2025 Contestant Page
Kelly Therese DesRoches
Ms. International World
United States
With over 15 years in leadership, she proudly serves as Executive Director of the award-winning Tower Club in downtown Fort Lauderdale, a premier private professional club ranked among South Florida’s Top 10 Most Exclusive Members-Only Clubs by Bentley Miami. Dedicated to diversity, women empowerment, and community engagement, she brings innovative strategies to elevate her vibrant community.
As a TV Host and Associate Producer for Dining Divas and Destination Divas, she highlights the power of storytelling to promote business, cuisine, and culture, streaming globally on platforms like Prime Video, WeTV, TRVL Channel, Roku, and more.
She was also in the mortgage business for over 13 years before the Tower Club as a mortgage broker in Connecticut and then in Florida.
Victoria is a proud Representative of Brazil. She is driven by desire to inspire change. She believes in the power of education and Community involvement to uplift others. Beyond her academic and advocacy efforts, she is an Athlete and Artist. She also Mentors young women entering the Fashion and Pageant world.
As a contestant for Ms. International World, she is excited to represent Brazil on the Global Stage. She strives to be a role model for the next generation.
Victoria Lopes
Ms. International World
Brazil
Kristy Joy Smith
Ms. International World
United States Classic
Kristy Joy Smith, is a public music personality, published author, and model. Kristy Joy has education from Carnegie Mellon University, in music theatre composition, and a Licensed Cosmetologist.
She has just received a major label production offer, with a path to a “Major Label” deal. She also is a Published Author, with her book selling on Barnes & Noble , and Amazon.com web sites. She has been volunteering her time for the past ten years to help foster children as an adult role model. She has also been nominated for Who’s Who of America.
Kristy Joy resides in Nashville, Tennessee. She has also Professionally Modeled for the past ten years, for Department Stores, Print and Runway work. Kristy Joy is now perusing her dream, to use her soothing vocals to help encourage and make a difference. She is on the board of directors for a non profit, that uses her music and book proceeds to help local charities.
Kristy Joy is honored to now represent the U.S., as Ms. International Classic United States 2025.
Veronique Pierre
Ms. International World
Haiti
Veronique is a proud Haitian-American. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and holds an MBA with a Minor in Marketing. While she previously modeled with Boss Models Inc, stepping into the world of Pageantry is a new and exciting chapter in her life. She is the Founder and CEO OF “Roses Without Thorns Inc., which is a Non-profit organization committed to empowering young girls facing emotional and mental distress. She is also an Author and wrote the book “The Strongest Woman in the World is You”. Her notable achievements include being Honored by Shoutout Miami Boss, Boss Babes of South Florida, Marquis Who’s Who in America, Voyage Miami, 100 Successful Women in Business and receiving the League of Legendary Women Award by Publix and People’s Profile. Veronique is truly a Woman of Grace and Purpose!
Janaina Estima Zanaga
Ms. International World
Brazil Classic
Janaina was Born in Brazil to a warm and traditional Italian family. She spent most of her life in Brazil, where she attended private Catholic schools that helped shape the disciplined, compassionate woman she is today. She discovered a deep calling for dentistry, a profession where science and service meet. At the age 22 years old, she earned her dental degree and began a lifelong journey dedicated to improving people’s health and confidence through their smiles. In 2011, she became a certified Endodontist, and in 2025, she proudly completed her Doctorate in General Dentistry in the United States. She is the mother of two wonderful children, ages 17 and 21. And as a widow, she has learned to navigate life with grace, resilience, and gratitude, always striving to lead by example for her family and community. Throughout her life, she has participated in various beauty contests and even had the honor of being featured in a bridal magazine. She believes that a confident smile has the power to change a life. Her goal is to continue using her experience, her heart, and her heritage to help others live healthier, happier lives, with dignity and a beautiful reason to smile.
Rashieda was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her main goal has always been to become a famous Actress. She has Modeled in several Modeling shoots, but her passion is and always will be in Acting. She feels alive in front of a Camera and loves to express her emotions through different performances. She was honored to receive an award for debuting in a film called "Kill Him", which she feels was a major milestone in her Career going forward. Since then she has taken other projects and looks forward in taking on new challenges. She feels that traveling and exploring new Cultures inspires her creativity and gives her new perspectives as an Artist. She believes that with hard work, dedication and Heart --- anything is possible, and she is just getting started.
Rashieda Jahan Mukta
Ms. International World
Bangladesh
Mahalia Stanton
Teen International World United States
Mahalia resides in Woodbridge, Virginia and is a proud Student at Woodbridge High School. Presently she shows her compassion for the animals of the Caroline County Animal Shelter, where she devotes her time walking and caring for dogs in need. As a Youth for Human Rights Ambassador, she advocates for equality, education, and empowerment for young people across her community and beyond. She is also a spirited member of the Woodbridge High School Cheer Team and an award winning dancer. In competition she earned 1st Place Champion Titles at the NCDC Regional Cheer and Dance Competition, and the Dance 1st Competition. She is also a talented vocalist and won 1st Place in the SAB Choir at the Hershey Park Choir Festival. Mahalia maintains an All-A Honor Roll status and believes that Academic achievement, artistic talent and service to others goes hand in hand. She is truly a role model for her peers and a powerful voice for positive change.
Angela Katz
Ms. International World United States Supermodel
Angela is a 36 year old proud single Mother of three, presently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has three beautiful little girls ages 10, 12, and 17. All three Daughters are also competitive Dancers and she states that she lives in supporting them and pushing them to become everything they are capable of becoming. She is currently studying for her Real Estate License, building a career that will allow her to continue creating a stable and thriving life for her Family. She is also involved with Interior Design and with her artistic abilities, finds much joy in this type of work. She boasts that it's a way that she can express herself and bring beauty and comfort into the spaces around her. She explains that her faith in Judaism has brought peace, strength and a sense of identity to her Life. Through faith, Motherhood and sheer resilience, she has rebuilt her Life full of purpose and possibility. She is totaled honored to be a Contestant representing the United States as Ms. International World Supermodel.
Marissa Coakley
Ms. International World
Bahamas
Dr. Chrysandra Brunson
Ms. International World
Monaco
Marissa resides in the Bahamas and has many successes. She is the owner of a full-service Spa for over seven years and presently works remotely as a Dental Coordinator for a Miami-based practice. She is also a PCOS Health Coach, which support women on their wellness journeys with compassion, education, and empowerment. Marissa is also an actress that has appeared in Madea's Destination Wedding, premiering July 11th on Netflix. She is also an Amazon-approved Author of three books. Two of them are about Entrepreneurship and one shares her Culture through the flavors of a native Bahamian Cook. As far as her Pageantry experience, she was 3rd Runner-up in the Miss Universe Bahamas Pageant, and won in categories to include: People's Choice, Humanitarian, Social Media Influencer, and 2nd Runner-up in the National Costume Competition. She states that she made double History, by winning the Ms. International World Bahamas Title and becoming a Contestant running for the Grand Title of Ms. International World.
Dr. Chrysandra Brittany Brunson, DSL, MBA is a global humanitarian, visionary leader, and media personality dedicated to activating God-given imagination and purpose across nations. She is the Founder and President of "The Calling", a worldwide nonprofit that has mobilized thousands through large-scale conferences, mentorship movements, and her groundbreaking initiative, Imagination Stations—creative hubs designed to transform communities through innovation, faith, and leadership.
Holding a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Strategic Foresight from Oral Roberts University, Dr. Brunson brings academic rigor and spiritual insight to global change-making. She is the author of the Amazon bestseller "To All the Dreamers" and host of the nationally broadcast radio show "To All the Dreamers", reaching millions daily.
Her voice has carried from the United Nations to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, from Times Square’s Earth Day stage to the frontlines of Haiti and Israel, where she has worked alongside world leaders for transformation. Featured on Good Morning America, The View, and at the Emmy’s and Grammy’s, she currently holds the international crown of Ms. International World Monaco, carrying forward the legacy of her cousin, Princess Grace Kelly. Her dream is to help your God-given dreams come true.
Sarah Ambusaidi
Ms. International World
Gulf Region
Sarah was born in Muscat, the Capital of Oman. As the eldest child of the family, she took on a Leadership role that her siblings looked up to. This helped shape her character and leadership skills from an early age. Her Father knew the importance of learning the English Language and made sure his children studied English. During his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, he was able to relocate the family, which gave Sarah the chance to practice her English in a British environment. Upon returning home, she completed her University studies and graduated with honors in business. She then started a new Chapter in her life when she was married and started working in the Government Sector. During her marriage she was blessed with beautiful twins. At the same time of raising a family and working, she then found her passion by enrolling in academic courses focused on beauty, personal care and women’s wellness. Later she was introduced to the “Mrs. Universal Empire beauty pageant” and represented the “Gulf Region”. She competed in London and won the title! She now has been selected to represent the “Gulf Region" at the Ms. International World pageant 2025 and feels it’s not just a title – it’s a statement! That “Strength is born through struggle, and that women can rise with dignity and power”!
Tanaria Storr
Teen International World
Bahamas
Tanaria was born in the Bahamas on the lovely island of New Providence. Her full name is Tanaria Aliyah Kemorah Storr, and she was born into a household of seventeen siblings. Family life was full of love and laughter. Her Mother and Father were the pillars of strength and unwavering support. Her educational journey brought her to the L.N. Coakley High School as a Senior. She has been an Honor Roll Student throughout and has always known the importance of Education. Beyond the classroom, she is the Captain of the L.N Coakley Dance Club and the Captain of the Exuma Youth Community Band Majorettes. Tanaria also knows the importance of Community and is an active member of the Interact Club and the Exuma Junior Local Government Council. Her future goal is to get more involved with family law, so she can fight for justice and protect the vulnerable. She is looking forward to competing in the Ms. International Pageant this year and would like to become a Pageant Coach as well. She believes that with faith, hard work and unwavering support from her family, she can achieve her dreams and leave a lasting impact.
Shweta Poonga is a proud Canadian of Indian heritage, a distinguished professional in the financial sector, and an accomplished entrepreneur. A devoted mother and passionate food and lifestyle creator, she celebrates culture and community through her work. As an ambassador for an organization dedicated to mental health, Shweta uses her platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams with grace and resilience while balancing family, passion, and personal growth.
Shweta Poonga
Ms. International World
Indo-Canada Classic
Merilyn Nirmal
Ms. International World
Supermodel Canada
Dr. Merilyn Nirmal is a licensed general dentist in Canada with a heart rooted in service, resilience, and cross-cultural strength. Born in Gujarat and raised in India, she carries a rich blend of cultures—shaped by her early years in Gujarat, her academic and professional journey through Rajasthan, and her present-day life and career in Canada.
Now living and practicing in Canada, Merilyn integrates the warmth of her Indian heritage with the values of Canadian compassion and inclusivity. The pageant stage, to her, is a platform to represent empowered, purpose-driven women who honor their roots while embracing growth.
Merilyn believes that beauty shines brightest when it comes from within, and she is committed to using her voice, experience, and passion to uplift others and promote strength through self-love, cultural pride, and grace.
Kennedy Guerra
Ms. International World
Mexico
Kennedy was born and raised in Austin, Texas. At 17, Kennedy graduated early from high school and moved to Costa Rica to learn Spanish. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Abilene Christian University with a double major in Global Studies and Spanish, plus a triple minor in European Cultural Studies, Latin American Studies, and Business Administration. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was honored as a University Scholar, a recognition of academic excellence and community leadership. By the age of 26, her life had already taken her across the globe, having lived in five different countries. One of her long time passions, however, was dancing. She than decided to take dance lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. In October 2023, a casual conversation with her instructor and studio owner, Ruslan Meshkov, turned into a life-changing opportunity. He suggested she consider becoming a dance teacher — a spark that ignited her next chapter. Today, Kennedy is not only an instructor but also the Manager of Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Imperial Point in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kennedy is deeply passionate about global peace, heart-centered leadership, and being a force for unity and empowerment in every community she is involved with.
Carmen was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She experienced hardship in the beginning , but learned to adapt at an early age. Along the way, she became part of a large extended family with twelve siblings. This actually honed her ability to connect with diverse personalities and thrive in any environment. She has a vast professional background being the CEO and Founder of "PayGOV USA (2024 - present). She also leads a woman-owned Fintech Company, specializing in modernizing government payment systems. She was also Consultant to "Digital Strategy" (2016-2018). Within her Charitable work, she is a Board Member of the "Autism Hero Project" and is an active member of her local church and community. In the Beauty and Pageant arena, she has already held the title of "Ms. Illinois USA Universe in 2024 and is planning a Make-up line called "Awaken".With a bold vision and unwavering faith, Carmen continues to drive innovation, education, and empowerment in every endeavor she undertakes.
Carmen Santiago - Keenon
Ms. International World
Puerto Rico
Mandakini Bhatia
Ms. International World
India
A Mother, a Daughter, a Sister, a Wife, and a dedicated healthcare professional. These roles define Mandakini Bhatia's life with grace and strength. She is recognized not only for her expertise in Commercial and Marketing strategies, but also for her impactful initiatives aimed at training and upskilling women Doctors across India. Pageantry, as she puts it, is in her DNA. She is the proud Granddaughter of a National beauty queen who once held the title of "Ms. Delhi" - a highly respected honor in India's pageant community. Though she never explored the world of Pageantry herself in her younger years, something inside her kept saying "Mandakini, it's now, or never. So she took the leap. From contesting for the title of Mrs. India to representing India on the prestigious International stage in the United States as Ms. International World India 2025,. Her journey has been nothing short of Magical. She considers this opportunity a true blessing and is honored to showcase the spirit, beauty and strength of Indian women to the world.
Makeighly Dos Santos
Ms. International World
Petite Brazil
Makeighly Dos Santos, is a Brazilian- American born in Massachusetts and raised in Florida with a strong family background rooted in community, hard work, and resilience. She is currently a student in the highly selective International Political Communications Program at Emerson College in partnership with Franklin University Switzerland, where she has earned consistent placement on the Dean’s List and received the Innovative Idea Award. She has also served as founder and president of the Fashion Club at Franklin University Switzerland, which has grown to 30 members and hosted nine events connecting fashion with culture and politics.
Her modeling and pageant experience includes competing in the princess pageants at a young age, along with previous work in fashion leadership and promotional modeling.
Looking ahead, her goal is to continue expanding her platform in politics, law, and communications while also using pageantry and public platforms to advocate for education, empowerment, and community impact.
Leidy Laura Gomez Hernandez is a 22 year old who is presently a Registered Behavioral Technician. In this job capacity, she provides therapy to many children. Her Education at this time is a Bachelor’s Student in Psychology and Personal Philosophy. She believes that every step in life leads us to where we are, but it does not define us. What we do and what we aspire to be is what truly shapes us. She is Empathetic, resilient and she is motivated to help others. She feels that she has the ability to connect emotionally with people. Her reason for competing is to share the moment and to inspire others to be authentic and resilient. She enjoys going to the gym so she can maintain a physical and mental balance, as well as self esteem. Her previous Pageant experience was to hold the title of Miss Cuba U.S. and is now looking forward in competing in the Ms. International World Pageant representing Cuba.
Leidy Laura Gomez Hernandez
Ms. International World
Cuba