“I was very ecstatic! It was a breathtaking and awesome moment.” That’s how 47-year-old entrepreneur and farmer Miriam Rose described hearing her name announced as Mrs. Universe Jamaica 2025 during Saturday night’s coronation at the AC Hotel Kingston.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Brown’s Town in St. Ann, Rose said the moment fulfilled a childhood dream she thought she had left behind.
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“This is something I always wanted to do since I was a little girl. I emulated queens like Cathy Levy, Lisa Hanna, and others who represented Jamaica. But life happened, and as I grew older, I gave up on the idea. When I saw the Mrs. Universe coronation last year, I got super inspired and excited that my dreams were still possible,” she shared.
Rose first learned about the competition through the husband of a 2024 contestant. After attending last year’s coronation, she left determined to compete herself. Now, she will go on to represent Jamaica at the international Mrs. Universe competition, set to take place October 1–9 in Manila, Philippines.
A travel and adventure enthusiast, Rose said she’s especially excited to experience the food and culture — but mostly, “to bring home the crown!” Her dream destination is Africa, and she hopes to use her reign to raise awareness around issues such as mental illness, parental alienation, and food security.
A former student of Servite Primary School, Rose completed high school and college in Kingston and St. Andrew. She is currently separated and is the mother of three children: Brianna, 24; Jaden, 20; and Kai-lee, 18. Her family, some of whom attended the coronation, were “ecstatic” over her win, she said.
A Platform for Purpose
According to Shannon Green, National Director of Caribbean Pageants Inc. and organizer of Mrs. Universe Jamaica, this year’s competition featured 10 contestants.
“The contestants were deeply inspired by their experience in the pageant process,” Green said. “They especially appreciated the focus on self-discovery and personal growth — learning more about who they are as individuals and how they can create change in their communities and country as representatives.”
Green, who also organizes the Intercontinental Queen of Jamaica and Ms. Cosmos Jamaica pageants, noted that this year’s event received strong support from sponsors.
“The sponsors really bought into the vision and are excited to build and grow the brand. Collaboration is key, and I’m grateful for partners who understand the importance of building something impactful together,” she said.
Additional Winners
- Mrs. Universe Jamaica 2025 First Runner-Up: Raquel Chin, 53, CEO of House of Khy
- Cosmos Queen of Jamaica 2025: Dr. Kimone Young, general practitioner and public health specialist
- Intercontinental Queen of Jamaica 2025: Shanique Nelson
First runners-up in the respective categories were:
- Davia Wilson (Cosmos)
- Youlanda Gordon (Intercontinental)
Sectional Awards:
- Dr. Kimone Young: Photogenic, People’s Choice, Best in Evening Wear, and 2nd runner-up in Talent
- Raquel Chin: Fashion Award, 1st runner-up for Talent
- Youlanda Gordon: Best Talent
- Miriam Rose: Best Interview
- Chevelle Sudlow-Foskin: Miss Congeniality
- Shanique Wilson: Business Award
Next Steps for Miriam Rose
Green noted that preparations are already underway for Rose’s reign.
“Miriam will be preparing for the international competition while also building her presence in the community and expanding her work in farming initiatives. We are currently planning her public appearances and speaking engagements for the next 12 months,” she said.
Having just celebrated its five-year anniversary, the Mrs. Universe Jamaica pageant has already opened registration for the 2026 competition.
“Next year will be an even bigger experience, with new sponsors, mentors, and activities,” Green added. “Giving contestants more time to prepare allows for deeper engagement and sisterhood.”
Building a Legacy
Looking ahead, Green envisions Mrs. Universe Jamaica growing into a powerful, purpose-driven movement.
“I want it to be a powerhouse platform — not just celebrating beauty, but rooted in leadership, purpose, and legacy-building,” she said. “I want it to be known across Jamaica and internationally as a movement where women are empowered to transform their stories into action and their passions into impact.”
“Ultimately, I want Mrs. Universe Jamaica to be a launchpad for legacy — where every woman who passes through the process feels more equipped, more confident, and more connected to a higher purpose, introducing new leaders to their communities and eventually driving global change.”
Mrs. Universe is an annual international pageant open to married, divorced, and widowed women.
