By: Jenny Castro
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/13/24
Founded in 1951 in the UK by Eric Morley, the Miss World Organization claims the prestigious honor of being the oldest international beauty pageant to date and is currently run by its President Julia Morley while headquartered in England. Along with being the oldest international beauty pageant, the Miss World Organization is also known for their humanitarian work and promotes a “Beauty with a Purpose” (BWAP) initiative through their platform and through their contestant’s own charitable endeavors and volunteer work with various non-profits. Every year, the organization sends various delegates from all over the world to compete at the annual Miss World competition which earlier this year was held in India and won by Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic. Notable past winners of Miss World have included the likes of Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra who both went on to become internationally acclaimed actresses and A-List celebrities.
Currently in the United States, the Miss World America organization is headquartered in Seattle, WA, and is run by National Directors Ekta and Sanjay Saini. The couple’s daughter Shree Saini previously held the title of Miss World America 2021 and represented the U.S. at the Miss World competition held in Puerto Rico in March of 2022, placing runner up as well as winning the title of Beauty With a Purpose Ambassador, a highly regarded and prestigious honor for the organization. Throughout its history, Miss World America has also had notable contestants represent the U.S. at Miss World including Halle Berry in 1986 where she placed sixth, and Lynda Carter who won the title of Miss World USA (named at the time) in 1972. Carter is also known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman during its series run in the 1970’s.
Last year, the Miss World America pageant was held in Bellevue, WA, and hosted 50+ candidates from around the U.S. to compete for the MWA title. Victoria DiSorbo of Tennessee was crowned the winner and represented the U.S. this year in India at Miss World. Reflecting on its history, USA National Director Ekta Saini gives us more insight into the organization, “If you just Google the top pageant in the world it will bring out Miss World, because Miss World is the oldest pageant,” Saini said. Adding, “Julia Morley has impacted the world at such a large scale more so than other pageants. To date she has raised and donated $1.3 billion dollars for charitable initiatives all over the world and is still doing a lot of charitable work through Beauty with a Purpose, a vision of hers which she created in 1972.” Each contestant is also required to submit a charity project while competing which makes up their Beauty with a Purpose initiative, a primary and essential aspect in the Miss World Organization. Contestants can choose to start up their own non-profits or engage in volunteer work in their communities focusing on a platform that speaks to them.
In taking over the direction of Miss World America last Spring, Saini had to navigate through challenges at the time such as losing a dear friend in Pamela Curnel, who played an essential role professionally and personally in her life both as a friend and pageant mentor. Saini also had to start the foundation of the MWA pageant from scratch such as creating new operational systems since she had no access to the prior system, a challenge that often comes with new leadership. “During the first month I didn’t even have a logo or a website and had a total of 2.5-3.5 months from day one to the final night to host the pageant. I hired people to help me, interviewed hundreds of girls, and ran ads. Challenges were endless.” Despite the rough start, Saini has been able to successfully steer through due to a hard work ethic, dedication, and passion for mentoring young women entering the Miss World America Organization, “Best part is seeing their growth,” she said. Adding, “I have seen girls grow so much and there are so many different aspects of growth from personal grooming to stage walk to personal styling, fitness, public speaking, interpersonal skills, plus emotional management and more. And when I see the girls improvement and growth, it feels good.”
Former title holder Shree Saini has also played a pivotal role in mentoring the contestants in the organization, “The best thing about Miss World America is its genuine commitment to helping contestants grow,” she said. Adding, “We are the only system that provides free coaching and mentorship calls throughout the year. We hire the world’s best pageant experts and host weekly Zoom calls leading up to the pageant. The coaches work with contestants to boost their confidence, elevate their style, and provide fitness, nutrition, and mental health coaching—all to help them become the happiest versions of themselves. We also offer the largest awards package in America. The winner receives $250,000 in in-kind and cash awards, thanks to our generous National Director, Ekta Saini. Miss World America also encourages contestants to go beyond beauty, leading with kindness, resilience, and a sense of responsibility toward the world.” During the Miss World competition earlier this year, Shree was the media correspondent in India, “Managing a platform with millions of followers allowed me to connect with fans globally and showcase the incredible journeys of contestants, their unique stories, and the power of their charity work,” she said of the experience.
Next month, contestants from around the country will fly into Seattle, WA as the pageant takes place November 17th, 2024, at the Burien Performing Arts Center. Gathering insight from some of the ladies, they share their experience thus far this pageant season. Representing the state of Pennsylvania, Shytasia Anderson says, “My experience has been wondrous. The sense of sisterhood is strong and the support from the team keeps you going.” Ranita Opoku-Sarfo of Virginia says, “Ekta Saini leads with a servant’s heart and I noticed that as soon as I joined the MWA family. She is a very transparent leader and she’s intentional about everything that she does.” Ashley Bouzi of Missouri states, “Ekta Saini’s leadership style is amazing, she is on point with everyone’s needs.” Athenna Crosby representing California says, “I’ve had the most wonderful experience with Miss World America so far having competed last year and as the reigning Beauty with a Purpose ambassador. I’ve seen opportunities and doors that this organization has opened for me. Miss World is such a strong global brand that brings people together united under Julia Morley’s mission of Beauty with a Purpose.” Ramya from Colorado adds, “My experience with Miss World America has been truly transformative. I’ve had the opportunity to form new friendships with passionate young women from across the country while also growing my confidence as a young entrepreneur.”
This pageant season, the contestants have been prepping endlessly to prepare for next month’s competition as they have engaged in zoom sessions with some of the finest coaches in fitness, communication, confidence, beauty and style. They have also worked on their Beauty with a Purpose initiative, which is a major part of scoring in the judging system. Looking forward to the pageant next month, Saini is excited for this year’s competition, “This year, hopefully much better production because last year I had about 2.5 months to prep, and it’s going to be at the Highline Performing Arts Center. This venue has a much bigger green room, and we are using a different hotel because we wanted the theater and venue to be closer to the airport as well,” she explained. The winner of Miss World America will receive a prize package of $250,000 which includes cash and in-kind sponsorship awards. The winner will go on to represent the U.S. at the next Miss World competition currently to be decided.
Reflecting on the opportunity the title holder experiences, Saini shares her thoughts, “The biggest thing one gets to do regardless of if they don’t do even one single appearance all year is the pride to represent your nation on the Miss World stage. That sash, when it says USA and you enter the stage is the biggest gift you get by being Miss World America.” Earlier this year, reigning MWA Victoria DiSorbo had an extraordinary experience in India while representing the U.S., “She was with top A-list celebrities in India for one month, and was flown in private airplanes with other country Queens and met with top celebrities, senators, and delegates from all over India including the Chief of Army. One full month in India while making friends with over 100 country winners. So, the sisterhood that she achieved, she can go to any top hundred countries and she would have a best friend there. Victoria has been a very good title holder to me.” said Saini. DiSorbo will have the honor of crowning her successor next month in Seattle. The night is expected to be full of glamor, fun, and a possible appearance from CEO Julia Morley herself along with the reigning Miss World.
Tickets are currently on sale here.
The pageant will be live streamed on QBN (Queen Beauty Network). Access link here.
Visit the Miss World America Official Webpage or Instagram.
Official Miss World Instagram.
