The 2024 Miss Universe pageant was marked by vibrant competition and stories of resilience and empowerment among women from various nations. Among the notable titleholders, three stood out: Nene Mariama Saran Bah representing Guinea, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina from Nigeria, and Geyssell García from Nicaragua, each bringing their unique narratives to the global stage.
Nene Mariama Saran Bah, who hails from Conakry, Guinea, has gained recognition not only as a beauty queen but also as an activist for gender equality and education. Fluent in multiple languages, including French, Fulani, and English, Bah is well-educated, holding degrees from institutions such as the Université de Moncton and the University of Ottawa. Her commitment to social causes is apparent; after competing at Miss World 2021 where she reached the quarterfinals, she was crowned Miss Universe Guinea 2024. On November 16, 2024, she showcased her talents at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held at the Arena Ciudad de México, competing against 124 candidates, though she remained unplaced. Bah’s multifaceted identity as an accountant, author, model, and beauty queen allows her to inspire many young women back home.
Meanwhile, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina's story encapsulates the trials and triumphs faced by modern beauty queens. Born to Nigerian and South African parents, Chidimma has navigated her multicultural identity with grace. She initially made headlines as a finalist for Miss South Africa 2024. Still, controversies surrounding her mother's citizenship led her to withdraw from the competition. Undeterred, she competed for the Miss Universe Nigeria title on August 31, 2024, where she emerged victorious. Representing Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024, Chidimma made her mark by becoming the runner-up and was honored as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024. Her achievements reflect her resilience, especially since she was pursing her law degree during the competition.
Lastly, Geyssell García made waves as Nicaragua's representative, having participated in numerous pageants with notable success. Born and raised in Santo Tomas, Nicaragua, Geyssell has always had entrepreneurial spirit, owning a hotel and advocating for Nicaraguan products. She gained recognition after being appointed Miss Universe Nicaragua 2024 on September 12, 2024, and crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios on October 1, 2024. Competing at Miss Universe 2024, she dazzled audiences with her poise, finishing among the Top 30 contestants, which cements her position as one of Nicaragua's influential figures.
These three contestants highlight the diverse backgrounds and aspirations represented at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. Nene Bah, Chidimma Adetshina, and Geyssell García embody the spirit of empowerment and advocacy, making the event not just about beauty but about making impactful statements related to education, gender equality, and cultural representation. Their stories resonate with audiences globally, emphasizing the importance of beauty beyond aesthetics, touching on social issues and personal journeys. The platform of Miss Universe continues to be pivotal for these young women, enabling them to reach out to their communities and beyond, championing causes they are passionate about.
Throughout their journeys, these titleholders have participated in countless events and initiatives aimed at fostering development and supporting social causes. Their presence at Miss Universe 2024 wasn't merely about competition; it was about using the platform to shine light on broader societal issues.
Through their engagements, Saran Bah has been involved in several initiatives promoting education and mental health, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and community support. Chidimma Adetshina's story reflects the potential for change, where even behind the shadows of adversity, she emerged victorious, focusing on her legal studies and being recognized for her accomplishments. Meanwhile, Geyssell García's involvement with tourism and the hospitality sector demonstrates the role of beauty queens as business leaders, connecting cultural pride with entrepreneurship.
The Miss Universe platform also sheds light on intersectional identities, empowering women like Chidimma, who navigates multiple cultures and backgrounds. It reflects how beauty pageants can adapt and respond to changing social narratives, fostering conversations around identity and representation.
Events like Miss Universe provide not only entertainment but also important discussions around women's empowerment and global issues. The ambitious paths of Saran Bah, Chidimma Adetshina, and Geyssell García serve as testaments to the power of perseverance, courage, and commitment to driving societal change through authentic representation.
All eyes remain on these inspiring women as they lead with their voices and actions beyond the stage, encouraging younger generations to follow their dreams and advocate for positive change. The story of Miss Universe 2024 continues to unravel as these titleholders make strides within their communities, proving yet again the lasting impact of this esteemed global platform.