A life long dream of becoming Miss Universe Jamaica was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the 2021 Miss Universe Jamaica, Daena Soares, a unique but limited experience.

When she won the title in October 2021, Soares told Our Today she was excited to have the full Miss Universe Jamaica experience.

But, with the pandemic, there were restrictions put in place.

“I remember traveling to Israel was a big culture shock. Mainly because they had completely shut down the country,” she said.

“So no other tourists were present and it was strange because the way we were greeted and accepted was so welcoming. Despite what was going on, everyone was still trying their best to make it a holistic experience.”

There were also a few projects that she was unable to accomplish due to economic constraints at the time.

“Most of our business enterprises were facing economic issues. So, when I started seeking funding for the initiatives that I was trying to platform, that was a very hard thing to accomplish,” explained Soares.

Soares shared that her organisation was to put on a regional pageant but, again, economic challenges and less-than-ideal circumstances made it impossible.

In addition to this, she was also deprived of a homecoming parade, an event that she was truly looking forward to.

Soares shared with Our Today that she is the first person from the parish of St Elizabeth to gain the title of Miss Universe Jamaica, an achievement she would have loved to celebrate with the members of her community.

“Everyone in my home community knows me. So, to see this girl that they knew as shy, kept to herself and introverted, go to that level was very inspiring. I am sad that we eventually didn’t get to [have the parade] which went back to economic and scheduling difficulties because of the pandemic,” shared Soares.

Though disappointed by this fact, Soares she said learned how to “pivot and move on from setbacks”, a skill she deems very important.

She also shared that, despite these setbacks, she still received lots of love from members of her community when she returned home from her travels in December.

“Funnily enough, I had to go to Grand Market with my little cousin to chaperone. I remember people were just coming up and saying I inspired them to go back to school or just to do various things that you don’t think would be immediately affected by pageantry or standing on stage wearing a bikini and a gown.”

While she was not able to have the parade, she did manage to give back to her community, showing her gratitude for their love and support.

Using the exposure that came with the title, Soares worked with the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, raising funds with the organisation.

She is also worked with What Women Want Jamaica, an organisation founded by her longtime schoolmate, Sebrina Cleopatra Brown.

“We tackled period poverty together here in my hometown of Junction, St Elizabeth. We established a cupboard where women could go and access feminine care and menstrual care products for free within the clinic.”

Though she is not sure where her journey will take her next, she stated that she “will allow her path to reveal itself” as she bathes in the memories and experiences the title awarded her.

But, she will not abandon her previously planned works.

Soares said that, as she exits her role as Miss Universe Jamaica, she plans to continue advocating for women while forging her own path.

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