her mom, who was a practical nurse care for others. It was an easy decision for her to pursue this career and now, as she serves those in her region, she could not be more content. She is attached to the renal unit and her day-to-day experiences with those she tends to, influences her cause.
“Kidney disease is something that we really need to know about, especially in our little island here. We are extremely vulnerable to it. The most fulfilling thing is when I touch someone in a holistic way, not just giving them treatment but caring for them in physical, emotional and spiritual areas. I am happy that I am able to touch lives in several ways,” she said.
Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Mark McDermoth, co-national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise, shared that he is happy that opportunities are now being afforded to a wider cross-section of young women.
“We are excited about the new eligibility rules that allow married women, divorced women, women with children or pregnant to enter. That is very exciting news. Ayanna, she is a lover of pageantry and she always wanted to attempt again. The new rules gave her that chance and she [has] not only entered but she won, and she is coming to Kingston to compete, and that in and of itself is major.” he said.
McDermoth said the roll-out in central Jamaica was an overall great experience.
“They were the first region out of the blocks, and we are very excited about the fact that they came a little bit strong. The support was incredible and that works very well for the brand in terms of how they came out and supported, and how people were engaged, and how they turned up for their favourite contestants. The idea is that you give the winner an automatic spot in Kingston but we were so taken up with the allure and work of the other two ladies, so we decided we wanted more of them, and we gave them an automatic spot as well,” McDermoth shared.
Miss Universe Jamaica Central first runner-up Shadia Johnson and second runner-up, Suzan Dowdie, will join Powell-Myles in Kingston. Eliminations are slated for June 10.
Up next is Miss Universe Jamaica East.
As for Powell-Myles, she feels more ready than ever for the next leg of the competition.
“I am going in there full-fledged this time. When I entered in 2018, I am not sure if I knew why I entered. I just loved pageantry and I didn’t really have a cause either. This time is special to me. I am not perfect as yet, but I am expecting more growth and development. I have always seen myself being in a position to speak to other people and improve their lives as well. I was not sure how it was going to come about, but now I am sure this is the perfect opportunity for me.”
The grand coronation of the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant is set for August 26. There, Miss Universe Jamaica 2022 Toshami Calvin, will crown a new queen.