In a world where passions often lead us down unexpected paths, one woman’s journey from the classroom to being a delegate in the Miss Universe pageant stands out as a testament to ambition, adaptability, and the pursuit of dreams. Katifa Lester, a former teacher is now vying for the Miss Universe Guyana crown, representing the Demerara-Mahaica Region, as a Miss Universe candidate.
Katifa Lester always had a knack for connecting with people. Born and raised in Agricola, her nurturing nature and keen intellect naturally led her to pursue a career in education. She graduated with an associate degree and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Guyana. Her love and passion for mentoring young minds made her become a teacher.
As an educator, Katifa was known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to inspire students. At 28, she is a wife, mother, successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and hopefully the next Miss Universe Guyana. Lester was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to ensure that she was well taken care of and supported in every aspect, especially having a good education. She has a humanitarian heart and enjoys being of service to many communities and those who are less fortunate.
Her foray into the world of beauty pageants began almost serendipitously. She intended to use her platform to promote combatting fires and educational causes.
“Using my voice and presence to promote important causes such as combating fires in Guyana and Humanitarian aid, inspired me to join this pageant as it allowed me to reach a wider audience…,” she said.
“To work and improve physically and mentally requires determination, tenacity, and focus. I conducted a few mock interviews and studied different pageant questions about current events. Additionally, I have an experienced personal gym trainer and nutritionist who work to ensure that my physical health is as good as my mental health,” when asked, how did you prepare for this pageant, both physically and mentally?
Strength of a woman
Lester believes every woman is unique in their way, and added: “I know that I am a strong woman of action, a woman who focuses on areas that I know I have unique strength in and think beyond what is expected of me. This is demonstrated through my charitable contributions to impact the lives of others while championing fire prevention in my country.”
Katifa’s mother is her biggest inspiration and support system. She grew up surrounded by strong and independent women and they were also her inspiration. Her mother played various roles in her life, from being a parent, a coach, and a teacher.
“She has taught me how to stand in the face of tragedy and fear to never surrender. My mother has shown me love, respect, and the importance of always getting back up after fall,” Katifa told this publication.
She describes her current pageant experience as fulfilling and empowering. For her, it’s a mixture of beauty, confidence and women empowerment. Being able to celebrate this new era of inclusivity is something that emerges at the right time, and having fun celebrating the core values of who she is and what she represents as a woman.
Katifa strongly desires to positively impact her community and society by using her unique talents to create positive outcomes, giving back gives her a sense of fulfillment and joy.
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela was quoted as saying. As a former educator, I believe that education has the potential to be transformative, particularly when used to spread a positive or important message. Last April, I had the opportunity to interact with a large number of students at Hope Secondary School. I spoke with students about the importance of being fire-smart. “This was the most memorable experience I have had as a candidate,” she said.
She mentioned that maintaining communication with her team and seeking support for her support system when needed is crucial for assisting Katifa in managing pressure. Knowing that she has a strong supportive system helps her stay grounded and focus on the various task(s) at hand.
Identity and pride
“I am passionate about several causes, but one that is particularly important to me is education. I believe that everyone has a right to an education and that it is one of the ways to ensure people are empowered. As a former educator, I have seen firsthand the impact that education can make in people’s lives, and I am committed to ensuring that I use this route to educate persons on my platform which is the importance of fire safety and ways they can respond to these unfortunate events,” Lester highlighted.
Lester believes that the success of her advocacy depends on the amount of support it can amass. This starts with a compelling narrative that her audience can relate to. The nature of the pageant is a global platform that women use to champion causes that they are passionate about with an enormous audience. As such, combined with her advocacy, the Miss Universe Guyana pageant will serve as her roadmap to success.
If Lester, wins the title, her priority will be to create awareness about volunteering, especially to assist the less fortunate, the homeless, and the poor. She would also strongly continue to advocate for fire safety through education.
Lester believes pageants attract contestants from various cultural backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, many pageants are associated with charitable causes and philanthropic efforts, as contestants often engage in fundraising and community service activities to support various causes such as education, environmental conservation, or any field of interest that is timely and relevant.
“I’m a mother to 2 of the most beautiful girls I know, and I often remind them that their looks, skin colour, height, and weight are their identity, and it is what makes them unique, always respect them and create a persona that makes people appreciate you beyond your looks. I think I will also convey that message to young girls who look up to me,” is her advice to young girls.
