I was crowned Miss Universe Curaçao 2025 on June 7th, a moment that represents not just a title, but a purpose that has grown within me over time. I was raised on the island of Curaçao in a multicultural household; my father was American and my mother is Curaçaoan. Growing up in that environment taught me to be open-minded and to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. I speak four languages — English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamentu, and I feel grateful to carry my island’s heart with me as I prepare to represent Curaçao at the 74th Miss Universe Competition in Thailand.

From a young age, I’ve always had a heart for helping others. That desire grew even deeper after the passing of my father, a loss that, this November, will mark two years. It changed my life and reminded me how many people quietly carry pain the world doesn’t see. From that pain, I found purpose. I created the Emotional Well-Being and Protection Act, a proposed law that focuses on recognizing and protecting people from emotional and psychological abuse.

My goal is to bring this law before my government to be passed and, through the Miss Universe platform, to take this initiative to the United Nations, where I aim to have emotional well-being recognized as a human right and included within the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

I didn’t grow up watching pageants, but when I discovered that Miss Universe could be a bridge between service and leadership, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. My mission is to protect and uplift the emotional and mental well-being of others, especially those who are often overlooked or unheard. I’ve seen people I love experience emotional abuse, and I’ve lived through both physical and emotional abuse myself. I know how deeply emotional pain can last long after the physical fades. I’ve learned to see the pain I’ve experienced in life as an opportunity to help others, to use what I’ve been through to prevent more people from walking the same path of pain. Those experiences didn’t break me; they strengthened my resolve to be a force for positive change.

I believe that peace within nations begins with inner peace. The work I do, both before and during this journey, has been the most rewarding part of my life. In trying to inspire others, I’ve found myself constantly inspired by them, their stories fueling everything I do. In my efforts to give back, I’ve realized that I’ve gained even more in return. Through every experience, I’ve learned that true service isn’t just about helping others; it’s about connecting heart to heart and letting every story teach you something new.

At 26 years old, I am an actress, a former military academy officer, and a free diver. My path has been anything but ordinary, shaped by curiosity, courage, and a deep desire to understand people. At sixteen, I left Curaçao to attend a military academy in North Carolina, where I faced strict discipline, cultural differences, and moments that tested my strength and adaptability. Through those experiences, I earned two officer positions, serving as second in command while also overseeing all new recruits. That time taught me how to lead with both authority and empathy, a balance that continues to guide how I work, connect, and advocate today.

After graduating, I followed my passion for storytelling through acting. I studied psychology and theater, bringing together my fascination with the human mind and my love for emotional expression. My journey took me from Atlanta, where I began professional acting studies, to Europe, where I earned a diploma in theater and on-camera acting in Amsterdam. Acting allowed me to connect with people from many different cultures and to explore the depth of human emotion, experiences that deepened my understanding of human nature and the power of truly listening to others.

Today, I co-own a restaurant in Curaçao and help manage my family’s farm, where I care for our animals and find joy in the little things. The farm has become more than a sanctuary; it’s our symbol of community and giving. For over three years, we’ve donated food to those in need and welcomed the children of the Child First Afterschool Academy, where I proudly serve as ambassador and spokesperson. The foundation provides educational support for underprivileged children, and I help by teaching them about kindness, farming, and emotional intelligence through hands-on experiences. I truly believe that education is the foundation of emotional well-being, and that teaching communication and self-awareness from an early age can help raise a more compassionate generation.

Outside of my work, I find balance in creativity and in testing my limits. I’ve practiced archery since childhood, love singing in the shower, and find peace freediving in the crystal-clear waters of our ocean, where I dive deep and hold my breath for up to two minutes beneath the sea. In those moments underwater, surrounded by silence, I feel a deep sense of wonder, reminded of how small we are in the vastness of life, and yet how meaningful every breath can be. Freediving teaches me to trust, to surrender, and to find calm even in depth, a reflection of how I’ve learned to find peace within uncertainty.

I also founded a community initiative called Paint with Purpose, where volunteers and I repaint the homes of elderly and underserved members of my community. For me, it’s not only about adding color to their walls, but restoring dignity, pride, and hope to those who may have been forgotten.

As I look ahead, I carry with me the lessons, gratitude, and faith that have shaped the woman I’ve become. These moments remind me of what truly matters: connection, humility, and presence. To me, success is not defined by titles or applause, but by the hearts I touch and the people I uplift along the way. I believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple of empathy and understanding, inspiring others to lead with compassion in their own way. Everything I’ve experienced has taught me that the greatest purpose in life is to give — to use what we’ve been through to make a difference for others. Every chapter of my life has carried a lesson in gratitude and courage, shaping me into who I am today — a leader always guided by good.