Advocacy Across Borders

Welcome to the short series I have written about the evolution of my Beauty With a Purpose project over my three-year reign as Miss World Canada. In this third installment of my Beauty with a Purpose journey, I had the privilege of experiencing moments that profoundly underscored the impact of my collective efforts against gender-based violence. The visit to Villa Victoria, a rural part of Mexico, was a heartwarming chapter in this ongoing story, where the funds raised through the Pico for a Purpose summit were donated. Witnessing the joy and gratitude of the children who directly benefited from this donation, especially during their Kings Day celebration, was a beautiful reminder of the impact giving has on families who have faced violence. The opportunity to share gifts and smiles with these children in such a close-knit community was an experience I will always cherish.

The stop on my BWAP journey took me beyond the borders of Canada and Mexico to Guatemala, a trip initially planned around a visa appointment and a personal goal to hike Acatenango. With no makeup, heels, or fancy wardrobe in tow, my focus was on adventure and personal growth. However, thanks to the incredible efforts of Toni Berganza and the support of my Miss World Canada national director, Michelle Weswaldi, my visit transformed into something much more impactful.

Toni Berganza organized an unforgettable experience that allowed me to share my Beauty with a Purpose project in Guatemala. My visit to the National Palace and a meeting with members of Congress to discuss gender-based violence were pivotal moments. These discussions, part of a broader symposium on protecting women with ambassadors from across Latin America, highlighted the universal challenges and the shared commitment to addressing gender-based violence. It was extremely impactful in my journey because I was able to share my experience as a Crisis Support Worker in the Victim Services Unit in my hometown in Canada to highlight the reality that gender-based violence knows no boundaries and respects no borders, it is prevalent as a global phenomenon and takes global efforts and all of us as active agents of change to create a future free from violence. 

The trip to Cobán and meeting the mayor of San Pedro Carchá, Winter Coc Ba, opened up an opportunity to deliver care packages to women and children in a nearby village. The warmth and gratitude of the community were overwhelming, reinforcing the significance of our efforts and the power of the Miss World brand to cross new borders and touch lives. I will never forget the young kids who were able to receive packages for their families and the mothers who welcomed us to their village. 

One of the most memorable moments was presenting an award to marathon winner Mario Pacay and participating in a celebration of Guatemalan culture. Learning to play the marimba and enjoying tamales amidst the vibrant spirit of the community was a beautiful testament to the rich tapestry of human connection and cultural exchange. The photos from this event later became a viral internet meme, but that is a story for another time. 

This journey through Guatemala, facilitated by the kindness and support of Michelle and Toni, was a profound lesson in the adaptability and reach of my Beauty with a Purpose project. It reinforced the understanding that our mission doesn't end with a single project or within the borders of a single country. The essence of Beauty with a Purpose lies not just in the projects we create as Miss World delegates, but in the very core of who we are and how we live our lives. Each delegate chooses a cause close to their heart because we believe in the power of making a positive impact on the world. Our commitment to these causes transcends the scope of individual projects; it's woven into the fabric of our being.

As I reflect on these experiences, I'm reminded that the true heart of Beauty with a Purpose is about championing our causes in every aspect of our lives. It's about adapting, growing, and continuing to make a difference, wherever we are and in whatever we do. This journey has shown me that our efforts to create a better world are boundless, and I am grateful for every opportunity to extend the reach of our mission. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where I'll delve into the creation of solo travel safety classes, including basic self-defence, an essential aspect of empowering oneself and others in the journey toward a safer, more equitable world.