Outgoing Mrs Universe Jamaica 2023 reflects on reign, advocacy
Encourages 2024 cohort to build and keep sisterhood
Published:Friday | July 12, 2024 | 7:36 PMKwela Cole/ Gleaner Writer
It had been over 40 years since Andria Thompson felt Jamaican soil underfoot when she left Canada to return to her island home in the summer of 2023. The purpose of the endometrial cancer survivor, advocate, author, and media practitioner’s trip was to compete in the Mrs Universe Jamaica pageant. Emerging victorious, Thompson considers herself blessed to add a fourth crown and sash to her display case, with her Mrs Universe Jamaica 2023 win joining her Ms. Canada Global World 2021, Mrs Canada United World 2022, and Miss Black Canadian Queen titles.
Thompson’s homecoming in 2023 was steeped in emotion. Between her pageant training and preparation, the beauty queen re-familiarised herself with memories of her Caribbean upbringing that had faded over time. While re-immersing in her home culture was a priority, Thompson also focused on ensuring stellar performances in each Mrs Universe Jamaica category. Her efforts paid off as she was crowned Mrs Universe Jamaica 2023 and won prizes for best interview, best evening gown, and People’s Choice.
“The whole experience was filled with so many emotions. I was filled with bittersweet memories of my childhood and how much I missed out on not growing up in Jamaica. However, as I landed, I felt such joy and peace. My heart said ‘welcome home’. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity so I maximised every moment. I took in the sights, sounds and, yes, the food. With my heart set on winning the crown, I prayerfully focused my mind on the win [and] used every free time I had to go over my walk, pose, and interview skills, making sure I was ready for whatever questions the judges would ask.”
With her sweep of the crown and key sectional prizes, it was clear that Andria Thompson had earned her Mrs Universe Jamaica title, but her reign would come to mean much more than the glamour associated with being a pageant queen. Her advocacy of endometrial cancer – a passion since her stage four diagnosis of the illness in 2019 – continued with multiple organisations internationally. Thompson got to work, setting up blood pressure check clinics and social media campaigns to spread the message “early detection of any form of cancer is key and can save lives”, she told The Gleaner.
“I have been so blessed to have graced many platforms to share my story [as a cancer survivor] and had the opportunity to partner with the Benuelife Care Foundation in Nigeria [where] I have a wonderful team that is working on the ground to carry out duties, including nurses, ministers and the head of Benuelife Care’s publication the Benue Achievers Magazine and the Philippines-based Cancer Warriors Foundation as the spokesperson for Endo Cancer. We have set up clients of the programme and run campaigns to help bring awareness to increase early detection.”
The national title was just the first step in Thompson’s journey, and her preparations for the international leg of the competition are still underway. Unable to compete in the 2023 competition because of having to return to Canada, the TV host and reporter looks forward to competing for the 2024’s international title in October in Istanbul Turkey. Ever one to make the effort to represent the artistic expressions of her vibrant Jamaican people, Thompson is seeking sponsorships for her queen’s wardrobe, to further promote her island home.
“I had to reschedule my [participation in the international leg of Mrs Universe] for October this year, [but] as I prepare, I’m looking for sponsors in Jamaica, Canada and the US. I would love to showcase upcoming or [established] brands on an international platform, and I’m seeking to partner with designers and stylists,” Thompson said.
She notes her growth in faith during her reign and her deepening passion for community as she embarks on the philanthropic projects she committed to as Mrs Universe Jamaica. The sisterhood she formed with her 2023 cohort remains important to her, and she cites that bond as the catalyst for her continued growth in confidence. She describes meeting the 2024 cohort of national delegates and encouraging them to form similar bonds, even as they pursue the crown and its opportunities. A forever beauty queen and advocate, Thompson champions pageant participation and its benefits, as a walking example.
“[The 2024 cohort is] such an amazing group of ladies. I [would encourage them] to [continue] maximising every opportunity, show up as their authentic self, and create lasting memories. And don’t forget the crown is used for a cause! Pageantry is a stepping stone that not only gives you tools in becoming a confident woman but also helps you hone skills such as public speaking and pushing and fighting for a cause. It’s a great platform to build sisterhood and meet women from all over the world that are like-minded.”