MISSION: In response to a call from the Government of Mozambique, Meet the Queen has launched a Community Outreach and Cultural exchange tour. Cyclone Idai has recently devastated and displaced over 1.5 million men, women, and children in the southern Africa countries of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe who have felt the effects of climate change in their region.

The Ambassador of Peace and Unity in Africa, Sandra Nalumansi, has been tasked with a mission to organize communities in Uganda to become aware and be part of the rebuilding efforts in Mozambique. Her role has brought her to Mozambique to explore the role of agents in Peace keeping during and after natural disasters. 

ACTION: Queen of Peace and Unity in Africa will be transporting donated items from the people of Uganda and friends around the world who have joined her campaign.

To join Sandra’s campaign:

• Make a charitable donation to one of the three United Nations approved accounts that are funding the relief and rebuilding efforts in Mozambique and Southern Africa region. Click here

• Make a direct donation to Sandra’s outreach project. Click here to donate.

• Follow Sandra’s journey  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.baganda
• Sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on her journey.

Photos from the effects of CYCLONE IDAI in MOZAMBIQUE, Africa.

Meet The Queens behind scenes photoshoot moments with Miss African Union Pageant Queens in Washington DC. For more information, please visit www.missafricanunionpageant.org

Meet The Queens Director Larissa Long and a Junior Ambassador Thandi Chirwa hosted the 2018 Global Beauty Awards. The first Annual GBA’s were held at The Hyatt Hotel in Bellevue, Washington.

Check out our media coverage of the Official Red Carpet Arrivals during the 2018 Miss African Union Pageant featuring high profile delegation of various Ambassadors and VIPs. Follow us of Social Media @meetthequeens

POSITIVE RUNWAY aims to bridge the gap in the global efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by speaking the same language as the young generation in order to get the message across.

POSITIVE RUNWAY is a global HIV/AIDS response campaign that is planned to reach the world working with beauty queens, models, fashion designers, music artists and celebrities from film, music, television, sport and other arts as influential advocates in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other scourges affecting today’s young generation such as child trafficking, sexual responsibility, child abuse, drugs abuse, gun and knife violence, as well as negative peer pressure, among many other vices.  As a global campaign, Positive Runway aims to heal the world by linking hands, minds and hearts to bring the world together in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS through the unstoppable and powerful forces of celebrities, models and Beauty Queens.

Young people in the 21st Century are obsessed with celebrity worship and most of them are easily influenced by, and believe in emulating the lifestyles and life choices of people in the social limelight.  POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread therefore, uses the allure of movie stars, models, fashion designers, music artistes and other celebrities to shout out a strong positive message to “Stop the Spread!” as we believe that when words and other formal efforts fail, celebrities, fashion, music, beauty and entertainment will speak effectively to the young generation by speaking the same language as the young generation in order to get the message across.

The target audience of the message from POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread are young people aged 16-24 or even younger who may be sexually active.

POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread® was launched in London, United Kingdom in 2008 and now has membership and country Representatives in over 30 countries in more than 5 continents across the globe.

Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned as the new Miss Universe 2017 by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere during the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant finale at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 26, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree, was crowned Sunday during the event that took place at The AXIS theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters reacts as she is crowned the new Miss Universe 2017 by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere during the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 26, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images).

The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez. The second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett. Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition. This year’s edition had the most contestants ever.

Contestants walk across the stage at the Miss Universe pageant Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss South Africa 2017 answers her Top 5 Final Question on stage with Host, Steve Harvey during The MISS UNIVERSE® Competition airing on FOX at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26th from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The contestants have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, left, and Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez hold hands before they announce the winner at the Miss Universe pageant Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss South Africa 2017 answers her Top 5 Final Question on stage with Host, Steve Harvey during The MISS UNIVERSE® Competition airing on FOX at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26th from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The contestants have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Laura González, Miss Colombia 2017 answers her Top 5 Final Question on stage with Host, Steve Harvey during The MISS UNIVERSE® Competition airing on FOX at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26th from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The contestants have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Laura González, Miss Colombia 2017 answers her Top 5 Final Question on stage with Host, Steve Harvey during The MISS UNIVERSE® Competition airing on FOX at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26th from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The contestants have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe 2017 Miss Universe Glam Shoot Behind Scenes at  Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants were touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. The Telecast was on FOX at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Yasmine Cooke, Miss Bahamas 2017; Louise Victor, Miss Saint Lucia 2017; Cassandra Chery, Miss Haiti 2017; and Davina Bennett, Miss Jamaica 2017; at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Ariela Machado, Miss Paraguay 2017 at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Davina Bennett, Miss Jamaica 2017 at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Cassandra Chery, Miss Haiti 2017; and Davina Bennett, Miss Jamaica 2017; at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Ariela Machado, Miss Paraguay 2017 at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Alicia Aylies, Miss France 2017; Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir, Miss Iceland 2017; and Nashaira Balentien, Miss Curacao 2017; during the Café Hollywood Glam video shoot at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Keysi Sayago, Miss Venezuela 2017 at Café Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on November 19, 2017. The Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Las Vegas, NV. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, November 26, live from the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to see who will become the next Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

In all my years of pageant experience from competing to directing to judging, there is one consistency I’ve experienced, judging is subjective. Yes, there are things you can do to improve and have a better chance at that crown but in the end one judge could like her green dress over your blue one. Does that make pageants unfair? No, absolutely not. It just makes it, as I said before, subjective. There are certain elements you can’t control. You have control of your walk, your poise, your confidence, all the things that make you, you. So, if you end up not winning that crown, you need to control your emotions and remember all you can do is improve yourself. All to become a better you and possibly a future title holder. The picture above is an example of me losing with grace, ha. I’m in orange and the winner, Dionne Tarter Mrs. Washington America 2015 is in red. As you can see I’m truly happy as were the other women competing. It’s important to show your audience and judges you are a queen win or lose. Below is a list of seven things you, as a competitor can do to lose with grace and dignity.

1. 1. Never, ever, under any circumstance bad mouth the current title holder. First, it’s tasteless, ugly, and makes you look like a sore loser. Bad mouthing her won’t change the outcome. Plus, there is a chance if you compete again that the judges the next time may know her. I have been involved with many pageants where the title holder makes suggestions for judges. Don’t be the girl that already has a disadvantage before even walking in.
   2. It’s okay to be upset. Yes, grieve your loss. It’s normal and acceptable to be upset. Just wait until you’re alone or with close friends. Don’t do it on stage or at the after party. You will be looked at poorly even though many others in the room feel the same way.
   3. Don’t question your choices. If you gave it everything you had and still lost don’t question your color choice. Own it. Know you gave it your all and it just wasn’t your year. Your color choice may have been perfect.
   4. DON’T EVER COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER CONTESTANTS. Once a pageant sister said to me, “I should have won. I walked better, I had a better gown, and I’m so great at interview.” Her entire idea of how to win was based on how others were doing. How others do, has nothing to do with your performance or your score. It’s important you are the best you, not better than everyone else. The judges can sense the difference between real confidence and false competitive confidence. It will show and affect your chance at winning.
   5. Don’t bring others down in your misery. The first time I ever competed I approached an upset fellow pageant sister who was first runner up. I decided to console her by saying (in a cheery tone) you got first runner up, I didn’t even place top ten. She then said, you shouldn’t have. I was blown away and heartbroken. I wasn’t expecting to win but to be told I didn’t deserve it was unnecessary. All she accomplished by saying that was the loss of my support.
   6. Enjoy the after-party if there is one. Don’t skip out on a party because you didn’t win. Honestly, the after-party can be the best part of the pageant. You get to let loose. Talk to judges who could possibly provide feedback, and finally eat that giant cheeseburger you’ve been avoiding. Skipping the party doesn’t do anything but help you miss out on a great time you deserve for all your hard work.
   7. Always thank your director and judges. They may not have chosen you this time but they may have loved you. In fact, one judge may have given you their highest scores. There is a lot of pressure on judges to make the best choice. Show them you’re a great competitor and thank them for their time. It is greatly appreciated and remembered. I’ve seen judges return. As far as your director, they put a lot of time into that show, a small gesture of even a thank you goes a long way.

In the end, be the person everyone wishes they were. Who knows it may even make the judges question their decision.