Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
REIGNING Miss International Zimbabwe Yollanda Chimbarami says she carries the hopes and dreams of a nation which wants to showcase its “power, grace, and resilience” on the global stage.
Yollanda left the country on Tuesday, brimming with pride and confidence, for the Miss International to be held on November 227 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
The 26-year-old artist and entrepreneur has already made a mark in various fields.
The competition will feature about 82 contestants who will travel across Japan, participating in charity events, cultural exchanges and various sub-contests.
“Every step I take, every smile I share, it’s all for everyone , my Zimbabwean family. Let’s show the world the power, grace and resilience of our people.
“Every step I take, every stage I stand on and every voice I raise is not for me alone, but for my country. With pride, responsibility and unwavering purpose, I represent the spirit, resilience and beauty of Zimbabwe to the world,” she said.
She expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from family, friends, sponsors, and fans across the country.
Yollanda is a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur who has already made a mark in various fields.
As a model, she has walked the ramp for top designers such as David Tlale and Danielle Allen. Her acting career includes roles in films like ‘‘Windfall’’, ‘‘In Plain Sight’’, ‘‘Finally Caught’’, ‘‘Stump the Guesser’’ and ‘‘The Day My Job Tried to Kill Me’’.
She has also lent her voice to Disney’s animated series ‘Supa Strikas’.
Beyond her achievements in pageantry, Yollanda is the founder of the shoe brand ‘YC Yollanda’ and is actively involved in acting. She is dedicated to giving back to her community through her charitable initiatives, co-founding the ‘Help A Child Save A Nation’ initiative, which provides tuition funding to children.
The charity organisation currently sponsors more than 200 children to attend school in Zimbabwe.
As a United Nations panellist, she advocates for access to education in Africa and serves as a youth ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation.
First held in 1960, Miss International is one of the four major global beauty pageants alongside Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Earth.
This year marks its 63rd edition.
Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, secured the Miss International title in November last year.
